On April 08, 2008 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security released an interim final rule extending the period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) from 12 to 29 months for qualified F-1 non-immigrant students in specific STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields, who currently have a job with an e-verify employer or a job offer from an e-verify employer.  

Some STEM Fields at UNCG are: Applied Mathematics, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Information Systems & Operations Management, Information Technology and Management, Genetic Counseling, Nutrition, Nanoscience, Environmental Health Science and Physics.

E-Verify Employer: An employer currently registered and in good standing with the USCIS Verify program operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify provides an automated link to federal databases to help employers determine employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have completed a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in an eligible STEM field and be currently engaged in post-completion OPT.
  
• Have a job or job offer with an E-Verify employer

Procedures and Forms for requesting STEM Extension

Processing time of this application is approximately 90 days from the date the U.S. government receives your documentation for Optional Practical Training.

Bring or mail to the International Programs Center front desk the documents listed below:

• Application for employment authorization form (I-765 form) completed and signed
  •     Sections 1-9 are biographical information
  •     Section 10 is your I-94 Departure number listed in the upper left area of your I-94 card
  •     Sections 12-15-Please find the answers to these questions in your I-94 card.
  •     Section 17- Indicate your employer’s name as listed in E-Verify, along with the E-Verify company Identification number.

  Click HERE for the OPT STEM Extension Application Form

• Copy of your UNCG diploma
• Copy of current EAD card
• Copy of passport biographical page, F-1 visa
• Copy of I-94 Card copy of front and back
• Fee Payment $380.00 (Check Payable to Department of Homeland Security)
• Employment letter issued, in letterhead format, by E-Verify employer, confirming your current employment or job offer. The letter will also include your job description, supervisor’s contact information including email address and telephone number. 

Select OPT STEM application to print application package for 17-month extension of OPT. Form I-765 (C) to be used with 17-month extension OPT.

For further information, please make an appointment to speak with the International Student Advisor at the International Programs Center.

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