Off-Campus Employment (Internships)

STEM OPT

What is STEM OPT?

STEM OPT is a 24-month extension to a Post-Completion OPT period of practical training that directly relates to an F-1 student’s program of study in a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) field.

The list of STEM fields that qualify for a STEM OPT extension is known as the STEM Designated Degree Program list and is available at Study in the States.

To qualify, the CIP code associated with your major, as shown on page 1 of your I-20 under Program of Study, must be included on this STEM Designated Degree Program list.

A list of USF STEM OPT eligible majors can be viewed here. While we update this list frequently, it is not exhaustive. It should be used as a tool ONLY for STEM OPT exploration.  

STEM OPT Eligibility Requirements

• Earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree at an accredited, SEVP-approved US institution in a major on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list and have been granted Post-Completion OPT that is currently valid.
• Work for an employer who meets all these requirements: 
  • Enrolled in E-Verify
  • Agrees to DHS site visits and to report changes in employment within 5 days to a DSO at USF

  • Provides OPT employee with pay that is similar to US workers with the same duties and hours

  • Completes the Form I-983 to document the formal training plan between the employer and the OPT employee for the period of the STEM extension

• Your employment must be at least 20 hours per week with each unique employer

• You must not have accrued more than 90 days of unemployment during Post-Completion OPT

• Volunteer or unpaid positions do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension

• Self-employment does not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension

• You may be able to use a previously obtained STEM degree to apply for 24-month STEM OPT extension

• There is an opportunity for a second period of STEM OPT after obtaining a degree at a higher level at an accredited, SEVIS-approved institution. Individuals are limited to two (2) STEM OPT extensions per lifetime.

When to Apply

You may file for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension to USCIS as early as 90 days before the end of your Post-Completion OPT but no later than the last day of your Post-Completion OPT. 

How to Apply

1. Complete your Form I-983
   1. Download the USCIS Form I-983.
   2. Open this file which contains important and necessary information to complete the I-983.
   3. If you have additional questions about how to fill out this form, please refer to the USCIS I-983 Instructions
2. Login to iStart at https://iStart.usf.edu
3. Select “F-1 Practical Training – Apply”
4. Open the “Request I-20 for STEM OPT Extension Application” E-Form and:
   1. Pay the $300 STEM OPT Management Assessment
   2. Upload the completed I-983
   3. Submit the “Request I-20 for STEM OPT Extension Application” after entering all the requested information
      
      After OIS Staff has reviewed that your I-983 is complete, verified the training plan is appropriate, and confirmed payment of the STEM OPT Management Assessment, you receive a new I-20 that includes the STEM OPT recommendation on page 2 and instructions on how to file.
      
      Note: Expect to receive the I-20 within 10 business days of the submission of the Request I-  20 for STEM OPT Extension Application E-Form.
      
      
5. Gather the following documents:
   1. 2x2 passport style photograph
   2. Photocopy of signed Form I-20 with STEM OPT Extension Request
   3. Photocopy of non-immigration documents (Passport, Visa, I-94)
   4. Photocopy of previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card(s) - front & back
   5. Copy of Transcripts (recommended) and/or of the diploma, which states the program of study
6. File for your STEM EAD on the USCIS site.

Do NOT file with USCIS until you have obtained the signed form I-20 with STEM OPT Extension Request from the Office of International Services (OIS)

Reporting requirements while on STEM OPT

Students with an approved STEM OPT must submit confirmation of personal and current employment details after 6, 12, 18, and 24 months on STEM OPT. Those reports are called “Validations”. In addition to confirming details, an evaluation is required with the 12- and 24-month Validation.

To submit your STEM OPT Validation:

• Go to http://istart.usf.edu
• Select F-1 Practical Training - Report
• Select Report STEM 6/12/18/24 Month Validation

Students must submit their 6/12/18/ or 24-Month STEM OPT Validation within 10 days of the due date. The OIS Staff has 21 additional days from the student’s submission of the E-Form to report it in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). Once the validation is reviewed by the OIS Staff and no corrections need to be made, the student receives an email confirmation.

Note: Failure to comply may have future immigration implications, and SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) has warned that failure to report within the allotted time may result in the SEVIS record's termination.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions or concerns, please come to OIS walk-in or virtual advising hours.