24-month STEM Extension OPT SEVIS Maintenance Fee

Students who apply for STEM OPT Optional Practical Training are subject to a $100 SEVIS maintenance fee. International Student Services maintains and continues to "sponsor" your immigration record while you are utilizing STEM Optional Practical Training. Whereas most employment visa categories in the U.S. require your employer to pay thousands of dollars to sponsor you and therefore may be cost-prohibitive, STEM Optional Practical Training allows you to pursue employment in your field without requiring employer sponsorship or immigration attorney involvement. The SEVIS Maintenance Fee directly supports the operations of the ISS Office so that we can provide you with optimal immigration compliance service.