ISSS STEM OPT Maintenance Fee

The STEM OPT Extension is a 24-month work authorization for individuals working in STEM fields. Eligible individuals can apply for the extension as they approach the end of their initial 12-month Optional Practical Training period, and the ISSS fee must be paid before the ISSS OPT STEM Request is submitted.

The ISSS STEM OPT Maintenance Fee is to support ISSS’s workload, and it is separate from the USCIS STEM OPT fee. For more information, review z.umn.edu/stemopt.

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.