Starting January 12, 2026, ISSS will begin charging a one-time fee to international alumni who obtain certain work authorizations after they complete their academic program.
- STEM OPT Extension: A $400 fee will be charged to all alumni on F-1 visas when submitting a request for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension. This fee is a one-time application fee that is separate from the I-765 filing fee or any other fees required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Post-Completion Academic Training: A $400 one-time fee will be charged to all alumni on a J-1 visa submitting a second request for Post-Completion Academic Training. USCIS is not involved in authorizing Academic Training, so there are no additional filing fees.
- The new fee will only apply to new requests received on or after January 12. It will not be applied retroactively to those who have already received a STEM OPT recommendation or who have already submitted a second Academic Training request as described above.
Note that ISSS does not charge an application fee to submit the initial 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) or for an individual’s first request for Post-Completion Academic Training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is STEM OPT? Is it different than OPT?
STEM OPT is an additional 24-month work authorization available to certain alumni who are completing their initial 12-month OPT authorization. STEM OPT is only available to alumni on F-1 visas who graduated from qualifying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics programs (STEM). Individuals must have an ongoing paid position at the time they apply for STEM OPT.
What is Post-Completion Academic Training?
Post-Completion Academic Training (AT) is a work authorization for individuals on a J-1 visa in a student category who have graduated from their degree program (or completed a non-degree program). The fee will only be charged for Post-Completion Academic Training (used after graduation) and will only be charged for a second request. Alumni submitting a second request are typically changing employers or extending their time on Academic Training.
Why does ISSS need to charge these fees?
ISSS is primarily funded by fees from those who receive ISSS services; it receives minimal central funding from the University. Alumni on STEM OPT do not currently pay fees because they are no longer enrolled as students; however, the initial STEM OPT recommendation and the ongoing reporting requirements for alumni on STEM OPT generate a significant amount of work for ISSS. The services provided by ISSS are mandated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Similarly, alumni on Academic Training are no longer paying fees, but the process of updating or extending an individual’s AT as well as the ongoing reporting requirements generate a significant amount of work for ISSS. The services provided by ISSS are mandated by the Department of State (DOS).
How will this fee be paid?
The individual will use a credit card to pay this fee when they submit their STEM OPT or Post-Completion Academic Training application to ISSS. In some instances, employers have been willing to pay the fees associated with an individual’s work authorization, but alumni will need to discuss this with their employer.
