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OPT STEM Extension

Update: USCIS Biometrics Appointments

As of December 12, 2025, USCIS will no longer accept self-submitted photos as part of the OPT application. After submitting your STEM OPT application, you should receive an Appointment Notice or Request for Further Evidence (RFE) with instructions to attend a biometrics appointment to have your photo taken. This information may also be posted in your myUSCIS portal account, and thus you are encouraged to check your account regularly for updates. You must follow these instructions before your OPT application is processed.

If you do not receive information about your scheduled biometrics appointment 2 weeks after submitting your OPT application to USCIS, please contact ISSP at globe@wm.edu for assistance.

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.

A video overview of the STEM OPT Extension is also available in iStart:

  • Click on Video Library in the menu on the left-hand side. Then, click on STEM OPT Extension Presentation.
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.
  • Your employer must be registered with E-Verify.
  • 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. More information about the Form I-983 is provided under Applying for STEM OPT below.
  • 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 currently 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, Business Analytics
    • Undergraduate Business programs do not qualify for STEM OPT.
  • Chemistry
  • BS, Coastal & Marine Sciences (effective Fall 2025)
  • Computational & Applied Mathematics & Statistics
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Science – COR
  • Data Science
  • Economics (effective Spring 2025)
  • Geology
  • BS, Human Health & Physiology (effective Fall 2025)
  • 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.

Download ISSP's Tips for Completing the Form I-983 page for more details about completing the form.

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 in iStart:

  • 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 on F-1 Practical Training in the menu on the left-hand side. Then, click on STEM OPT Extension I-20 Request and 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).

You will need to upload:

  • STEM OPT I-20
  • Application fee
  • Passport-style photo (Review photo requirements)
  • 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.

Reporting Requirements

Learn more about the reporting process while working on STEM OPT.

International Travel

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.

US Government Resources