STAGE 1: REQUESTING STEM OPT I-20 FROM ISEO

What are the eligibility requirements for STEM OPT?

• You must be currently in valid F-1 status and on post-completion OPT.
  • You can apply for the STEM OPT Extension during the last 90 days of your post-completion OPT. USCIS must receive your application no later than the end date that is printed on your OPT EAD card and no earlier than 90 days before that date. You should plan early to ensure your application is submitted on time.
• You must have earned a degree in a qualifying STEM field.
  • How do I know if my degree is in a qualifying STEM field?
    • On the first page of your I-20, towards the middle, your major is listed. Next to the major is a series of numbers, called the CIP code. If your CIP code is listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, then your major is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension.
    • Double major degrees will be considered, but not minor degrees.
• You must have a job or job offer that meets the following requirements:
  • The job is paid.
  • The job is a minimum of 20 hours per week.
  • There must be an employer (you can not be self-employed).
  • The employer must be registered in the E-Verify Program (https://www.e-verify.gov/)
• Your employer must review and comply with the employer requirements and responsibilities on the USCIS website and on DHS’s STEM OPT HUB.

Note: If you are currently applying for a Permanent Resident Status (Green Card), please consult your immigration attorney regarding how applying for OPT may impact other applications or benefits.

What is the I-983?

1. The Training Plan, which is the first 4 pages of the I-983.
2. The “Evaluation on Student Progress”, which is located on the last page (page 5) of the I-983.
3. The “Final Evaluation”, which is located on the last page (page 5) of the I-983.

When do I submit the I-983?

• Only the Training Plan section of the I-983 is submitted before the start of your STEM OPT Extension. So at this time, you only need to complete that section of the I-983.
• The other 2 sections are submitted after the start of your STEM OPT Extension. We explain the other 2 sections of the I-983 on our Stage 4 page.

How do I submit the I-983 Training Plan?

• You will submit the I-983 Training Plan when requesting a new I-20 in iPortal (refer to Step 4 below).

What is the STEM OPT Administrative Processing Fee?

The STEM OPT Administrative Processing Fee is a one-time payment required for ISPO to comply with mandatory federal regulations and maintain U.S. Department of Homeland Security systems for F-1 SEVIS records while students are no longer enrolled at UC San Diego.

• The fee is $300.00
• An additional $3.00 credit card processing fee may apply.
• Fees subject to change without prior notification.
• The fee is a non-refundable except in cases where ISPO is unable to recommend the STEM OPT Extension due to student ineligibility.
• Any refunds will be minus credit card service fees.
• This fee is separate from the $410 application fee that goes to USCIS (as explained in Stage 2 ).
  

How do I request my STEM OPT I-20?

• Log in to iportal.ucsd.edu .
  • *Make sure to log into iPortal with your email/username OR your PID. If you have access issues, request your PID/PAC here.
• Go to “Services” tab.
• Select “F-1 STEM OPT Request”.
• Fill out your request.
• Upload a PDF copy of your I-983 Training Plan (only the first 4 pages).
• Upload a PDF copy of proof of ISPO STEM OPT Administrative Processing Fee payment.
• Upload a PDF copy of your current OPT EAD Card.
• Click “Submit” to submit your request.

What happens after I submit the STEM OPT I-20 Request form in iPortal?

• ISPO will review your request and issue you an updated I-20 that will have the STEM OPT Extension recommendation on it. You will need to include a copy of this I-20 in your STEM OPT Extension application to USCIS.

How long will it take for me to receive my STEM OPT I-20?

• Your new I-20 reflecting the STEM OPT Extension recommendation will be issued within 10 business days.
• You can check the status of your request anytime by logging in to iPortal and clicking on "My Requests" tab.
• A notification email will be sent to you when your document is ready.

What do I do when I get my STEM OPT I-20?

• Review your STEM OPT I-20 carefully for accuracy.
  • Note the STEM OPT recommendation on page 2 of the I-20. Review the requested dates of the STEM OPT period.
  • Check that your major is correct and STEM eligible. On the first page of your I-20, towards the middle, your major is listed. Next to the major is a series of numbers, called the CIP code. If your CIP code is listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, then your major is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension.
• Print the I-20.
• Sign and date the first page.
• Include a copy of this signed I-20 in your STEM OPT Extension Application to USCIS. This process is outlined on the Stage 2 page.
• Keep your previous I-20 for your records, do NOT throw it away.
• If you change employers after receiving your STEM OPT Extension I-20 from ISPO, but before submitting your STEM OPT Extension application to USCIS, then follow instructions on our Stage 2 page to get an updated I-20.