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F-1 Optional Practical Training (17 Month Extension)

In April 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) outlined procedures for a 17-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) for students who completed an F-1 program in specific majors in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. Currently, there are 23 programs of study at Emory that qualify under the government’s definition of STEM fields (items in bold are new to the list as of May 2011):

For a comprehensive list of STEM majors, visit the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.

Eligibility

In order to qualify for the 17-Month Extension, a student with a degree in a STEM field must meet additional criteria: 

Reporting Requirements

Students who are approved for the 17-Month Extension must notify ISSS within 10 days of the following events:

Students on a 17-Month Extension must also verify this information every six months even if there is no change to report.

Failure to comply with these requirements throughout the 17-Month Extension may result in termination of OPT and the SEVIS record.

Conditions of Employment and Unemployment

OPT requires students to work a minimum of 20 hours per week. During the initial 12 months of OPT, a student is limited to a maximum of 90 days of unemployment.  If the 17-Month Extension is granted, unemployment time is limited to 120 days for the entire 29-month period.  Students who choose to work for multiple employers during the 17-Month Extension must ensure that all employers are enrolled in E-Verify.

Continued Employment Authorization

Students who file the 17-Month Extension in a timely manner (i.e. prior to the end of the original OPT authorization period) may continue to work while the extension is pending for up to 180 days following expiration of the original Employment Authorization Document (EAD). 

Applying for the 17-Month Extension

You may apply for the extension up to 120 days before your current period of authorization ends, but you must apply no later than 15 days before your EAD expires. ISSS encourages you to begin the application process as soon as possible to ensure timely processing.

STEM OPT Workshops are offered once per semester and during summer term. You should attend a workshop in your final semester as a student to confirm your eligibility and to understand the reporting requirements for both you and your employer. Visit our calendar for workshop dates and time.

Contact your International Student Advisor in ISSS so that he or she may assist with the application process. If you are in Atlanta, you may contact the office to schedule a STEM-OPT appointment. The following items are required for the extension:

    1. Item #3: leave blank. We will use our mailing address.
    2. Item #16: enter (c)(3)(C)
    3. Item #17: include your major as it is on your I-20, the name of your employer and their E-Verify number. Please note that an employment identification number (EIN) is not the same as an E-Verify number.

Mail these items to ISSS or, if in Atlanta, schedule an appointment with your advisor for processing.  Once your advisor has reviewed your application, he or she will prepare a new I-20 with the extension endorsement.  If applying by mail, we will mail the I-20 to you for your signature.  We will send the document by regular U.S. Postal Service.  If you would prefer express mail, please work with eShip Global to request expedited service.  Once you have signed the I-20, return a photocopy of pages 1 and 3 and ISSS will include it with your 17-Month Extension petition.

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