24-Month STEM OPT Extension

*CRITICAL APPLICATION INFORMATION*

USCIS sometimes changes requirements for OPT applications, such as updating the Form I-765 to use, changing the mailing address for applications, etc.

It is your responsibility to follow all the government’s requirements to avoid a rejection or denial of your OPT application.

Always use the links to USCIS that are posted on the OGI website and be sure to follow all instructions carefully.

How to submit your application for STEM extension Form I-20 to the OGI:

Drop your application in the OPT drop box in the OGI when the office is open, or slide it under the door any time

Send your application to the office by mail at the address HERE.

When your I-20 is ready, you'll receive it via email from OGI.

F-1 students who have graduated from NJIT with a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field that has been designated by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as eligible for the 24-month extension, and are currently on an approved period of 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT), may apply for a 24-month extension to continue their employment.

This extension may be available twice to eligible students, at different degree levels.

In order to be eligible for the 24 month STEM OPT Extension, students must:

Be currently authorized by USCIS for a 12-month period of OPT based on a degree awarded by NJIT.
Have obtained a degree from an accredited U.S. university (NJIT or other) in a field included on ICE’s STEM Designated Degree list within the last 10 years. Your CIP code must be listed. You can find your CIP code on the first page of your I-20, under Program of Study.
- Not all NJIT degrees are eligible for the STEM extension. If in doubt, contact your OGI adviser before submitting your application.
Be employed or have an offer for a paid position which is directly related to their NJIT field of study at the time of application from an employer registered in E-verify. You cannot be self-employed.
Must be employed FULL TIME at more than 20 hours per week.
USCIS must receive your STEM application before the expiration of your OPT or cap-gap, or they will automatically deny your petition.

All applications for STEM Extension OPT must be received by USCIS within the following timeframe:

Before the last day of your current OPT or cap-gap authorization
As early as 90 days prior to the end of your current OPT. OGI cannot process STEM extension applications earlier than 90 days before a student's OPT end date.
Within 60 days of when your STEM Extension OPT Requested Form I-20 was issued by the OGI
- **USCIS CANNOT receive your application for the STEM extension any earlier than 90 days prior to the end of your current OPT authorization.

If you have appropriately filed your application during this timeframe, your employment authorization is automatically extended for 180 days while your application is pending. USCIS may take 3-5 months to process applications.

**The OGI cannot issue your STEM extension OPT Requested Form I-20 any earlier than 90 days prior to the end of your current OPT authorization. Please do not submit your application for STEM OPT to the OGI earlier than this deadline.**

Tips for filing forms with USCIS

**Information about the STEM extension application and requirements is available in the OGI course for international students in Canvas, and the OGI hosts STEM OPT webinars every semester. The schedule of webinars may be found HERE.

REMINDER: Always check the USCIS website directly for the most up-to-date I-765 form, filing fee and mailing address.

STEP 1: Submit the following documents to OGI (see "How to submit applications to the OGI" below).

** Make sure your SEVP portal is up to date and employment information is correct prior to submitting documents to the OGI. You may not be able to make changes to your SEVP Portal OPT information once the OGI processed your application**

STEM Extension Request Form
Pages 1-4 of Form I-983 completed and signed. For instructions visit the Study in the States OPT Hub. You should also keep a copy for your own records. This form will ask you for your Designated School Official's (DSO) name and contact information. You can find the name and contact information of your DSO/International Student Adviser under our Staff Page. You will also need the "SEVIS School Code of School Recommending STEM OPT" (including 3- digit suffix): NEW214F00245000 (can be found on your I-20). The I-983 must have original ink signatures (signed with a pen) OR a "reproduced original signature" (an original ink signature that has been reproduced). It is fine for your employer to sign the I-983 form and email it to you.
Printout of quiz certificate from STEM extension module in the international students class in Canvas
Copy of current EAD card
Money order in the amount of $200 payable to NJIT (NJIT does not accept personal or bank checks; students must submit a money order)

How to submit applications to the OGI:

When the office is open: drop off completed applications in the office in the OPT drop box. When the office is closed: slide them under the OGI office door. These applications must be COMPLETE and include all required documents listed above. Documents must be completed and filled out prior to drop off, including the money order and application form. OR
Mail completed applications to the OGI using the contact information HERE.. All applications submitted by mail must be complete and include all required documents listed above.

**Processing time is up to 7 days.** Students are responsible for submitting applications to the OGI in a timely manner to allow processing of their applications and comply with all federal deadlines for submission.

To obtain your new I-20 from OGI:

Once the OGI has reviewed and processed your documents, you will receive your STEM extension requested I-20 via email. Print and sign it for your application, and also keep a digital copy for your records. Refer to the announcement in Canvas posted on March 29, 2021 regarding emailed I-20s.

Students should review their STEM extension requested Form I-20 carefully to ensure that all information is correct prior to submitting their application to USCIS. Contact OGI immediately if there are any errors, so they may be corrected as quickly as possible.

STEP 2: Submit the following documents to USCIS either by mail or online (reminder: always check the USCIS website directly for the most up to date I-765 form, filing fee and mailing address):

USCIS must receive your STEM extension application within 60 days of your STEM extension I-20 being issued. USCIS must receive your STEM application before the expiration of your OPT or cap-gap extension or they will automatically deny your petition.

Refer to the OGI guidelines in Canvas if you are considering applying online rather than mailing your application to USCIS. Find more information about applying online on the USCIS website.

If you are applying online, refer to the list below plus the online instructions from USCIS for what documents to upload. If you are mailing your application to USCIS, assemble the supporting documents in the following order:

NOTE: there is a question on the online application that asks for proof of institutional accreditation if you are applying for the STEM extension based on a prior degree. A prior degree means a degree earned earlier than your most recent degree.

The average processing time is approximately 3 to 4 months. USCIS must receive your STEM application before the expiration of your OPT, or they will automatically deny your petition.

Where to send your application:

If sending by mail: look on the USCIS website for the direct filing addresses for Form I-765. Send your documents to USCIS with tracking information and/or delivery confirmation requested, and make a copy of your entire application prior to mailing to USCIS.

If applying online: refer to the USCIS website.

Students may find additional information regarding employment issues below:

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Community Updates

REMINDER: Always check the USCIS website directly for the most up-to-date I-765 form, filing fee and mailing address.

STEP 1: Submit the following documents to OGI (see "How to submit applications to the OGI" below).

STEP 2: Submit the following documents to USCIS either by mail or online (reminder: always check the USCIS website directly for the most up to date I-765 form, filing fee and mailing address):