Post-Doctoral Scholars | International Programs & Services

Extension of a postdoctoral scholar position

The process to extend a postdoctoral scholar position varies depending on the visa status of the scholar. If your postdoctoral scholar holds an F-1, J-1, or H-1B visa, it is critical to plan ahead, as the process can take 90-150 days for approval by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Please follow the process below to extend the appointment of a postdoctoral scholar.

US Citizen or Permanent Resident

The department may change the end date for the scholar using a Status Change form. Human Resources (HR) will verify that the postdoctoral scholar has not exceeded the six year limit (total at Michigan Tech or elsewhere) for appointments.

H-1B Visa Holder

The department may change the end date for the scholar using a Status Change form. HR will verify that the postdoctoral scholar has not exceeded the six year limit (total at Michigan Tech or elsewhere) for appointments. The hiring department must approve extension for H-1B visa with HR and is responsible for the filing fees associated with the extension. Once approval is received, postdocs may work with Immigration and Visa Services in HR to extend their visa as needed. An individual who changes to an H-1B visa will lose any remaining OPT eligibility.

F-1 Visa Holder

F-1 visa holders will be recent graduates of a PhD program and they will be completing Optional Practical Training (OPT). The university who granted their PhD is responsible for maintaining and extending their visa, so the process will vary depending on where the postdoc completed their PhD.

J-1 Visa Holder

Scholars on a J-1 visa may request an extension on their visa up to the time limit available for their scholar type. Scholars may submit DS-2019 Program Extension form to IPS. The scholar must provide a letter from the department indicating the proposed start and end dates, along with documentation verifying financial support ($14,000/year minimum). Additional information and support is available from IPS. For approved extensions, the department may change the end date for the postdoc using a Status Change form. HR will verify that the postdoctoral scholar has not exceeded the six year limit (total at Michigan Tech or elsewhere) for appointments.

If the postdoc does not qualify for an extension, the hiring department must approve sponsorship for an H-1B visa with HR and is responsible for the filing fees of this visa. Once approval is received, the postdoc may pursue changing to an H-1B visa at Michigan Tech with Immigration and Visa Services in HR.

Postdocs who completed their PhD at Michigan Tech

Contact Renee Ozanich HR to review the postdoc’s work to determine if it qualifies for eVerify under Michigan Tech’s federal grant. Qualifying work must be funded by a federal grant (ex: NSF, NIH) and be STEM focused.
1. If the postdoc does not qualify for an extension, the hiring department must approve sponsorship for an H-1B visa with HR and is responsible for the filing fees of this visa. Once approval is received, the postdoc may pursue changing to an H-1B visa with Immigration and Visa Services in HR.
For qualifying postdocs, the postdoc, in collaboration with their supervisor and department, must submit the necessary materials to IPS to receive an updated I-20. This may be done up to 90 days before the 12 month OPT expires. [See “When and How to Apply” - Step 1]
The postdoc, along with their direct supervisor, will complete the required 1-983 training plan. The 1-983 signing authority should be the direct supervisor or the head of the department. You will need to obtain the Michigan Tech EIN number, E-verify number and NAICS code from HR.
The postdoc will submit their updated I-20 and STEM Extension application to USCIS for OPT STEM approval. USCIS will review the information and approve the request or request additional information. [See “When and How to Apply” - Steps 2-4]
1. Approval by USCIS takes approximately 90 - 150 days. While an application is pending, the postdoc is eligible to work for 180 days after receipt by USCIS.
For approved STEM OPT extensions, USCIS will provide an EAD card to the postdoc.
1. Provide the I-20 and EAD card to HR
2. Submit a copy of the EAD card to IPS
The department may change the end date for the postdoc using a Status Change form.
HR will verify that the postdoctoral scholar has not exceeded the six year limit (total at Michigan Tech or elsewhere) for appointments.

Postdocs who completed their PhD outside Michigan Tech

Postdocs will need to contact their sponsoring university to determine if they qualify for a STEM OPT extension. If they do, they will need to follow their process to submit the appropriate paperwork. Michigan Tech provides guidelines for completion of the I-983 form that are applicable to all applicants. [See “When and How to Apply” - Step 1] The I-983 should be completed by the postdoc and their direct supervisor who oversees the I-983 training plan.

The postdoc, along with their direct supervisor, will complete the required 1-983 training plan. The 1-983 signing authority should be the direct supervisor or the head of the department. You will need to obtain the Michigan Tech EIN number, E-verify number and NAICS code from HR.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for an OPT extension at Michigan Tech?

In order to quality for an OPT extension through Michigan Tech, postdocs must:

Have earned their PhD at Michigan Tech,
Be funded by a federal source (ex: NSF, NIH), and
Be conducting STEM research.

How can my postdoc who earned their PhD elsewhere extend their OPT?

Postdocs who earned their PhD outside of Michigan Tech must contact the university who holds their I-20 and follow their process for a STEM OPT extension.

What if my postdoc can’t extend their OPT?

If the postdoc’s work does not qualify for a STEM OPT extension, the hiring department must approve sponsorship for an H-1B visa with HR and is responsible for the filing fees of this visa. Once approval is received, the postdoc may pursue changing to an H-1B visa at Michigan Tech with Immigration and Visa Services in HR.

When should my postdoc submit their materials to their sponsoring university for a STEM OPT extension?

Postdocs who completed their PhD at Michigan Tech are eligible and recommended to start their application with IPS 90 days before their current 12 month OPT expires. Postdocs who graduated elsewhere should consult with their university for their timeline and process.

When should my postdoc pursue changing from an F-1 to a H-1B visa?

If the postdoc is not eligible for an extension of their OPT, the hiring department must approve sponsorship for an H-1B visa with HR and is responsible for the filing fees of this visa. Once approval is received, a candidate can start anytime to pursue changing their visa type. In general, it takes 3-5 months to approve. Please consult with Immigration and Visa Services in HR to ensure that current deadlines and timelines are met.