F-1 off-campus employment

Requirements

• F-1 students must currently be participating in 12-month Post-OPT, and working for a U.S. employer in a job directly related to their major area of study.
• F-1 students must have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a school that is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time you submit their STEM OPT extension application.
  • Previously obtained STEM degrees: If you are an F-1 student participating in a 12-month period of Post-OPT based on a non-STEM degree, you may be eligible to use a previous STEM degree from a U.S. institution of higher education to apply for a STEM OPT extension. You must have received both degrees from currently accredited and SEVP-certified institutions within the last 10 years, and cannot have already received a STEM OPT extension based on this previous degree. The practical training opportunity also must be directly related to the previously obtained STEM degree.
    • For example: If you are currently participating in OPT based on an MBA but you previously received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, you may be able to apply for a STEM OPT extension based on this math degree as long as it is from an accredited U.S. college or university and the OPT employment opportunity is directly related to your degree in mathematics.
  • STEM degrees you obtain in the future: If you enroll in a new academic program in the future and earn another qualifying STEM degree at a higher educational level, you may be eligible for one additional 24-month STEM OPT extension.
    • For example: If you receive a 24-month STEM OPT extension based on your bachelor’s degree in engineering and you later earn a master’s degree in engineering, you may apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension based on your master’s degree.
• F1 students must have successfully completed a bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral degree in a STEM field included in the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. To find out if your program is in the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list, look for the CIP code on your I-20 under the section entitled PROGRAM OF STUDY listed under MAJOR. You may also review this document which lists all ASU degree programs with CIP codes found on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.  You are responsible for confirming your program's eligibility at the time of application for OPT.  
• F1 student’s prospective employer must be registered with the eVerify Employment Verification System and meet all employer requirements listed in the STEM OPT Employer Responsibilities section.
• A student may not engage in practical training for less than 20 hours per week.

To allow for the 10-day ISSC processing time and the 90-day USCIS processing time, ASU ISSC recommends applying for 24-Month STEM OPT no more than 100 days prior to end date of your Post-OPT. This will maximize your opportunity to receive your EAD card on time.

• STEM extension applications must be received by USCIS before the end date listed on the Post-OPT EAD card or the STEM extension will be forfeited.
• Students whose applications are received by USCIS before the EAD card expires will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending until they receive the final decision from USCIS or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

Submit your application materials to the ISSC through the ISSC eForms Portal (not to be confused with the SEVP Portal) no more than 100 days prior to the end date listed on your Post-OPT EAD card.  The ISSC will release your I-20 on or after the 90th day prior to the end date listed on your EAD card.  

Please have the following materials ready prior to submitting the e-Form:

• Form I-983 to be completed by you and your employer - digital/electronic signatures are allowed when signing the form. Form instructions. The start date for the STEM OPT extension should be the day after your current 12‐month OPT ends. Pages 1 through 4 only. Please refer to ISSC’s Self-Guided Form I-983 Review Canvas Course and/or the Form I-983 overview found on Study in the States https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/form-i-983-overview for instructions on how to complete this form. If your canvas account has been deactivated, please email issc@asu.edu with so we can place a ticket on your behalf.
• Copy of the biographical page of your passport (page with your picture on it) valid for at least six months into the future (NOT your visa).
• Copy of your most recent I-94 arrival record (NOT your travel history). 
• Copy of the front and back of your prior EAD cards at your current degree program level.
• Copy of $200 OPT Case Management Payment receipt email notification (NOT a screenshot of your “cart”).

• You will receive an email notification from the ISSC with your new STEM OPT Extension I-20 and instructions attached.
• If you would like a paper copy of your STEM OPT Extension I-20, please review our Receiving Documents webpage for more information. 
• USCIS will reject applications received prior to the 90th day before the student’s program end date. If the ISSC receives your eForm too early, your I-20 will be held and ready at or after the 90th day

After receiving your 24-Month STEM OPT Extension I-20 from the ISSC, you will need to submit your document to USCIS within 60 days of the date the ISSC signed your I-20 (date issued) and with enough time that USCIS will receive it before your Post-OPT end date.  Applications received after the 60-day signature limit or after your Post-OPT end date will be denied by USCIS.
There are two methods for submitting your STEM OPT Extension application to USCIS: online or paper. The ISSC highly recommends that you use the online method.
You must file the following documents with your application:

