STEM 17 Month OPT Extension

Some students may be eligible for a one-time 17 month OPT extension if all filing criteria are met.

The 17-month extension is only possible one time per lifetime; a student is NOT eligible to receive an extension more than once, regardless of degree level. The extension can only be granted in one 17 month period; the period cannot be “split” into 2 periods. The employment start date on the new EAD card will be the day immieditaely following the expiration of your intial OPT employment authorization period.

Student Requirements
Employer Requirements
Requesting a STEM Extension I-20
Submitting STEM Extension Application
Responsibilities While On STEM Extension
Completing the I-765
STEM Resources
Cap Gap Relief

Student Requirements:

Completed a degree in qualifying STEM program (students on pre-completion OPT are not eligible)

The STEM Designated Degree Program List consists of select fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as identified by the field’s CIP Code.

I-20’s issued after April 18, 2008, indicate CIP Code in upper left hand corner of page 3 of I-20

Actuarial Science : CIP Code 52.1304.
Computer Science Applications:CIP Codes 11.xxxx (except Data                Entry/Microcomputer Applications-CIP Codes 11.06xx)
Engineering. CIP Codes 14.xxxx.
Engineering Technologies. CIP Codes 15.xxxx.
Biological and Biomedical Sciences. CIP Codes 26.xxxx.
Mathematics and Statistics. CIP Codes 27.xxxx.
Military Technologies. CIP Codes 29.xxxx.
Physical Sciences. CIP Codes 40.xxxx.
Science Technologies. CIP Codes 41.xxxx.
Medical Scientist (MS, PhD). CIP Code 51.1401.

Eligible SU STEM CIP Codes

The Slutzker Center is compiling a list of eligible SUNY-ESF CIP Codes; it will be posted in the near future.

Catch-all categories (e.g., Engineering, other) with CIP codes that end in .xx99 are not currently eligible for the extension.

Ineligible SU STEM CIP Codes with .xx99 Ending

SCIS is working diligently with the University to determine if it is possible to re-classify these degrees for current students; this is an involved process that extends beyond the jurisdiction of the Slutzker Center. We are unable to re-classify students who have already completed their degree program and are currently on OPT. If there is a regulation change that would allow for such re-classification or extends eligibility to CIP codes that are currently ineligible, we will include that information on our website and in an SCIS News publication.

Currently engaging in post-completion OPT and working with an employer who is currently registered and in good standing with the USCIS E-Verify program.

Maintained valid F-1 status

Report all employers (name and address), any changes of personal name, address (US, residential, mailing, foreign), and interruptions of employment within 10 days of change through the OPT Students Information Update Form

           From 4/8/08 onward, have not accrued more than 90 days of unemployment

Have not previously received a STEM extension

Submit a timely STEM extension application

Prior to EAD expiration- preferably, 90 days before OPT end date


Employer Requirements

Must be registered for E-Verify program
Internet-based system operated by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA)--currently free to employers and is available in all 50 states.

Employer must provide E-Verify Company/Client Identification Number to applicant as it must be entered onto the I-765 application form

As a participant in E-Verify, employers are required to verify all newly hired employees, both U.S. citizens and non-citizens

Employer must agree to report termination or departure of OPT employee to the Slutzker Center.


Requesting STEM Extension I-20

If you meet all of the eligibility criteria indicated above and submit all the materials indicated below, the Slutzker Center will issue a new I-20 recommending an OPT extension. This I-20 is required for the STEM Extension application. 

If you are not working in the Syracuse-area and available for a PT Step 2 appointment, submit all application materials via email to lescis@syr.edu with “Attn: STEM Extension Application” as the subject of your email.

Attach PDF files of scanned copies of documents indicated below:

If you meet the extension requirements, the Slutzker Center will issue and mail you a new I-20
recommending OPT to the mailing address indicated on the STEM Extension Data Sheet.


Submitting your STEM Extension Application

Compile all of the application materials:

  • Check or money order for $340 made out to the "Department of Homeland Security";
  • Two 2 x 2 passport style photographs taken within the past 30 days with your name and I-94 number written gently on the back of your photos;
  • Completed and signed Form I-765 (original);
  • Official transcripts or copy of your diploma if it indicates the program of study;
  • Recommended: Statement from your employer indicating how your employment relates to the STEM field indicated on your I-20
  • One clear photocopy of your current EAD card (front & back) and any previously issued EAD cards related to your current status;
  • One clear photocopy of your current SEVIS I-20 (with recommended OPT Extension dates- see p. 3 of I-20);
  • Clear photocopies of all of your previous SEVIS I-20's- include all page 1&3’s of I-20's;
  • One clear photocopy of your visa;
  • One clear photocopy of your passport; and
  • One clear photocopy of the front and the back of your I-94 card.

Mail your completed application to USCIS Service Center with jurisdiction over your residence-    area. (see page 11 of the I-765 instructions)

Responsibilities While on STEM Extension

Submit a copy of new EAD card to lescis@syr.edu; please title email “STEM EAD card copy”

Cannot accrue an aggregate of 120 days of unemployment over the 29 month OPT period

Can change employers but employment during STEM Extension authorization must always be with an E-verify employer

USCIS and SEVP advise against changing employers while the I-765 is pending, since the I-765 names a specific employer. Students are advised to consult with an attorney regarding the effect of changing to an employer that is not the employer named on the I-765.
Students may NOT be concurrently employed at a non-E-verify employer while on a 17-month extension.
For the 17-month STEM extension, employment must be traditional paid employment.
Reporting Requirements: For Stem Extension period (through Cap-Gap Relief period if applicable)
Report the following via the OPT Students Info Updatewithin 10 days of the change: legal name, residential or mailing address, email address, employer name, employer address

Must report above info to Slutzker Center every 6 months even if there is no change

Students who timely file an application for the 17-month OPT extension will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending, until a final decision on the I-765 or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

Can still benefit from the cap-gap provision


Completing the I-765

Check “Renewal” of my permission to accept employment”

Text Box: Text Box:  

 11: Check “Yes.” Indicate Vermont Service Center and date the authorization was Granted

Indicate Granted—You must submit a copy of your EAD card with your application     

 16: Enter ( c ) ( 3 ) ( C )

 17: Enter program name indicated on your I20 for degree; Enter E-verify information provided by your employer


STEM Resources

Frequently Asked Questions
Federal Register
Interim Rule with NAFSA Annotations
NAFSA's OPT Regulatory Update
USCIS OPT Extension/Cap Gap Relief FAQ's_#1
USCIS OPT Extension/Cap Gap Relief FAQ's_#2
SCIS OPT Extension/ Cap-Gap Handout

Cap Gap Relief

SCIS Cap Gap Webpage
Cap Gap Frequently Asked Questions