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  Home > F -1 Students > OPT 17-Month Extension

17-Month Extension for
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Summary: Post-Completion Optional Practical Training can be extended by 17 months for certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree holders.

STEM Fields include

See CIP codes for the 17 month OPT extension

  • Actuarial Science. CIP Code 52.1304.
  • Computer Science Applications:
    CIP Codes 11.xxxx (except Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications, which are 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

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently authorized for post-completion OPT and working for a US employer in a job directly related to your field of study.

  • Completed a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in a field on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM Designated Degree Program list.
  • At the time of application you must be employed.
  • You must have a job-offer or be employed by an employer registered with the “E-Verify” federal employment verification system.
  • Did not receive a 17-month OPT extension for a prior STEM degree.

When to Apply:

Apply up to 3 months before your current EAD expires.

Application Step 1: Request OPT recommendation form ISSS

ISSS must process a recommendation for your OPT request. At least five working days are required to process a recommendation for OPT. Please submit the following items to an ISSS adviser

during general walk-in hours or a scheduled appointment. ISSS cannot accept your application for processing unless all these items are completed and submitted:

Application Step 2: Submit the following items to USCIS

    OPT applications must be received by USCIS before your current EAD card expires.

  • Original Form I-765

  • Photocopy of I-20 page 1 with your signature and page 3 with OPT recommendation.
  • Photocopy of your last EAD card.

  • Photocopy of both sides of Form I-94. Copy the back even if it is blank. Do not mail the original Form I-94.
  • Two color photos. The instructions with Form I-765 provide detailed photo requirement information. Print full name and most recent Form I-94 number in pencil on the back of each photo. Place the photos in a clear plastic bag or an envelope and staple it to the application. Learning Abroad Center (230 Heller Hall, 612-626-9000) offers photography service.
  • Photocopies of as many as possible of the following that contain your name and photo: the identity page of your passport, entry visa stamp with a photo, driver's license or state ID, student ID, and any previously issued EAD.
  • Photocopy of your degree.

  • NSEERS registrants should include a photocopy of fingerprint ID number (FIN) on Form I-94 or in passport.
  • Check or money order, payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" for the OPT application fee.
  • Keep a copy of the above documents for your records. Staple the application materials together in the following order: Form I-765, photocopy of I-20, copies of identity verification, and the photocopy of Form I-94. The small pieces (bag/envelope containing photos and check) should be placed on the top and stapled with the entire application. Do not put staple holes in the photos. Mail the application by registered or express mail to obtain a signed receipt. Keep the receipt for your records.

Wait for USCIS to mail the EAD

  • It takes approximately 2 to 4 months for USCIS to process your request and mail your EAD to the address on Form I-765.
  • Several weeks after you apply, you should receive a receipt notice (Form I-797) in the mail from USCIS.
  • Students who file a timely application can continue employment while the extension application is pending, until a final decision on the I-765 or for 180 days, whichever comes first.
  • The EAD will reflect the dates of your employment authorization.  The authorization period begins the day after the expiration of your initial post-completion OPT employment authorization and ends 17 months later, regardless of the date the extension is approved.

Requirements while on OPT

  • Upon receipt of the EAD, fax a copy of it to ISSS at 612-626-7361. Include your U of MN student ID number on the fax.
  • Update a change of your residential or mailing address in Onestop within 10 days of any change:
  • Report the following information to ISSS within 10 days:
    • Change in your name
    • Name and address of employer
    • Change in the name or address of employer
    • When employment changes or terminates
  • Provide a report to ISSS every six months starting from the date the extension begins to verify your name and address, and your employer's name and address. E-mail this report to isssopt@umn.edu. Send the report no earlier than 15 days before and no later than 30 days after the 6 and 12 month dates from the start date of your OPT extension.
  • You may not accumulate more than 120 days of unemployment during the total 29-month Post-Completion OPT period.
  • Notify ISSS if you decide to permanently depart the US during your OPT.
  • Notify ISSS if you change your visa status during your OPT.
  • Failure to follow the reporting requirements above changes may result in the termination of your F-1 status.

Employer Requirements

The employer of a student with an approved 17-month OPT extension must agree to report the termination or departure of the student to ISSS throgh “any other means or process identified by the Department of Homeland Security.”

Travel during Post-completion OPT

  • Bring your:
    • Passport with a valid visa stamp
    • EAD card
    • Letter of Employment
    • I-20 Form with valid travel signature.
      Travel signatures are valid for 6 months.
 
 
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