• 24-Month STEM OPT Extension application checklist (not required for online application).
• Payment (choose one of the following): 
  • For paper applications: Payment Form G-1450 (for credit card payments) or Personal or cashier’s check, or money order for $410.00 payable to "US Department of Homeland Security" (do not abbreviate).
  • For online applications: Online applications must use Pay.gov to securely submit payment via credit card or checking/savings account.
• Form G-1145 (not required for online application).
• Form I-765. 
  • For paper applications:  USCIS frequently updates this form which changes the edition (date).  Your application will be rejected or denied if you use the incorrect form.  Before mailing your application be sure to verify that you are using the correct edition.
  • For online applications: The questions on this form will be asked throughout the online application process.
• A copy of pages 1 and 2 of new I-20 signed by DSO and student (do not include F2 dependent I-20s).
• Copy of recent I-94 arrival record (NOT your travel history).
• Copy of the front and back of prior EAD cards at the current program level.
• Copy of biographical page of passport (page with your picture on it) valid at least six months into the future (NOT your visa).
• Two passport-style photos (2” x 2”) 
  • For paper applications: Name and I-94 admission number should be written lightly on back in pencil placed in an small envelope.
• Copy of degree or diploma.
• Carefully follow all instructions provided to you when submitting your application materials to USCIS, and keep copies of all completed applications for your personal records.

For a comprehensive step by step review of your STEM Extension packet and instructions enroll in the Self-Guided STEM Extension Packet Review Canvas course. If your canvas account has been deactivated, please email issc@asu.edu with so we can place a ticket on your behalf.

If you are interested in Premium Processing, USCIS accepts Form I-907 requests at the time of filing your STEM OPT application in the USCIS online portal. Please note the cost is $1,500. For more information, please visit their Premium Processing webpage for details.

Discounted optional shipping through eShipGlobal

Tips for Avoiding Application Rejections, Denials, Delays, and Receiving a Request for Evidence (RFE) from USCIS:

• DO NOT submit your application to USCIS prior to 90 days before your program completion date. USCIS will cash your payment and deny your application if it is received prior to 90 days before your program completion date.
• USCIS must receive your application within 60 days of the date the ISSC signed your I-20 (date issued). If your application will not make it to USCIS within 60 days, you must request a new I-20 from the ISSC by completing the Replacement and Travel I-20 eForm through the ISSC eForm Portal, and choosing the “I-20 cannot be submitted after 60th day of issuance” option.
• Print, sign and date your STEM OPT I-20 in blue ink. Do not forget to upload your STEM OPT I-20 or it may result in a delay or denial.
• While paper applications are still accepted, USCIS recommends applying online. Online application benefits:
  • • USCIS receives online applications faster than the paper applications.
  • • You can see all notices, such as a request for evidence or decision notice, in your         USCIS online account rather than only waiting for the notice in the mail.
  • • In the online account, you can sign up to receive case updates visa email or text            message.
  • • You can update your mailing and physical address through your USCIS online                account.

If for any reason you receive a Rejection, Denial, or a Request for Evidence (RFE) Notice from USCIS, or if you receive your application materials back from the postal/shipping service, DO NOT resend the materials. Inform ISSC by completing the OPT/STEM USCIS Notice Upload eForm for further advisement.

Changing your Address while your Application is Pending:

Changing your address while your STEM OPT application is pending with USCIS may cause issues with your EAD card being mailed to you correctly. Even if you follow the procedures to update your address with USCIS, there is no guarantee that information will be processed by USCIS before the approval of your STEM OPT application and your EAD card may still be mailed to your former address. Therefore it is recommended to avoid changing your address once your application is pending, if at all possible. If you know you will be moving while your application is pending, we recommend you put the mailing address of a reliable friend or family member on your application.

If you must change your address while your application is pending, you must do all of the following: 

• Update your address through your MyUSCIS account
• File an AR-11 change of address form
• Update your address with USPS
• Update your Local Address through MyASU.

