Office of International Student & Scholar Services

Office of International Student & Scholar Services Form OISSS-155, Request for STEM OPT Extension

Send completed, signed form OISSS-155 and Form I-983 to Office of International Student & Scholar Services (OISSS). Please note that you are required to update OISSS of your name, address, employer’s name and address, and any period of unemployment within 10 days from moving/change. Even if there are no changes, you are still required to submit Form OISSS-160 and Form I-983 once every six months while on STEM extension. Please note that you may submit your Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires and within 60 days of the date the DSO enters the OPT recommendation into SEVIS.
Part I. Student Information
Family Name: / First Name: / Middle Name:
Street and number where you currently reside:
City: / State: / Zip Code:
Degree and major: / Date degree awarded: / Department:
Phone number: / Email Address:
I-20 SEVIS ID No. N00 / OPT start date: / OPT end date:
Part II. Employment Information (past & present)
1. Job title: / From: / To:
Name and address of employer: / Full/Part Time:
How is the employment related to your field of study:
2. Job title: / From: / To:
Name and address of employer: / Full/Part Time:
How is the employment related to your field of study:
3. Job title: / From: / To:
Name and address of employer: / Full/Part Time:
How is the employment related to your field of study:
Provide total number of days of unemployment you have accrued since your OPT start date on your EAD Card:
/ Your current employer’s name as listed in E-Verify
/ Supervisor’s name and contact #:
Part III. Special Notes
If your total number of days of unemployment is more than 90 days since the initial post-completion OPT authorization, then you have exceeded the period of unemployment and may be denied for OPT Extension or other future benefits with USCIS. USCIS may request additional information, such as proof of employment or employment history during the application process.
Once this form and the required $100.00 processing fee are submitted, please allow 7 working days, for OISSS to review and process your request for OPT Extension request. Our office will then issue and mail out an OPT Extension I-20 to you. OPT extension applications can be filed with USCIS as early as 90 days before your current OPT expires, but the application must be filed before your current OPT’s expiration date.
Please be sure to see our Employment website for other important information, such as USCIS filing address.
STUDENT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
·  If approved for OPT Extension, student must send a scanned copy of their EAD card to
·  Students with approved OPT Extension must report any changes in their name, address and/or employment within 10 days of the change. To do so, please complete and submit Form OISSS-160, Data Validation Report available from our website and Form I-983. Student must submit a Data Validation Report to OISSS every 6 months, starting from the date the extension begins. To do so, please complete and submit Form OISSS-160, and Form I-983.
Part IV. Signature
By typing my name and KID number in the spaces below, I certify that all information provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. I further confirm that I will notify OISSS immediately if there are any changes to the information given above.
Your name: / KID No: / Date:
Part V. Mailing Instruction (Choose one only)
Mailing instruction: (Choose one only)
☐ I authorize (myself or name of the person) to pick up the OPT recommendation from OISSS (photo ID required at time of pick-up).
☐ I have completed Form OISSS-01, Express Mail Instruction (see the attach receipt), please send it via express mail.

