Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math - Optional Practical Training (STEM-OPT) Extension

1. Submission for College Approval
   1. Complete sections 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the I-983 form
      • You may need to work with an officer in DISSA to complete Section 3.
      • Leave sections 4 and 6 blank in this first step of the internal review. (This will be completed through the DISSA office after the training plan and internal form are reviewed by the Office for Research and Graduate Education. See section 2.2 below.)
   2. Complete the STEM OPT Penn State Internal Form 
      • Work with your faculty advisor/supervisor to complete this form.
   3. Submit completed sections 1 and 5 (and others if you have them completed) of the I-983 form AND the completed Internal Form to Gretta Tritch Roman (gst118@psu.edu) for review and to obtain the required signature of the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Education.
2. Global Programs Pre-approval
1. Student/employee takes completed and signed forms to DISSA to an international Advisor.
2. DISSA will forward pre-approved form to Vice Provost of Global Programs who will sign the I-983 form.
3. Approved I-983
1. Student/employee submits the I-983 to the school that issued their I-20.
2. Questions about submitting the approved I-983 should be referred to the home University as the process for applying for a STEM-OPT I-20 differs from school to school.
4. Application for the STEM-OPT I-20 with DISSA
1. Student/employee will apply with a DISSA advisor (cannot apply for I-20 or STEM extension any earlier than 90 days before the end of current OPT period)
2. I-20 will be used to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
5. Semi-annual Review Process
1. Research and Graduate Education will need a new Penn State Internal Form completed and signed (by supervisor). A reminder for these reviews will be sent to you one month prior to the due date, which will be the anniversary of the beginning of the STEM-OPT period. 

Questions: Any questions regarding the I-983 can be directed to Global Programs https://global.psu.edu/scholars

Loss of Employment: The employer and student must notify the relevant Associate Dean when the student's employment is terminated for any reason before the end of the authorized extension period.