Note: You must update your address within 10 days of moving

Receiving your Receipt Notice and EAD Card while on STEM OPT Extension

Please remember, USCIS processes and approves your application, NOT ASU. Therefore, you should contact USCIS (1-800-375-5283) regarding application issues and/or delays. USCIS cannot change requested start/end dates nor can they change your completion dates. Once submitted, the only way to edit anything in your application will be to request USCIS to withdraw your case. You MUST speak with an ISSC advisor prior to requesting application withdrawal from USCIS.

If you submit Form G-1145, you will receive notification of application arrival (i.e., Receipt Notice) via text and/or email within 72 hours, and you will also receive a paper Notice of Action (i.e., receipt notice) from USCIS within four weeks of filing.  If you filed online, you will receive your receipt notice and receipt number instantly through myUSCIS upon submission of your application. You will receive your EAD Card approximately two weeks after USCIS approves your application.

• The receipt number printed on the receipt notice, text, or email will allow you to track your application’s progress using USCIS’s website.
• If you filed a paper application and have not received your receipt notice within 30 days, please email lockboxsupport@uscis.dhs.gov and include the tracking information of your delivery confirmation.
• It takes approximately 90 days to process a STEM OPT Extension application. You may check the USCIS website for current processing times. If your application is taking longer than the posted processing time you may submit an inquiry for a case outside normal processing time with USCIS.
• If your application is still processing after their currently posted processing times, you may submit a case inquiry with USCIS regarding their delay in processing times.

Changing Employer while STEM application is pending (and Post-OPT still active)

To avoid complications or delays with the STEM OPT Extension application, ISSC recommends that you do not travel or change employers while your STEM OPT Extension application is pending. If a change in employment is unavoidable, you must complete the following:

1. Log into your SEVP Portal account and update your current Post-OPT employment
   1. Correct your current employer’s end date.
   2. Input your new employer’s information.
2. Submit a form I-983 for the new STEM employer. 

   1. Go to the MyISSC eForm Portal, click on F-1 Practical Training on the left side bar, click on 5. STEM OPT Extension: Reporting, and choose the STEM OPT Employment Update eForm

      For the question “Is your STEM Extension application still pending with USCIS?” make sure to select “yes” and then choose the option of “Change to a new job – STEM OPT still pending” and complete and submit the eForm

3. Your SEVIS record will be updated to reflect the reported changes and an updated I-20 will be issued. To update USCIS with your change in employment, upload your new I-20 in the Unsolicited Evidence section of your STEM OPT application in the USCIS portal.

Changing Employer while STEM application is pending (and Post-OPT ended)

To avoid complications or delays with your STEM OPT Extension application, ISSC recommends that you do not travel or change employers while your STEM OPT Extension application is pending.  If a change in employment is unavoidable, you must complete the following:

1. Submit form I-983 for the new STEM employer. 

   1. Go to the MyISSC eForm Portal, click on F-1 Practical Training on the left side bar, click on 5. STEM OPT Extension: Reporting, and choose the STEM OPT Employment Update eForm

      For the question “Is your STEM Extension application still pending with USCIS?” make sure to select “yes” and then choose the option of “Change to a new job – STEM OPT still pending” and complete and submit the eForm

2. Your SEVIS record will be updated to reflect the reported changes and an updated I-20 will be issued. To update USCIS with your change in employment, upload your new I-20 in the Unsolicited Evidence section of your STEM OPT application in the USCIS portal along with a cover letter that includes information about your change in employment and the E-Verify number of your new employer.

    

 

SEVP Portal

The SEVP Portal is an important tool that lets F-1 students on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) meet their legal reporting requirements. Please visit the Create an Account page for specific instructions. 

The SEVP Portal allows international students the ability to report address, telephone and employer information to SEVP without relying upon their designated school official (DSO) to update their information. 

SEVP will email prospective SEVP Portal users important account creation information. However, the only emails the government will send students related to the portal are to create their SEVP Portal account or to reset their password. 

• The sender of the email will be do-not-reply.SEVP@ice.dhs.gov. 
• There is no cost associated with creating an account or accessing the portal.
• You must use your valid ASU email address. 
• SEVP Portal cannot be forwarded to a non-ASU email address. 

If you are having trouble receiving emails from the SEVP Portal, please check your My ASU profile tab to ensure your ASU email is not set up to forward. 

For more information, please visit the SEVP Portal Student User Guide web page.

While on the 24-month STEM OPT Extension, you must continue to maintain F-1 status by doing the following:

Check My ASU account and ASU email regularly for immigration updates.

