FAQ for the STEM OPT Extension

Q1: What forms do I need to fill out?

• Please visit our STEM OPT Tutorial for an explanation of eligibility requirements, reporting requirements, regulatory information, as well as a list of documents you'll need to fill out.

Q2: When can I send my documents to International Student Services (ISS) at WSU?

• Students may submit their documents to ISS as early as 90 days before your OPT authorization ends. Keep in mind that after your I-20 is issued, your application materials must be received by USCIS no later than the end of your OPT, so be sure to submit your documents to ISS in a timely manner.

Q3: What do I need to send to USCIS?

• When we give you your new I-20 with recommendation for the STEM OPT Extension, we will also give you a checklist of all the items you should include in your application.

Q4: When can I renew my driver's license?

• Policies vary by state, so be sure to check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles office, but in general, students are not able to renew their drivers licenses until they receive their STEM OPT EAD.

Q5: Can I continue working after my OPT EAD expires?

• Per 8 C.F.R. § 274a.12(b)(6)(iv), F-1 students who timely file for the 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training are eligible to continue working up to 180 days beyond the expiration of their current Employment Authorization Document (EAD), while their OPT extension application is pending.

Q6: What if I change employers after I have applied for the STEM OPT Extension?

If your OPT EAD has not expired,

• send an email to iss@wichita.edu with your last date of employment at your former employer
• submit an Employer Memorandum of Understanding for the new employment
• submit an I-983 for the new employment
• send a signed letter to iss@wichita.edu (see template) explaining the change of employment
• ISS will review your submissions, update SEVIS, print a new I-20, send the I-20 to you for signature, and email scanned copies of your letter, receipt notice, and the updated I-20 to your adjudicator at USCIS. If you prefer, you may choose to mail these items yourself.

If your OPT EAD has expired,

• submit the Final Evaluation on Student Progress from the I-983 with a signature from your former employer
• submit an Employer Memorandum of Understanding for the new employment
• submit an I-983 for the new employment
• send a signed letter to iss@wichita.edu (see template) explaining the change of employment
• ISS will review your submissions, update SEVIS, print a new I-20, send the I-20 to you for signature, and email scanned copies of your letter, receipt notice, and the updated I-20 to your adjudicator at USCIS. If you prefer, you may choose to mail these items yourself.