Overview
The STEM OPT Extension allows eligible F-1 students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields to extend their post-completion OPT by an additional 24 months.
Basic Eligibility
To be eligible for STEM OPT, you must:
- Be currently on approved post-completion OPT
- Have a degree in an eligible STEM field
- Have a job offer related to your degree
- Work for an employer enrolled in E-Verify
STEM-Eligible Degree Programs (CIP Codes)
Eligibility for STEM OPT is based on your program’s CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code listed on your Form I-20.
Review the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List below to determine eligibility.
Below is a table of the STEM-OPT Extension Eligible majors and concentrations at CSUSB (as of 04/25/2024):
Undergraduate (Bachelor's) Programs at CSUSB Eligible for STEM-OPT Extension:
| Major/Concentration by College | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration | 2 Majors, 6 Concentrations |
| B.A. Administration, Business Analytics Concentration | 52.1301 |
| B.A. Administration, Information Security Concentration | 11.1003 |
| B.A. Administration, Information Systems & Technology Concentration | 11.0103 |
| B.S. Information Systems & Technology, Business Intelligence and Analytics Concentration | 11.0103 |
| B.S. Information Systems & Technology, Cyber Security Concentration | 11.0103 |
| B.S. Information Systems & Technology, National Security Concentration | 11.0103 |
| College of Natural Sciences | 16 majors, 27 concentrations |
| B.S. Bioinformatics | 26.1103 |
| B.S. Biology | 26.0101 |
| B.A. Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration | 26.0202 |
| B.A. Chemistry, Chemistry Concentration | 40.0501 |
| B.S. Chemistry, Biochemistry Concentration | 26.0202 |
| B.S. Chemistry, Chemistry Concentration | 40.0501 |
| B.S. Computer Engineering | 14.0901 |
| B.S. Computer Science | 11.0701 |
| B.A. Computer Systems, Game Development Concentration | 11.0199 |
| B.A. Computer Systems, General Interdisciplinary Concentration | 11.0199 |
| B.A. Computer Systems, System Administration Concentration | 11.0199 |
| B.S. Environmental Health Science | 51.2202 |
| B.A. Geology, Field and Applied Geology Concentration | 40.0601 |
| B.A. Geology, General Geology Concentration | 40.0601 |
| B.S. Geology, Environmental Geology Concentration | 40.0601 |
| B.S. Geology, General Geology Concentration | 40.0601 |
| B.A. Mathematics | 27.0101 |
| B.S. Mathematics, Applied Mathematics Concentration | 27.0301 |
| B.S. Mathematics, General Mathematics Concentration | 27.0101 |
| B.S. Mathematics, Teaching Mathematics Concentration | 27.0101 |
| B.S. Natural Science, Biology Concentration | 30.1801 |
| B.S. Natural Science, Chemistry Concentration | 30.1801 |
| B.S. Natural Science, Physics Concentration | 30.1801 |
| B.S. Natural Science, Science and Society Concentration | 30.1801 |
| B.S. Nutritional Science and Dietetics | 30.1901 |
| B.A. Physics | 40.0801 |
| B.S. Physics | 40.0801 |
| College of Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 majors, 6 concentrations |
| B.A. Environmental Studies, Environmental Sustainability Concentration | 03.0103 |
| B.S. Environmental Studies, Environmental Systems Concentration | 03.0103 |
| B.A. Psychology, Biological Psychology Concentration | 42.2706 |
| B.A. Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Concentration | 42.2804 |
| B.A. Psychology, Pre-Biological Psychology Concentration | 42.2706 |
| B.A. Psychology, Pre-Industrial and Organizational Psychology Concentration | 42.2804 |
Graduate (Master's) Programs at CSUSB Eligible for STEM-OPT Extension:
| Major/Concentration by College | CIP Code |
|---|---|
| Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration | 2 majors, 3 concentrations |
| M.B.A, Cyber Security Concentration | 11.0103 |
| M.S. Information Systems and Technology, Business Intelligence and Analytics Concentration | 11.0103 |
| M.S. Information Systems and Technology, Cyber Security Career Track Concentration | 11.1003 |
| Watson College of Education | 1 major/concentration |
| M.A. Instructional Design and Technology | 13.0501 |
| College of Extended and Global Education | 2 majors |
| M.S. Business and Data Analytics | 52.1301 |
| M.S. Cybersecurity and Analytics | 11.1003 |
| College of Natural Sciences | 5 majors/concentrations |
| M.S. Biology | 26.0101 |
| M.S. Computer Science | 11.0701 |
| M.S. Environmental Sciences | 03.0104 |
| M.S. Geology | 40.0601 |
| M.A. Mathematics | 27.0101 |
| College of Social and Behavioral Sciences | 2 majors, 3 concentrations |
| M.S. Industrial and Organizational Psychology | 42.2804 |
| M.S. Psychology, Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience Concentration | 42.2799 |
| M.S. Psychology, General Concentration | 42.2799 |
Important Requirements
- Employment must be directly related to your STEM degree
- You must complete a formal training plan (Form I-983)
- You must receive authorization before your OPT expires
STEM OPT Reporting Requirements
Students on STEM OPT have additional reporting requirements.
You must:
- Report employment updates through the SEVP Portal
- Complete required evaluations with your employer
- Submit updates to ISSS as required
Failure to meet reporting requirements may result in the loss of your immigration status.
OPT and STEM OPT Reporting Portal
Common Questions
Every six months from your OPT start date you will log into SEVP Portal and verify your contact information and employment information is up to date. You will then submit the appropriate report through the OPT/STEM Reporting Portal and verify that your information is up to date, and you are turning in your 6 month report.
Every year, or when you leave your current employment, you will turn in a Self-Evaluation signed off by your supervisor.
A boss, manager, HR, or other supervisor can sign your Form I-983 evaluation if they have an understanding of your work progress/goals. If you are having issues with the Form I-983 signature, please contact an ISSS advisor.
A DSO can state that you reported within 46 days of your current report cycle. Outside that time, the link is unavailable.
The uncertainty surrounding the failure to report is one major reason why you should be diligent about their reporting dates (we recommend circling them on a calendar or setting a reminder for yourself). In the end, if you fail to report you must accept your mistake and hope that it does not cause future issues.
You may need to consult an immigration attorney for help should you find yourself in a unwanted situation.
Failure to report required information may result in your SEVIS record being terminated.
How to Apply
To apply for the STEM OPT Extension:
- Review the STEM OPT Information Session
Click the button below to review the STEM OPT Information Session:
STEM OPT Info Session - Complete the STEM OPT Info Session Quiz
The quiz link is included in the STEM OPT Information Session. You must complete the quiz before ISSS can continue reviewing your STEM OPT request. - Submit a STEM OPT Request
After completing the information session and quiz, submit your STEM OPT request through the OPT/STEM reporting form. - ISSS Reviews Your Request
ISSS will review your STEM OPT eligibility, Form I-983, and supporting information. If additional information or corrections are needed, ISSS will contact you. - Receive and Sign Your Updated Form I-20
If approved, ISSS will issue an updated Form I-20 with the STEM OPT recommendation. You will receive the I-20 through AdobeSign. - Submit Form I-765 to USCIS
After receiving your STEM OPT I-20, submit your STEM OPT extension application to USCIS. You must file before your current OPT EAD expires and within the required filing period after the STEM OPT recommendation is issued.
Final Reminder
STEM OPT has additional responsibilities beyond standard OPT. It is your responsibility to maintain accurate reporting and comply with all requirements.