The approval of your STEM OPT Extension will increase your allowable unemployment days by 60. This should be added to any unused unemployment days from your Post-OPT period. Do not exceed your remaining unemployment days.  Periods of unemployment occur when students have a valid EAD card but are not employed.

Upload a copy of your EAD card by submitting the STEM OPT EAD Upload eForm through the ISSC eForm Portal.

Report demographic and address information changes through the Optional Practical Training link in your My ASU account.

Review the accuracy of your name and the dates on the EAD Card and report any discrepancies to the ISSC immediately by email to issc.employment@asu.edu.

You must keep all original I-20s and all your prior immigration documents indefinitely, for possible use in the future. The ISSC does not retain students' original I-20s.

SEVP will send you reminders every 6 months to report your STEM participation to your DSO.  Participation is reported through the ISSC eForm portal. You will find the eForms associated with reporting in F-1 Practical Training > 5. STEM OPT Extension: Reporting. You do not need to email or call the ISSC to report your participation.

Complete two self-evaluations during the course of your 24-Month OPT STEM Extension period, which are on page 5 of the Form I-983. The first report will be submitted at 12 months of the STEM OPT start date and a second at the end of the STEM OPT period through the ISSC eForm Portal.  Evaluations must be signed by the student and their immediate supervisor, and then submitted to ISSC by eForm. Submit your document through the OPT STEM 12-Month Evaluation & Reporting eForm or the OPT STEM 24-Month Evaluation / Final Evaluation Form through the ISSC eForm Portal.

Updating/Changing Employers while on STEM

You must update the ISSC with any changes to your employment within 10 days of the change. Submit form I-983 for the new STEM employer along with the bottom half of page 5 final evaluation completed by your former employer. 

1. Go to the MyISSC eForm Portal.
2. Click on F-1 Practical Training on the left side bar.
3. Click on 5. STEM OPT Extension: Reporting.
4. Submit the STEM OPT Employment Update eForm.

Your SEVIS record will be updated to reflect the reported changes and an updated I-20 will be issued. 

Employment Restrictions

Types of employment not allowed:

• Volunteer/Unpaid work.
• Self-Employment.
• Part-time employment. Students must work 20 hours or more per week.

Guidance on Staffing/Consulting or Temp Agencies

Staffing and temporary agencies and consulting firms may seek to employ students under the STEM OPT program, but only

• if they will be the entity that provides the practical training experience to the student and they have and maintain a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student. 

STEM OPT participants may engage in a training experience that takes place at a site other than the employer’s principal place of business as long as all of the training obligations are met, including that the employer has and maintains a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the student.  As noted in the 2016 STEM OPT rule, certain types of arrangements, including multiple employer arrangements, sole proprietorships, employment through ‘‘temp’’ agencies, employment through consulting firm arrangements that provide labor for hire, and other similar relationships may not be able to demonstrate a bona fide employer-employee relationship and, therefore, may not meet the requirements of the STEM OPT extension. See 2016 STEM OPT Final Rule (p. 13079).    

As part of the STEM OPT extension, employers must complete the appropriate parts of Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. In this form, employers attest that:

• They have enough resources and trained personnel available to appropriately train the student;
• The student will not replace a full- or part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker; and
• Working for them will help the student attain their training objectives.

DHS will review on a case-by-case basis whether the student will be a bona fide employee of the employer signing the Training Plan, and verify that:

• the employer that signs the Training Plan is the same entity that employs the student and provides the practical training experience.

For more information, please refer to the DHS STEM OPT Hub.

STEM OPT students are permitted to use staffing/placement agencies to find a training opportunity. However:

• All STEM OPT regulatory requirements must be maintained, and
• The staffing/placement agency cannot complete and sign the Form I-983 as an employer, unless:
  • The staffing/placement agency is an E-verified employer of the student, and
  • The staffing/placement agency provides and oversees the training.

SEVP provided additional context related to staffing agencies on the Study in the States website here (Page 4, Question 7)

Read Federal Register for more information on the new ruling

Multiple employers:

A student may have multiple STEM OPT employers, as long as all conditions of the STEM OPT extension are met, including proper submission of the Forms I-983 for each training opportunity, the E-Verify requirement for employers and the stipulation that the student works no less than 20 hours per week for each employer.

