STEM OPT Application Process

You will submit applications to ISSS and USCIS to apply for STEM OPT. Carefully review the following information to ensure you submit your complete application.

Application Timeline

You can submit your request for a STEM OPT I-20 to ISSS up to 100 days before your current Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expires.

You must submit your application to USCIS:

  • NO more than 90 days before your current EAD expiration date, but
  • No later than your current EAD expiration date.

You must wait to receive your updated I-20 from ISSS before submitting your application to USCIS. You must include a copy of the new STEM OPT I-20 with your USCIS application materials. USCIS will reject your application if you do not include the new I-20 with ISSS’s STEM OPT recommendation.

Application Process

​​You have the option to either submit your application to USCIS online or on paper.  Steps 3 and 4 include directions for both applying online and by mail. You will only need to follow the appropriate directions for your choice.

USCIS offers Premium Processing (faster service) for OPT and STEM OPT applications. Learn more.

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1. Complete the ISSS STEM OPT Online Workshop

All applicants must complete the ISSS STEM OPT Online Workshop before submitting their application for a new I-20 to ISSS. This Canvas course includes information about the STEM timeline, application process, and reporting requirements.

You will create a “Simple Certificate” when you complete the STEM OPT Online Workshop. You will need to download /save this certificate as a PDF because you must upload it with your STEM OPT request in MyISSS.

2. Request a STEM OPT Recommendation From ISSS

ISSS must recommend your STEM OPT. We recommend STEM OPT by issuing a new I-20 to you.

Once you complete the STEP OPT Online Workshop, you must log in to MyISSS and complete the STEM OPT Extension form (located under the F-1 Practical Training tab). You will be required to upload the following documents:

ISSS processing time is up to 10 business days for the new I-20. Do NOT submit your STEM OPT application to USCIS without the new I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation.

Upon approval of your STEM OPT Extension request, ISSS will send an electronically signed I-20 to your UMN email account. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security allows electronic delivery of form I-20. 

3. Assemble the Application Materials

If You Wish to Submit Your Application Online

  1. Create a MyUSCIS online account. Complete all pages of Form I-765 online (Follow the ISSS online I-765 instructions. Upon completion, keep a copy for your records). Do not submit until you have the STEM OPT I-20 from ISSS.
  2. Have enough money available in your U.S. bank account or U.S. credit card to pay the filing fee. If your employer will pay the fee, you will need their payment information. Click here for I-765 filing fee. You do not have to pay the biometric fee.
  3. On December 12, 2025, USCIS announced changes to guidance on photos that can be used to create immigration documents such as Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) cards.  ISSS recommends that individuals applying for STEM OPT or other work authorizations follow the form directions and continue to submit a photo, but that they also be prepared to attend a biometrics appointment if requested.  Please review the ISSS Current Messages on Federal Immigration Changes page for further details and guidance on this change and how it will impact your OPT application.
  4. Most recent electronic I-94
  5. Your most recent EAD
  6. Biographical page of your passport
  7. New I-20: page 1 with your signature and page 2 with STEM OPT recommendation
  8. UMN diploma and final transcript. Exception: Graduate students who have completed degree requirements except thesis or dissertation should include a transcript and letter from their adviser clarifying that all coursework is complete and the only remaining requirement for degree completion is the thesis/dissertation.
  9. Institutional accreditation: Save a PDF of this page and upload.

Please note: When asked, your eligibility category is c(3)(C) STEM Extension. As soon as you have paid the fee, you have submitted your application and can no longer make changes or additions.

If You Wish to Submit Your Application By Mail

Put your application materials together in the following order. You should also keep a copy of this entire application for your records.

  1. A check or money order for the filing fee payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" for the STEM OPT application fee. Do not pay the $85 Biometrics fee. To pay the fee by credit card, fill out USCIS Form G-1450. Click here for I-765 filing fee. You do not have to pay the biometric fee.
  2. On December 12, 2025, USCIS announced changes to guidance on photos that can be used to create immigration documents such as Employment Authorization Documents (EAD) cards.  ISSS recommends that individuals applying for OPT or other work authorizations follow the form directions and continue to submit a photo, but that they also be prepared to attend a biometrics appointment if requested.  Please review the ISSS Current Messages on Federal Immigration Changes page for further details and guidance on this change and how it will impact your OPT application. For an application by mail, send two color, passport-style photos. Use a pencil to print your full name and most recent Form I-94 number on the back of each photo. Place the photos in a clear plastic bag or an envelope. You can get photos taken at the UMN Passport Office in the University International Center (331 17th Ave SE)
  3. All pages of original form I-765, even if they are blank
  4. Photocopy of new I-20: page 1 with your signature and page 2 with STEM OPT recommendation
  5. Photocopy of your most recent EAD card
  6. Photocopy/print-out of the most recent electronic I-94
  7. Photocopy of the biographical page of your passport
  8. Photocopy of each of as many as possible of the following that contain your name and photo: entry visa stamp with a photo, driver's license or state ID, student ID, and any previously issued EAD.
  9. A photocopy of your UMN diploma and final transcript. Exception: Graduate students who have completed degree requirements except thesis or dissertation should include a transcript and letter from their adviser clarifying that all coursework is complete and the only remaining requirement for degree completion is the thesis/dissertation.
  10. Print-out of UMN's institutional accreditation
  11. Optional, but recommended:

4. Submit the STEM OPT Application to USCIS

If You Wish to Submit Your Application Online

Login to your MyUSCIS account. Complete the online I-765, upload all documents in Step 2, and pay the filing fee.

After your payment is accepted, you will be redirected to a confirmation screen which will include your receipt number. Keep a copy of your receipt number for your records. You can track the status of your STEM OPT application through your myUSCIS online account.

 

If You Wish to Submit Your Application By Mail

Submit the application materials by certified or express mail in order to track your package.

No matter where you live in the U.S., send your application to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox.

  • For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
    USCIS
    ​​​​​​​Attn: I-765 C03
    PO Box 805373
    Chicago, IL 60680
  • For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
    USCIS
    Attn: I-765 C03
    131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
    Chicago, IL 60603-5517

You are responsible for mailing your STEM OPT application to USCIS.

5. Wait for EAD to Be Mailed From USCIS

 

  • Whether you applied online or by mail, you will receive the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) by mail.
  • If you applied online, you will receive updates from USCIS by email or text.
  • It takes approximately 3.5 to 4 months for USCIS to process your request and mail your EAD to the address on Form I-765. USCIS has an online database showing the current processing times for I-765 (OPT) applications (select select "I-765" and "Potomac Service Center" in the drop-down).
  • Several weeks after you apply, you should receive a Receipt Notice (Form I-797) in the mail from USCIS. Keep this until you receive the EAD card and the Approval Notice. You can track your case by entering the Receipt Number found on your Receipt Notice.
  • Applicants who file a timely application can continue employment while the STEM 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
  • On January 1, 2026, USCIS announced that effective immediately it is placing a hold on pending benefit applications for any non-US citizens that were born in or are citizens of countries that are included in the expanded December 2025 travel ban.  If your country of birth or citizenship is included on the list of countries that are impacted by this USCIS pause, your I-765 is among the types of applications affected by this pause. 

Note: If you receive a Request For Evidence (RFE) from USCIS, contact ISSS as soon as possible.

Last updated: February 26, 2026