Optional Practical Training (OPT)

File the USCIS Online I-765 for OPT STEM

Begin working on your OPT STEM Application 90 days prior to your OPT end date. Applications will not be accepted after your OPT end date. Allow 3-5 business days to receive your STEM OPT I-20 after receipt of accurate, completed application documents. You must have a position in your field of study with a company who participates in e-verify to be eligible to apply for your STEM OPT extension. Also, it's very important to note that an E-Verify # and an EIN # are two different numbers--don't mix them by accident!

Note that you should proceed with the online application process very carefully. The system allows you to submit your application without all required evidence, which can lead to requests for evidence and additional difficulties. This means you must be very careful to ensure that everything is included before submitting the online application. The step by step instructions below are not intended to be legal advice. They are general instructions for how you might proceed when completing the online I-765 application.  

STEM OPT Application Process

***Students are required to complete Steps 1-5 to receive their STEM OPT I-20.

DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE UNTIL YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOUR NEW STEM OPT I-20 SHOWING YOUR OPT RECOMMENDATION ON PAGE 2.

STEP 1:

• Contact ISSS at: isss@siue.edu to request enrollment in the Homebase STEM OPT Module.

STEP 2:

• Complete the Homebase STEM OPT module to earn your Certificate of Completion. You will need to upload your Certificate of Completion to the STEM OPT I-20 Request form in Step 5.

STEP 3:

• Review the STEM OPT I-983 Guide and the STEM OPT Online Filing Guide

STEP 4:

• Return to your USCIS account and fill in the STEM OPT application (I-765 Form)
  • To complete the online I-765, you must have these documents
  • In the application summary section of your USCIS application, download the I-765 draft called "View Draft Snapshot" from your USCIS account.

STEP 5:

• Complete the STEM OPT I-20 Request Form
• You will need to upload the following (4) documents:
  1. Certificate of Completion from STEM OPT module
  2. the form I-983
  3. the draft I-765 
  4. SIUE transcript or diploma

STEP 6:

• Your DSO will review your Form I-983 and Draft I-765 prior to creating your STEM OPT I-20.
• You will receive your STEM OPT I-20 by email from your DSO in 3-5 business days.
• You should print the STEM OPT I-20, sign it in black, wet ink signature (no electronic signatures allowed) and save electronic copies of page 1 and 2 to upload to your USCIS STEM OPT application.

You MUST receive approval and a signed STEM OPT I-20 showing the STEM OPT recommendation on page 2 of your I-20 from your DSO BEFORE submitting your online STEM OPT application.

STEP 7:

• Return to your USCIS account, log in to upload your STEM OPT I-20 and submit the application.
• Be sure to save all the required evidence documentation, form I-983, and the draft form I-765 for your records. You will not be able to access your information on the USCIS online application after 30 days.

Premium Processing (optional)

The premium processing fee is the regular $470 application fee plus an additional $1,780 (effective March 1, 2026) with a 30-business day (does not include holidays or weekends) processing timeframe for a decision on your submitted application. Students can choose to select the premium processing and make the additional payment online during the USCIS application process.

 Review the STEM OPT Reporting Requirements