Unemployment

The rule states that during OPT, F-1 status is dependent upon employment. Students who are granted a 24-month extension are given an additional 60 days of unemployment for a total of 150 days over their entire Post-OPT and STEM periods. During any initial 12-month period of Post-OPT, no student may be unemployed for more than 90 days, and 150 days total during the STEM extension period. Unemployment dates are cumulative.

From the beginning of the authorization date listed on your EAD card, a student should be working or actively seeking employment. If you decide to quit your job, or if you do not find a job, keep the unemployment rules in mind.

• Unemployment starts accruing from your approved OPT/EAD start date (this is the date listed on your EAD card) but you are not working.
• If you accumulate 150 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status. You are expected to leave the U.S., transfer to another school or change your visa status before the 150th day.
• If you have a job offer that will start after your 150 days of unemployment, we do not suggest taking it since you will be accumulating unlawful presence.  A student may be denied future immigration benefits that rely on the student’s valid F-1 status if DHS determines that the student exceeded the limitations on unemployment.
• Approved vacation from a job does not count as "unemployment" if you are still considered an employee there. 
• Jobs that are less than 20 hours per week will count towards the 150-day unemployment limit.

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60-Day Grace Period After the 24-month STEM OPT 

You are allowed a 60-day grace period following your 24-month STEM OPT expiration date to leave the U.S., change your status, transfer your F-1 to a new school, or pursue a new degree program at ASU.

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Early Completion of the 24-month STEM OPT and Leaving the U.S., or Change of Status

If you left the United States, submit the F-1 Demographic Update eForm through the ISSC eForm Portal with proof of leaving the US such as; the travel history page of your I-94, or the air tickets.  We will then complete your records. This update will invalidate your STEM OPT employment authorization, and your I-20 and EAD card will no longer be valid.

If you change your visa status before your STEM OPT expiration date, submit the F-1 Demographic Update eForm through the ISSC eForm Portal and upload form I-797A Approval Notice or other evidence you have received a new visa status.

ARE THERE ANY EMPLOYER OR LOCATION RESTRICTIONS FOR WORKING IN THE U.S. WHILE ON POST-OPT/STEM?

If you are authorized for Post-OPT, there are no employer or location restrictions; however, please choose a job that will have you work in the U.S., not in another country.  The job duties, not the job title or employer, must be related to your course of study.

WHAT IF I LOST MY EAD CARD?

The only way to receive a new EAD is by submitting a new I-765 and supporting documents (i.e., I-765, fee, letter of explanation, and I-20). It is impossible to replace an EAD card if you are outside the U.S.

If you need a replacement EAD card, you must submit the following to the Lockbox based on your current address:

• A new Form I-765

• The Form I-765 filing fee

• A letter explaining your request

• Copy of an updated I-20 showing OPT as approved

If you did not receive your EAD card that USCIS mailed, you can also submit an inquiry on the non-delivery of a card.

The ISSC highly suggests that you start working prior to returning your EAD card for correction so you are not unemployed while your card is being corrected. It could take up to 90 days to receive your corrected EAD card.

MY EAD CARD SAYS “NOT VALID FOR RE-ENTRY” ON IT, DOES THIS MEAN I CANNOT TRAVEL OUTSIDE OF THE U.S.?

This simply means that you must carry other documents to show proof of your eligibility to re-enter the U.S. such as your I-20, passport and valid F-1 visa stamp. The EAD alone is not enough to re-enter the U.S. 

CAN I ENTER THE US ON A DIFFERENT VISA STATUS AND CONTINUE TO WORK ON POST-OPT/STEM?

No. Do not enter the U.S. on any visa other than F-1 or you will lose your F-1 status and your Post-OPT will be invalidated.

CAN I TAKE CLASSES WHILE ON POST-OPT/STEM?

The primary purpose of Post-OPT/STEM is working.  Taking classes can be done as an incidental part of your stay.  Students are allowed to enroll in non-degree seeking classes. A full-time or degree-seeking program of study while on OPT/STEM is not allowed.

If you decide to go back to school full-time, you will need to request a for SEVIS transfer out from the ISSC to transfer your SEVIS Record and I-20 to the new school.

