ISSS STEM OPT/AT Fee

STEM OPT is an additional 24-month work authorization available to certain alumni who are completing their initial 12-month OPT authorization. STEM OPT is only available to alumni on F-1 visas who graduated from qualifying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics programs (STEM). Individuals must have an ongoing paid position at the time they apply for STEM OPT.

Post-Completion Academic Training (AT) is a work authorization for individuals on a J-1 visa in a student category who have graduated from their degree program (or completed a non-degree program). The fee will only be charged for Post-Completion Academic Training (used after graduation) and will only be charged for a second request. Alumni submitting a second request are typically changing employers or extending their time on Academic Training.

The ISSS STEM OPT/AT Fee is to support ISSS’s workload, and it is separate from the USCIS STEM OPT fee. USCIS is not involved in authorizing Academic Training, so there are no additional filing fees. The ISSS STEM OPT/AT Fee must be paid before submitting the associated request through an alum's MyISSS account.

After you submit your payment, you will receive an email verification that you’ve paid this required, non-refundable fee. You will need to include a copy of the verification email when you submit your application to ISSS.