I’d like to apply for STEM OPT on my own. How should I go about it?
I’m a student majoring in a STEM field in the U.S. I’d like to submit the OPT paperwork directly to USCIS myself — I’d like to know what documents I need to submit.
I’d also like to know when I should submit the OPT paperwork, and whether I can still work under my existing OPT if the STEM extension hasn’t been approved yet.
For OPT filing, you submit I-20 and I-765 together to USCIS. As for timing, you must submit the application to USCIS starting 90 days before OPT ends and before OPT expires. Timing matters, so make sure to judge it carefully, and also remember that you must submit within 60 days of the I-20 being issued.
Also, for an extension, even if the STEM extension application hasn’t been approved yet, once filed, you’re permitted to work for 180 days while it’s pending.