If you will start a new degree program at ASU, you need to request a new degree I-20 from the ISSC before the new degree program start date or before the end of the 60-day grace period following the Post-OPT/STEM expiration date, whichever is earlier. 

If you decide to transfer your record to another institution or pursue a new degree program, your Post-OPT/STEM will be invalidated once you receive the new degree I-20.

CAN I EXTEND MY POST-OPT?

No, there are no extensions of Post-OPT unless you are STEM eligible.  After your OPT ends you have a 60-day grace period to either change your visa status, transfer to another school, pursue a new degree program at ASU, or return home.   You are not authorized to work during the grace period (unless you have a pending STEM OPT extension application).

CAN I START A NEW DEGREE PROGRAM WHILE ON POST-OPT/STEM?

Yes.  However, if you decide to pursue a new degree program, your Post-OPT/STEM will be invalidated once you receive the new degree I-20.  If you will start a new degree program at ASU, you need to request a new degree I-20 from the ISSC before the new degree program start date or before the end of the 60-day grace period following the Post-OPT expiration date, whichever is earlier. 

If you will start a new degree program at another institution, you have to request for SEVIS transfer out from the ISSC. This must be done before the end of the 60-day grace period following the Post-OPT expiration date.

HOW LONG CAN I STAY IN THE U.S. AFTER MY POST-OPT/STEM ENDS?

You have a 60-day grace period after your Post-OPT/STEM ends to either change your visa status, transfer to another school, pursue a new degree program at ASU, or return home.  You are not authorized to work during this time (unless you have a pending STEM OPT extension application).

CAN I CHANGE MY ADDRESS WHILE MY POST-OPT/STEM APPLICATION IS PENDING?

Changing your address while your STEM OPT application is pending with USCIS may cause issues with your EAD card being mailed to you correctly. Even if you follow the procedures to update your address with USCIS, there is no guarantee that information will be processed by USCIS before the approval of your STEM OPT application and your EAD card may still be mailed to your former address. Therefore it is recommended to avoid changing your address once your application is pending, if at all possible. If you know you will be moving while your application is pending, we recommend you put the mailing address of a reliable friend or family member on your application.

If you must change your address while your application is pending, you must do all of the following: 

• Update your address through your MyUSCIS account
• File an AR-11 change of address form
• Update your address with USPS
• Update your Local Address through MyASU.

Note: You must update your address within 10 days of moving

WHAT IF THERE ARE ERRORS ON MY POST-OPT/STEM EAD CARD?

If your EAD contains incorrect information that is not due to a USCIS error, you must submit:

• A new Form I-765,
• The filing fee, if required (or a request for a fee waiver),
• Any documents specified in the form instructions, and
• The card containing the error.

If your EAD contains incorrect information because of a USCIS error, USCIS will make the appropriate correction at no additional cost to you. In these cases, you do not need to submit a new Form I-765 or a filing fee. Instead, you must submit:

• The original card containing the error,
• A detailed explanation of the card error, and
• Supporting documentation on the correct information. 

Submit this information to the service center or National Benefit Center that approved your latest Form I-765.

In either case, if they receive your application or request for a replacement EAD and you no longer have any basis for applying for an EAD or employment authorization, they will not return the card and will notify you that you do not have a current basis for applying for an EAD or employment authorization.

I AM LOCKED OUT OF THE SEVP PORTAL

If your password is entered incorrectly 3 consecutive times or if you have not logged into your SEVP Portal account for 45 days or more, the account will be locked automatically. You should receive an email from SEVP containing the subject line: Your account has been locked for too many SEVIS ID validation failures. Please follow the instructions on that email.

If you did not receive this email, try to reset your password by the following steps: 

1. Click on “Reset password,” then enter your ASU Public Email address (as listed on your My ASU Profile) and your SEVIS ID (It starts with N00 and can is listed on your Form I-20) and click on “Update Password.”

2. Next, check your ASU email to see if you have received a temporary password and a link from the SEVP Portal. If not, check your Spam folder.

3. After following the link, enter the temporary password as the “current password,” and set a new password.

If resetting your password does not work, submit the SEVP Portal Issues eForm found in the MyISSC eForm portal under F-1 Practical Training. 

CAN I SEND MY APPLICATION TO ANY SERVICE CENTER?

