24-Month STEM Extension Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial
Points to Remember for Paper Filers
The service center will issue a Form I-797 Receipt Notice once your application has
been received and is in process. The Receipt Notice will include a Receipt Number
which you can use to check the status of your application and create a profile to
receive updates on the USCIS website.
All correspondence from USCIS will be sent to International Education by standard
mail if you entered our mailing address on the Form I-765. We will email you as soon
as we receive any information regarding your STEM OPT extension application. At that
time, you can select one of three options for receiving the item – collect it in person,
have it mailed to you, or designate a friend to collect the item for you.
Keep in mind that STEM OPT processing time can vary greatly (6 weeks to 4 months).
While your extension application is being processed by the service center, you may
continue to work up to 180 days past the expiration of your initial 12-month OPT authorization.
Please contact our office if you are approaching the 180 limit but you have not yet
been notified of a decision on your extension application.
Thank you for completing the OPT STEM Extension Tutorial!
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns: 316-978-3232
or iss@wichita.edu.