University of Southern California (USC) OPT Fee Information
The University of Southern California (in Los Angeles, California) charges administrative fees through its Office of International Services (OIS) for STEM OPT extensions and Cap-Gap extensions, on top of the USCIS filing fee.
Fee Details
| Application | Amount | Refunds |
|---|---|---|
| STEM OPT extension I-20 | $200 | Non-refundable |
| Cap-Gap extension I-20 | $100 | Non-refundable |
| Post-completion OPT | The OPT page mentions no school fee | — |
From the STEM OPT page:
Students requesting a STEM OPT Extension I-20 from OIS will be required to pay a non-refundable $200 fee. This fee supports OIS services related to U.S. Department of Homeland Security reporting requirements and maintenance of status throughout the period of request and STEM OPT Extension employment.
From the Cap-Gap page:
Students are required to pay a $100 administrative processing fee* to OIS before completing the rest of the form.
The Cap-Gap fee is paid only once; resubmissions don't require paying again.
When the Fee Is Charged
When you submit a STEM OPT I-20 request in Trojan International, you pay the $200 first, and you can continue with the form only after the payment is confirmed. OIS reviews two things: whether your immigration record meets the eligibility requirements, and whether the employer EIN and supervisor contact details you enter match the Form I-983.
What the Fee Pays For
The website lists I-20 travel endorsements, review and processing of mandated reports, and continued access to advisors. The "DHS reporting requirements" are the STEM OPT student's duties to confirm SEVIS information with the DSO every 6 months, report changes and unemployment within 10 days, and submit a self-evaluation every year (see Study in the States). These are all record-keeping and reporting; none of them is verifying your employer.