International Student Services

STEM OPT Extension Application

Your application must be received by USCIS within 90 days before the end of your authorized Post-completion OPT. If your Post-completion OPT has expired, you are no longer eligible to apply.

Form I-983 Training Plan

To begin your application, you and your E-verified employer must complete the first 4 pages of the Form I-983.

I-983 Section 1

Completed by the student.

  • Name of School Recommending STEM OPT.
    • University of Washington Bothell
  • Name of School Where STEM Degree Was Earned.
    • If you are applying for STEM OPT extension based on a degree earned at UWB, then write “University of Washington Bothell”.
    • If your STEM degree was earned elsewhere, you will need to list the name of that school.
  • SEVIS School Code of School Recommending STEM OPT
    • Check page 1 of your I-20. Your school code will be either SEA214F00005000 or SEA214F00005001.
  • DSO Name and Contact Information
    • Write the name and UW email address of an international student advisor at ISS.
  • Student SEVIS ID
    • Your SEVIS ID is listed at the top of your I-20.
    • Your SEVIS ID begins with the letter “N” followed by ten digits.
  • STEM OPT Requested Period.
    • The start date is the day after your current OPT ends. Please look at your current EAD to confirm.
    • The end date is two years after the STEM OPT start date.
      • For example:
        • Current 12-month OPT: 07/15/2020 – 07/14/2021
        • STEM OPT: 07/15/2021 – 07/14/2023
  • Qualifying Major and Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) Code.
    • This information is listed on page one of your I-20 under ‘Program of Study’.
    • The CIP code is six digits long (00.0000).
    • Include the name of your degree as written on your I-20.
  • Date Awarded
    • Found on your official UW Bothell transcript.
  • Based on Prior Degree?
    • Select “No” if your application is based on your UW Bothell degree.
    • Select “Yes” if your application is based on a prior STEM eligible degree from another institution.
  • Employment Authorization Number
    • This is the USCIS# listed on your current EAD

I-983 Section 2

  • Completed by the student.

I-983 Section 3 ~ 6

  • Completed by your employer.

I-983 Evaluations

  • Submitted after 12 and 24 months of STEM OPT.
  • Do not prefill or sign the evaluations before they are due.

STEM OPT Extension recommendation

Request your recommendation at the international student portal. In 3 – 5 days, you will receive a new I-20 with a STEM OPT extension recommendation on the second page.

  • This document is required to apply for STEM Extension OPT.
  • The STEM OPT Extension recommendation is only valid for 30 days.

Form I-765

Form I-765 can be submitted online at my.uscis.gov.

  • You can only submit an I-765 after receiving a STEM OPT extension recommendation on your I-20. Submitting Form I-765 without a STEM OPT Extension recommendation will result in a denial.
  • You must submit an I-765 within 30 days of the STEM OPT extension recommendation issue date. Submitting Form I-765 more than 30 days after the I-20 issue date will result in a denial.
  • You are responsible for correctly filing Form I-765 with USCIS. ISS can assist you with questions, but filing Form I-765, verifying your uploaded documents, and paying the I-765 filing fee are solely your responsibility.
  • When completing the evidence section of the I-765, please upload your Official Transcript and your CeDiploma (or a scan of your diploma).
  • The school certification on the I-765 is only required if your STEM degree is from another institution other than UWB.
  • Make sure you file Form I-765 under category C3C (STEM OPT Extension).

Waiting for authorization

After filing Form I-765, you must wait for your authorization. The average time is 90 days.

  • By filing Form I-765 for category C3C, you will receive an automatic 6-month extension of your current EAD. This means that if your current EAD expires and you’re still waiting for USCIS to authorize the extension, you can continue working.
    • You can remain in the US while your Form I-765 is pending.
    • We do not recommend travelling outside the US. You will not be able to re-enter the US without your valid EAD.
  • If you receive a request for evidence from USCIS, inform ISS and respond to USCIS.
    • Typically, these requests can be fulfilled by uploading additional documents to your pending application.

Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

  • After approval, you will be sent a new EAD that will show authorization for 24-months.
  • The EAD can take 1 – 2 weeks to arrive.
  • Use the USPS tracking number you receive from USCIS to make sure your EAD arrives.
  • If your EAD is lost in the mail, please inform ISS immediately.