Frequently Asked Questions

<a href=”https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>STEM OPT Hub</a> –from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Study in the States

<a href=”https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training-extension-for-stem-students-stem-opt” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>OPT Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT)</a> –from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) <em><small>Last Updated: 01/24/2018</small></em>

The CIP code is printed next to your major on page one of your I-20. The code is 6 digits long (xx.xxxx).  Once you find your code, you can consult the entire list of individual <a href=”https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/additional-resources/eligible-cip-codes-for-the-stem-opt-extension” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>eligible CIP codes</a> for the STEM extension available on the SEVP website.

<strong>SEA214F00265000</strong>

Log into <a href=”https://my.uw.edu/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>MyUW</a>. Click on “Academics” in the left-side navigation bar, then click on “Unofficial Transcript.” Scroll to the bottom of the transcript and the date you earned your degree will be listed.

<strong>Yes,</strong> if one of the degrees is on the <a href=”https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/additional-resources/eligible-cip-codes-for-the-stem-opt-extension” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>STEM Designated Degree Program List</a> and any job worked while on the extension is related to your STEM degree.

<strong>Yes.</strong> Your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the 24-month STEM extension application is pending. There is no interim documentation of the extended authorization. If your employer needs information about what documents to collect as proof of extended work authorization, please refer to them to <a href=”https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/complete-correct-form-i-9/completing-section-1-employee-information-and-attestation/foreign-academic-students” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services I-9 Central</a>.

<strong>No.</strong>

If you have properly filed for a 24-month STEM extension, the period of extension starts the day after the expiration of your original OPT period.

<strong>Yes,</strong> your EAD is considered extended for up to 180 days while your STEM OPT extension application is pending with USCIS. During that period, you can travel outside the U.S. even if your previous EAD is expired.

<strong>Yes,</strong> you can change employers while your 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending with USCIS.

If you change employers, report the change to ISS through our change in employment report via your <a href=”https://isss.uw.edu/”>MyISSS portal</a>. In the “comments” section, explain that your STEM OPT extension application is still pending with USCIS. Regulations state that employment changes must be reported within 10 days.