STEM OPT Application Process and Requirements
You can start applying 90 days before your current OPT end date found on your EAD card.
IMPORTANT! Do not submit or pay to USCIS until you receive the STEM OPT recommendation I-20 from the International Student and Global Scholar Services Office. This I-20 must be included in your application to USCIS. You can choose to apply online (recommended) or apply through physical mail.
Before receiving the I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation from our office, you must follow the instructions below:
STEP 1: Prepare the following documents. Do not send your documents via email.
- ( to review the guide in filling out i983)
- Form I-765 (if you are applying online, please send a snapshot of your application found on the last part of the online application)
- STEM OPT Student Information Sheet
- STEM OPT Employer Information Form
- Fill out section 1 (page 1) only.
- Check STEM OPT extension application
- You are not required to fill out section 2.
- Copy of your passport & visa merged into one PDF file
- Copy of your most recent i-94
- Passport style photos (not older than 30 days)..
-
Official Transcript: if you need a copy, please order .
- OPT EAD Card copy.Copy(s) of your previous i20 with CPT or OPT authorization.
STEP 2: Complete the .
- Once you have all the documents required, please fill out and complete the STEM OPT Application form linked above. If you are having trouble accessing the form, please let us know.
- Our processing time for this request is 5 working days, only if your form is complete with no corrections needed.
- Note: sending multiple emails to follow up will only delay your request.
Lewis is responsible for issuing consistent CIP codes on I-20s and we have recently standardized all programs to the New CIP Codes listed above. If you have an Old CIP Code(s) on a previously issued I-20, please note that your STEM OPT I-20 will be modified with the new CIP Code listed above. Lewis also only issues one CIP code per I-20. If a previous I-20 has multiple CIP codes listed, please note that the new updated I-20 will only contain one New CIP Code. These updates should not cause any issues with your STEM OPT Application. Please email ISGSS@lewisu.edu if you have any clarifications or concerns.
Program CIP Code Update as of January 2025:
Program |
New CIP Code |
Old CIP Code |
| MBA |
52.1399 |
52.0201 |
| MS Finance |
52.1399 |
52.0801 |
| MS Project Management |
52.1399 |
52.0211 |
| MS Business Analytics |
52.1301 |
30.7102 |
| MS Data Science |
30.7001 |
11.0802 |
| MS Computer Science |
11.0701 |
11.0101 |
| MS Cybersecurity |
11.1003 |
11.1003 |
| MS Aviation Tech |
40.0101 |
51.0706 |
| BS Aviation Flight |
49.0104 |
49.0201 |
Please email ISGSS@lewisu.edu if you have any clarifications or concerns.
DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
蘑菇视频’s International Student & Global Scholar Services (ISGSS) Office offers guidance on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and OPT STEM processes as a courtesy to our students. We make every attempt to ensure that we provide you with the most up to date information available. However, any advice provided to you by our office does not constitute legal advice. You should always independently check all deadlines, and all OPT and STEM OPT application documents for accuracy before mailing them or submitting them online to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The OPT and STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible. The application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case. While ISGSS exercises best efforts to provide you with the most current guidance, please be aware that USCIS may change its interpretation of applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. ISGSS is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims liability for, any errors or omissions relating to your OPT and STEM OPT application and any decisions made by USCIS. For legal advice, students are encouraged to consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney at their own expense.
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