Office of Global Engagement
International Students and Scholars

STEM OPT Application Instructions

Learn about the application procedure for the STEM Extension of Optional Practical Training.

Breadcrumb

You can submit your STEM Extension application to USCIS as early as 90 days before your current 12 months of OPT ends. USCIS must receive your application before your current OPT EAD expires.

Watch the OISSS STEM Extension Video Series

Application Procedure

Log into your OISSS Gateway portal and submit the STEM OPT Extension Request not more than 90 days before your current EAD expires. Please note that this request is not visible in your record more than 100 days before the EAD expires.

You will need to upload a Training Plan Form I-983 signed by your supervisor (pages 1-4 completed).

Tips for completing your I-983 Form:

  • SEVIS School Code can be found on your I-20. Brown's school code is BOS214F20089000.
  • Designated School Official (DSO) is the OISSS advisor who issued and signed your most recent I-20.
  • CIP code is the number found on the I-20 under your major.
  • Employment Authorization Number is the USCIS# on your EAD card.
  • For students working at Brown, please email your department or oisss@brown.edu if you need Brown's E-Verify #, EIN or NAICS code.

OISSS will issue a new I-20 with a STEM OPT recommendation on page 2. Please allow 5 business days for processing. 

IMPORTANT: STEM OPT application must be received by USCIS within 60 days of the OISSS issuing the new I-20 (refer to the date next to the advisor's signature on page 1) and before the expiration date of your EAD.

Create or log into your USCIS Online Account. Look for the "File a Form Online" option and select “Application for Employment Authorization (I-765).” Tips for completing the I-765 online can be found here.

To file by mail instead, please follow instructions linked here. Do not mail anything to USCIS if you are filing online.

Track your application on USCIS Case Status website with the receipt number generated from online filing. Check for the receipt notice arriving by mail and also in the Documents tab in your USCIS online account.

The I-797 "Notice of Action" (receipt notice) will be mailed to the address you provide on Form I-765. This receipt notice indicates the date your application was received by USCIS.  

Please contact OISSS if you do not receive your paper receipt notice within one month of submitting your application.

The evidence that you have been approved for the STEM Extension is the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), a laminated card with your photo and employment authorization begin and end dates. Please upload a copy of your EAD to your OISSS Gateway portal when you receive it.

You should receive the EAD within 3 months (normal processing time) of the receipt date listed on the receipt notice. If you have not received the EAD within the normal processing time, contact OISSS.

Can a Student Work While the STEM Application is Pending?

If a student files an application for the STEM extension and it is received by USCIS prior to the end date listed on the current EAD card, the student will be able to start or continue employment with the E-Verify employer while the application is pending, until a final decision is made or for up to 180 days past the end date on the current EAD.