No. You must submit the POST-OPT/STEM application to the appropriate lockbox designated by USCIS. Please check USCIS’s I-765 lockbox addresses https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 by scrolling down to Where to file. To avoid this issue, the ISSC highly recommends all students utilize myUSCIS to file their application online.

DO DEPENDENTS OR SPOUSES GET A NEW POST-OPT/STEM I-20?

Yes, they will, however, you will NOT provide USCIS with copies of their I-20s for your Post-OPT/STEM application. Only provide USCIS with your I-20.

CAN I CHECK THE STATUS OF MY POST-OPT/STEM APPLICATION AFTER I SUBMIT IT TO USCIS?

Yes. . If you applied online, simply log into myUSCIS to check the status of your application. If you submitted a paper application, you must wait to receive a text/email or USCIS I-797A Notice of Action (i.e., receipt notice with receipt number), visit USCIS Case Status Online and enter your receipt number (YSC########). You can also call USCIS. Their phone number is 1-800-375-5283. Be sure to have your receipt number ready before you call. You can also set up an account with them. (When their phone prompts, your receipt number letters YSC = 972).

CAN YOU EXPEDITE MY POST-OPT/STEM APPLICATION?

The ISSC takes up to 10 days to process Post-OPT/STEM request. Our processing times can vary due to case load; therefore, cases cannot be expedited and will only be processed on a first come, first served basis, respectively. USCIS has an average processing time of 90 days; however, please visit USCIS’s Processing Times website for their most up-to-date processing times. If you are interested in expedited processing from USCIS, please visit their Premium Processing webpage for details. 

Can I change employers while my STEM OPT application is pending?

To avoid complications or delays with your STEM OPT Extension application, ISSC recommends that you do not travel or change employers while your STEM OPT Extension application is pending.  If a change in employment is unavoidable, you must complete the following:

1. Submit form I-983 for the new STEM employer. 

   1. Go to the MyISSC eForm Portal, click on F-1 Practical Training on the left side bar, click on 5. STEM OPT Extension: Reporting, and choose the STEM OPT Employment Update eForm

      For the question “Is your STEM Extension application still pending with USCIS?” make sure to select “yes” and then choose the option of “Change to a new job – STEM OPT still pending” and complete and submit the eForm

2. Your SEVIS record will be updated to reflect the reported changes and an updated I-20 will be issued. To update USCIS with your change in employment, upload your new I-20 in the Unsolicited Evidence section of your STEM OPT application in the USCIS portal.

Workshops

Attending the F-1 Student Webinar Series workshops on employment authorizations will assist you in understanding the eligibility requirements and application process of obtaining employment authorizations while on an F-1 student visa.

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled time, don’t worry. These workshops will be posted to the ISSC YouTube channel.

Job search | Volunteering | Internships

 

• Career and Professional Development Services
• Handshake
• Interstride
• Employment Opportunities

Your college may also have a career and professional development service.

Optional Practical Training

(Pre-OPT | Post-OPT | STEM OPT Extension)

Case Management Payment 

Applies to Post-OPT and STEM OPT Extension only

The OPT Case Management Payment covers the cost of SEVIS reporting compliance and record management for students participating in Optional Practical Training. ISSC will continue to maintain your SEVIS record and provide immigration and advising support.  Support includes biographical changes, address updates, dependent document requests, employer and employment information and updates, travel signatures and I-20 form

Pay Post-OPT

Pay STEM OPT

Refunds will be considered under the following conditions:

• Case Management Payment was paid in error  
• ISSC determines that student is ineligible
• Application is cancelled by the student prior to the issuance I-20

To request a refund please email issc.employment@asu.edu.

Application Tutorials

Self-Guided Pre-OPT Packet Review

Self-Guided Post-OPT Packet Review

Self-Guided STEM Extension Packet Review

Self-Guided Form I-983 Review 

Government Resources

MyUSICS: Students can now submit their applications online through myUSCIS eliminating the possibility of lost or delayed mail and allowing immediate access to all USCIS notices. Visit our main employment web page for the latest USCIS updates.

Form I-765 (Pre-OPT | Post-OPT | STEM OPT Extension)

Form I-983 (STEM OPT Extension only)

USCIS Ombudsman

SEVP Portal Student User Guide

SEVP Portal Overview