24-Month OPT Extension Request

On March 11, 2016, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published its final rule to strengthen and enhance the optional practical training program (OPT) for F-1 international students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Please visit theEligible CIP Codes for the STEM OPT Extension pagefor a complete list and explanation of the STEM OPT extension qualifying degrees. The rule increases the educational benefits that F-1 students receive from their practical training experiences and extends the 17-month STEM OPT period to 24-months by requiring the submission of a formal training plan. The formal training plan must clearly articulate the STEM OPT student’s learning objectives and affirm the employer’s commitment to helping the student achieve those objectives. To fulfill this requirement, a student and their employer must complete and sign Form I-983. OISSS will determine if the Form I-983 is completed, signed and addresses all program requirements. OISSS will not recommend a student for a STEM OPT extension if:
·  The employer has not provided the required attestations.
·  The completed Form I-983 does not otherwise reflect compliance with the relevant reporting, evaluation and other requirements of the STEM OPT extension.
Note: For more information aboutthe STEM OPT extension training requirement, visit the Form I-983 resource pages for students, school officials and employers. Please also visit STEM OPT HUB webpage and STEM OPT Frequently Asked Questions. SEVP recently gave a presentation to U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which may be helpful for employers.
Throughout the STEM OPT extension period, the student, employer(s), and school comply with all reporting, training, supervision, evaluation, wage, documentation, and other obligations specified in the regulations and on Form I-983.
MAILING CHECKLIST
In order to submit a request for the 24-month extension, you will need to include the following documents:
Documents submitted to OISSS:
1.  Form OISSS-155, Request for STEM OPT Extension
2.  Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
3.  Receipt of the $100.00 processing fee
Documents to mail to USCIS: Arrange documents in the order listed below.
·  Form G-1145, if you want to be notified electronically by USCIS
·  A copy of completed and signed Form I-765.
·  $410 application fee (staple check or money order on top of Form I-765—halfway down the page). Please make sure to submit current application fee.
·  Two color photographs taken with 30 days of the filing of application. (Write full name and USCIS# - refer to OPT authorization card, on the back).
·  Print-out of Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Number
·  A copy of your current EAD (OPT) card (front and back).
·  A copy of I-20 endorsed by the DSO for recommendation of the 24-month OPT Extension. Make sure to sign I-20 prior to filing. (USCIS must receive I-20 within 60 days of issue date.)
·  A copy of your TAMUK diploma that indicates degree conferred and major field of study. If diploma is not available, an official or unofficial transcript can be submitted instead.
·  A letter from employer verifying dates of employment.
·  A copy of passport.
·  A copy of F-1 student visa.
·  Be sure to check the most updated filing address and mail your application via a trackable mailing service.
Students who timely file an application for the 24-month OPT extension will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending, until a final decision on the I-765 or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

Form I-765 Questions & Answers

The Office of International Student & Scholar Services receives many questions regarding the Form I-765 when applying for the OPT STEM extension. Here are some typical questions received from students, along with a response:

Question: What should I mark for the field: “I am applying for?” (Located above Item # 1.)

Answer: If applying for the OPT STEM, it should choose “Renewal of my permission to accept employment.”

Question: Under Item # 3, which address should I write?

Answer: Enter the address that you want the OPT extension card mailed to, if approved. If you will be moving soon, we recommend using a friend or relative’s address in the U.S. (Please do not use the OISSS address).

Question: Under Item # 15, is it "Yes" or "No"? If yes, which USCIS Office?

Answer: Since you are applying for STEM extension, your answer should be “yes.” You need to refer to the Notice of Action, or the document that the OPT EAD card was attached to, to determine which of the Service Center processed your application for the OPT. Please keep in mind that it is your responsibility to keep such important documents on file.

Question: Under Item # 15, what should I indicate for Dates?

You should indicate the effective date of your OPT per the Employment Authorization Card.

Question: Under item # 19, what should I mention is my current Immigration Status?

Answer: If you are currently working on OPT employment, you are considered to be in F-1 Student status.

Question: Under item # 20, what should I write for the Eligibility Category?

Answer: You should indicate (c) (3) (C).

Question: Under Item # 21, how should I list my degree?

Answer: Enter the “CIP Code” that corresponds to your major and an abbreviated description of the degree next to it. (Ex: Masters of Science in Computer Science = 11.0701 MSCS). The CIP code can be located next to your listed “Major 1” on the first page of your form I-20.

Question: Under Item #21, should I write the name of the employer or the supervisor?

Answer: You should indicate the name of the employer (company) as it appears in the E-Verify system.

Certification Section:

Please sign your name in blue or black ink, (keep within the box provided,) the date of signature and a valid telephone number.

Question: Where do I mail the documents to apply for the OPT STEM Extension?

Answer: Please visit USCIS to find out the correct filing address.

Question: Where do I submit my form I-983?

Answer: You and your employer must work together to complete form I-983 and e-mail (or mail) the completed, signed form I-983 to OISSS. OISSS will not issue a STEM OPT Extension Recommendation I-20 unless the Form I-983 is completed, signed and all the program requirements are addressed.

Question: Do I need to mail my form I-983 to USCIS?

Answer: No, unless you are asked.

(361) 593-3317 www.tamuk.edu/iss Rev. (PBL) Oct. 24, 2017

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