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8 CFR § 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C) / 180-Day Extension / Form I-983

STEM OPT Timeline Calculator

Determine your exact STEM OPT application windows and keep track of mandatory SEVP validation reporting deadlines.

Important STEM OPT Timing Notes

The calculator uses your approved initial OPT start date to estimate the initial OPT end date and the STEM OPT reporting schedule. The actual STEM OPT EAD issued by USCIS controls the authorized dates shown on the student's documents.

STEM OPT may be filed up to 90 days before the current post-completion OPT EAD expires. A timely STEM filing can provide the applicable automatic employment-authorization extension while the application is pending; do not wait for the receipt notice to arrive before the current EAD expires.

Validation dates are 6, 12, 18, and 24 months from the STEM OPT start date. The student must report within 10 business days after each reporting date. The final Form I-983 evaluation is tied to the conclusion of the STEM practical-training opportunity.

Timeline Planner

Look at the start date printed on your current Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
STEM OPT Reporting Rules

STEM OPT validation reporting is required every 6 months and is part of maintaining F-1 status. Students must provide the required validation information to their DSO within 10 business days after each reporting date.

The DSO has a separate SEVIS-update window after the student's report. Do not confuse the DSO's SEVIS deadline with your own student reporting deadline. Also report qualifying changes to your name, address, employer, or employment status within the applicable 10-day reporting period.

STEM OPT E-Verify Employer Check

To qualify for STEM OPT, the employer must be enrolled in and remain in good standing with federal E-Verify. STEM OPT also requires the applicable Form I-983 training plan and compliance with the minimum-hours, compensation, supervision, and reporting requirements.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Under 8 CFR § 214.2(f)(11)(i)(C), an eligible student may properly file Form I-765 for the 24-month STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before the expiration of the current post-completion OPT EAD. The filing must also satisfy the DSO-recommendation timing rules.

If the STEM OPT extension application is timely and properly filed and the applicable DSO recommendation requirements are satisfied, the existing EAD can receive the automatic employment-authorization extension provided by the applicable DHS rules while USCIS adjudicates the STEM application. The student does not need to have already received the I-797 receipt notice before the initial EAD expires.

The validation reporting dates occur at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the STEM OPT extension begins. The student must provide the required validation information to the DSO within 10 business days of each reporting date. The 12-month report also includes the required annual self-evaluation.

STEM OPT requires an initial self-evaluation within 12 months of the approved STEM OPT start date and a concluding evaluation at the end of the STEM practical-training opportunity. The final evaluation is not simply an automatic 24-month filing if the training opportunity ends earlier.

Students granted the 24-month STEM OPT extension may not accrue more than 150 aggregate days of unemployment across the initial post-completion OPT period and the STEM extension.

Yes. The STEM OPT employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and remain in good standing. The STEM practical-training opportunity must satisfy the regulatory requirements, including the required Form I-983 or successor form and the applicable minimum-hours and compensation rules.

Have questions about STEM OPT 180-day extensions, 10-business-day validation windows, or Form I-983?

⬆️ Refer to FAQ Section Above
Official U.S. Government Portals

• ICE SEVP STEM OPT Hub: studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub
• USCIS Form I-983 Instructions: uscis.gov/i-983

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