Once the ISSS has issued the I-20 for the 24-month OPT STEM Extension students will need to submit all necessary documents to USCIS for adjudication (processing). Below is a handout that provides guidance on filing for the OPT STEM Extension with USCIS. Please note that failure to follow the ISSS instructions may result in a delay or denial of your application.
As a reminder, students will need to submit their OPT STEM Extension application to USCIS within 60 days of the issue date for the OPT STEM Extension I-20. The OPT STEM Extension application must be received by USICS by the EAD card end date for the student's 12-month OPT.
As long as the application is received within this timeframe the student's F-1 status and employment authorization will be extended up to 180 days while they await adjudication (processing) for their OPT STEM Extension. The student's proof of employment authorization will be their OPT STEM Extension I-20 and no "temporary" EAD card will be issued.
PLEASE NOTE that the receipt notice and EAD card will be sent to the address indicated on the Form I-765. If a student calls USCIS and updates their application address then all documents related to the application will be sent to the updated address. The U.S. Postal Service will generally not forward documents (receipt notice, EAD card) via mail if a student has moved to a new address.
Once USCIS has received the OPT STEM Extension application they will send an email notice to the student (Form G-1145) within a few days to a few weeks. Please note the ISSS cannot assist with delays in this notification. A hard copy of the receipt notice will be mailed to the address indicated on the Form I-765 within a few days to a few weeks by USCIS. If the notice is mailed to the ISSS we will email a copy to the student once we receive the notice. Students may also set up shipping to have the receipt notice mailed to them or they may wait until the EAD card is issued.
Once a student has been approved for OPT STEM Extension USCIS will issue an EAD card within 30 days of the approval date and mail the card to the address indicated on the Form I-765. If the EAD card is mailed to the ISSS we will send an email notification to the student to either pick up the card in person or set-up mailing for the EAD. Please note friends or family may not pick up documents for students.
Once an application has been issued a receipt notice number a student can track their application at USCIS Case Status. Students may also create a USCIS account at USCIS Case Management that may provide additional tracking information.
PLEASE NOTE that these USCIS websites are often unreliable and the ISSS cannot provide assistance with USCIS website information or issues.
USCIS processing times for OPT STEM Extension application is an estimated 2-3 months from the receipt notice date but some applications may take less time and some may take longer.
USCIS has posted the criteria to request an expedite of an application at USCIS Expedite. Students are welcome to review USCIS's guidance but any request to expedite will not involve the ISSS.
After 75 days from the receipt notice date a student may call USCIS at 1-800-375-5283 (receipt notice number required) to discuss their application.
After 90 days from the receipt notice date a student may contact the ISSS by emailing OPTExtension@tamuc.edu to request we contact the USCIS Service Center. The ISSS may only email the service center to inquire about the status of the application and we cannot call USCIS on behalf of a student.
Below are additional links to information regarding delays in the OPT STEM Extension applications:
USCIS Tip Sheet for Applications Pending More than 75 Days
USCIS E-Request for Applications Pending 90-120 Days
USCIS Omsbudsman Assistance for Applications Pending More than 120 Days
To request a change to this page or to request access to make changes yourself, email helpdesk@tamuc.edu.