This page provides information regarding the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
If you are currently working on a 12-month Post-Completion OPT work authorization, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension if you meet certain requirements.
list of steps for applying for opt
Eligibility
Completed a degree on the STEM Designated Degree Program List at William & Mary or another U.S. institution that is accredited and SEVP-certified.
STEM OPT is based on your academic program or major; minors are not eligible.
The CIP code listed on page 1 of your I-20 (not the degree name) determines your eligibility for STEM OPT. CIP codes are not set by ISSP and have to do with the content taught within a major or program.
Your CIP code(s) is listed under “Major 1” or “Major 2” in the Program of Study section of the I-20 (page 1).
Since STEM OPT is an extension, you must be working on Post-Completion OPT in order to apply.
You must be working for a U.S. employer in a paid job or training opportunity directly related to your major area of study.
Self-employment, unpaid opportunities, and volunteering do not qualify for STEM OPT.
You may work for more than one employer while on STEM OPT, but each employment must be related to your STEM program or major and must be for at least 20 hours per week. You must also provide an I-983 Training Plan for each STEM OPT employer.
You have a lifetime limit of two 24-month STEM OPT extensions (one per eligible STEM degree).
Previous STEM Degrees
If you previously completed an eligible STEM degree, and are currently working on post-completion OPT, you can apply for a STEM extension if you meet all of the criteria listed above.
Your work on STEM OPT must be related to your STEM degree, even if you did post-completion OPT for a non-STEM degree.
To be eligible, your previous degree must be from a SEVP-certified school and was conferred within 10 years preceding the date ISSP issues your STEM OPT I-20.
Eligible William & Mary/VIMS Programs
The following W&M/VIMS programs qualify for the STEM OPT extension:
Applied Science
Biology
MBA - these specializations only:
Business Analytics
Supply Chain Management
Finance
MAcc, Master of Accounting
M.S. in Business Analytics
Undergraduate Business programs do not qualify for STEM OPT.
Chemistry
Computational & Applied Mathematics & Statistics
Computer Science
Computer Science – COR
Data Science
Geology
Marine Science
Mathematics
Neuroscience
Physics
If you have a question about your program's eligibility, contact ISSP.
Applying for STEM OPT
The earliest you can apply for STEM OPT is 90 days before your current OPT authorization expires; your application must also reach USCIS before your OPT end date.
Step 1: Work with employer to complete an I-983 Training Plan The I-983 must be completed and signed by you and your employer before we can issue your STEM OPT I-20.
Step 2: Complete the STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request e-form
The earliest we can issue your STEM OPT I-20 is 90 days before your current OPT expires. You will request your STEM OPT I-20 iniStart:
Log into iStart with your W&M ID and password. W&M IT can help if you forgot your password or have issues accessing iStart.
Click onF-1 Practical Trainingin the menu on the left-hand side. Then, click onSTEM OPT Extension I-20 Requestand complete the form.
We will email the new STEM OPT I-20 to you; you must then sign the bottom of page 1 before submitting your application.
Your STEM OPT application will be denied if you do not include a STEM OPT I-20 that was processed by ISSP within the past 60 days.
If you would like to discuss your application, you can schedule an appointment with an ISSP advisor, but this is optional.
Step 3: Apply for STEM OPT Online
Complete the Form I-765 online (click on the blue "File Online" button).
Official transcript of your STEM degree from W&M or another U.S. institution
Additional supporting documents are summarized in the OPT packet.
You must submit your STEM OPT application within 60 days of when ISSP processed your STEM OPT I-20 in SEVIS and before your current OPT expires. As long as you apply before your OPT expires, you can continue working up to 180 days past your original OPT end date (while the STEM OPT application is pending).
Unemployment Limit
While working on STEM OPT, you cannot be unemployed for more than 150 days. Learn more about STEM OPT unemployment limits.
We recommend waiting until your STEM OPT is approved and have received your new STEM OPT EAD before traveling internationally. See Traveling Abroad While on OPT for additional information.
