1. F-1 students on Post-OPT who are eligible for STEM Extension may apply as early as 90 days prior to the Post-OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) expiration date.
  2. Students must submit their STEM Extension request e-form to the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) no later than three weeks prior to their Post-OPT EAD expiry date to account for processing time.
  3. After the STEM Extension request e-form is approved, the ISSO will issue a STEM Extension recommended form I-20.
  4. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must receive and receipt the STEM Extension application prior to the Post-OPT EAD expiry date. So long as USCIS receives and receipts the application prior to the Post-OPT EAD expiry date, the student is permitted to work for an additional 180 days while the STEM Extension application is pending.
  5. Upon receiving the I-797 receipt notice, students may present it to their employer's HR department to update their I-9 employment eligibility.

Note on Cap-Gap Work Authorization

If you are eligible for cap-gap work authorization, but have the ability to file for a STEM extension of your OPT, ISSO recommends you consult an immigration attorney as to whether applying for your STEM Extension of OPT is necessary. 

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