Eligible 17-month science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) optional practical training (OPT) participants who want to apply for an additional seven months of STEM OPT must submit their application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by Aug. 8, 2016.

To apply for an additional seven months of STEM OPT, students must:

• Have at least 150 calendar days remaining on their current employment authorization document at the time they submit their application to USCIS. Please note, this means that some students may need to file their Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization,” with USCIS before Aug. 8, 2016, to guarantee they meet this 150-day requirement.
• Meet all requirements of the 24-month STEM OPT extension, including working with their prospective employer to complete the Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.” Students must submit their completed, signed Form I-983 to their designated school official (DSO) before submitting their application to USCIS. DSOs must have the completed, signed Form I-983 to initiate the process and recommend the student for the additional seven months of OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• Properly file the Form I-765 along with the applicable fees and supporting documentation to USCIS within 60 days of the date their DSO enters the recommendation for the OPT extension in SEVIS.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s 24-month STEM OPT extension went into effect on May 10, 2016. For more information on the rule, eligibility requirements and how students can apply for the STEM OPT extension, please visit the Study in the States STEM OPT Hub.