STEM OPT Extension | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
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STEM OPT Extension

Applying for STEM OPT

When to apply for STEM OPT:

To be eligible for STEM OPT, you must currently be on OPT. If you are still in your program, you must first apply for OPT and then you will later be eligible for STEM OPT.

Step 1 Learn about STEM OPT

(watch the STEM Optional Practical Training video by clicking the link below)

Watch the Presentation
 

Step 2: Apply for STEM OPT

Once you have watched this STEM OPT Presentation linked above and are ready to begin applying for the STEM OPT extension. You will need to submit the following documents to your counselor:

The STEM OPT Acknowledgment form (signed by you)
The  Form I-983 Training Plan. Please read the Instructions for Completing the Form for STEM OPT Students (filled out by you and your E-Verify employer). The employer must be a registered E-Verify employer and must have an E-Verify number for you to work for them on STEM OPT. In addition, the employment opportunity must be full-time  (at least 21 hours per week).

You will file the  I-765 form online.  You will first need to create a USCIS online account and will need to work closely with your international student counselor.  Instructions for how to complete this online form are posted on YouTube (Link for how to complete the online form I-765 for STEM OPT).

Watch the STEM OPT I-765 Online Application Instructions Video!
 

A new I-20 with the OPT STEM extension. Once we receive those documents we will send you dates along with instructions and a checklist of documents you need to send to USCIS. Please also review the STEM OPT helpful links and info handout.

Step 3: Wait for your STEM OPT EAD Card

NOTE: USCIS will send your EAD card to the address given on your online I-765 form. It is critically important then that you keep USCIS informed of any address changes. You must do so on the USCIS website. 

After your STEM OPT is Approved

Reporting Changes: Did you move? Change employer? Start a new job? Please refer to our OPT Reporting page to report these changes to your ISSS counselor while you are on STEM OPT. Remember, the regulations require that you report such changes within 10 days!

For a list of your reporting requirements while on STEM OPT please review the STEM OPT reporting information sheet on the Study in the States website

Information for Employers

  • Employers play a key role in maintaining and strengthening the integrity of the STEM OPT extension program. Although compliance with the program's various reporting requirements predominately apply to students and their universities, there are instances where STEM OPT employers must assist in tracking the STEM OPT students and their practical training progress. Employers must be registered in  E-Verify in order to employ international students on STEM OPT.  In addition, the employment opportunity must be full-time  (at least 21 hours per week). See employers' requirements for more information on employer reporting requirements.
  • DHS requires that the STEM OPT student and employer work together to complete the form I-983. Properly completing this form will successfully document the relationship between the STEM OPT opportunity, the academic degree received and the learning objectives of the F-1 student.
    See employers' I-983 form for more information on filling out the form I-983.
  • Site visits ensure that STEM OPT students receive structured and guided work-based learning experiences and reduce the potential for abuses of the STEM OPT extension. During the site visit, DHS's intent is to confirm that information reported on the student's form I-983 concerning the training opportunity is accurate, while not placing an unnecessary burden on employers.
    See employer site visits for more information on site visits.
     

Information for TTUHSC employers 

Form I-983 Training Plan Section 3: 
TTUHSC Employer ID Number (EIN): 75-6002622
Number of Full-Time Employees in U.S.: 4,993
NAICS code: 611310
Start Date of Employment: Enter date the employee will begin STEM OPT training with the department.
TTUHSC HR Information Page Regarding E-Verify: https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/E-Verify/
E-Verify Number for TTUHSC: 280703

If you have a question, that is not listed here. See our OPT Frequently Asked Questions. If that does not answer your question, email your international student counselor.

 

STEM OPT