24 Month OPT STEM Extension Fee Announcement July 1, 2016
On May 10, 2016 the USCIS issued a new rule allowing students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields to request a 24 month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training. Recent graduates in the STEM fields are now eligible to remain sponsored in Clemson University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) system for up to 3 years after graduation. During this 3 year period of time Clemson University will continue to maintain and update the SEVIS record to meet federal reporting requirements for recent graduates engaged in STEM including the services below:
- Review of eligibility for work authorization using the Form I-983 for new STEM employment or changes of employers
- Provide guidance and support for I-765 government application process
- Review of mandatory reporting documentation at the 6, 12, 18, and 24 month mark
- Updates to name, address, employer information, and employment dates
- Addition of dependent spouses and children to record
- Correction requests for data feed challenges
- Cap-gap extension for pending H1-B applicants
- Maintaining evidence of I-983s submitted during the 24 month extension
- Support with Requests for Evidence (RFE) from the USCIS
- Counseling students and employers on eligibility, process, and maintenance of status during the 24 month period
- Monitor OPT alerts and email students with compliance issues
- Provide students support with their SEVP Portal
- Reset SEVP Portal Accounts when students are locked out of the accounts
Effective August 11, 2014 a fee of $200 is charged at the point of initial application for the 12 month post-completion OPT program to cover services associated with the 12 month post-completion OPT program including required reporting, counseling, and record updates for the post completion OPT period (12 months).
Effective July 1, 2016 a fee of $200 is charged at the point of initial application for the 24 month extension of OPT and a second charge of $200 will be assessed at the 1 year point during the processing of the annual review. These two fees will cover the costs of providing the services listed above during the 24 month extension period of Optional Practical Training and are non-refundable. For more information on the 24 month Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM eligible students, please visit the link below: http://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/campus-services/international/employment-resources/extension.html.