» Maintaining STEM OPT Status

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The job must be directly related to the degree that qualified you for the STEM OPT extension.
The job must be a paid job, for at least 20 hours per week per employer.
The employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program and have an IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN); there must be a 'bona fide employer-employee relationship, and you may not be self-employed. Finally, the employer must have sufficient resources and personnel available to provide the training specified in Form I-983.
The job's compensation and working conditions must be 'commensurate with terms and conditions applicable to the employer are similarly situated U.S. workers in the area of employment.
Do not exceed the unemployment cap:
- STEM OPT: 150 days, which includes any days accrued while on post-completion OPT.

You will be required to submit several mandatory requirements throughout your time in STEM OPT. Follow the steps below to report on time.

Report the folowing changes within 10 days:
- Change of address
- Change of contact information
- Change of employer or job duties
  - Form I-983 from the new employer or updated job duties
  - Final evaluation (2nd section of page 5 of form I-983) for the old employer or duties
- Termination of employment
  - Final evaluation (2nd section of page 5 of form I-983)

Every 6 months from the start of STEM OPT, you are required to submit a validation report. You can expect a validation report reminder from SEVP via email 30 days prior to the report due date. Not submitting a validation report is a violation and may jeopardize the student's nonimmigrant status.

Students must submit ISS STEM OPT Validation Report before the due date.

6-month validation report
- Legal name
- Address and contact information
- Employer name and address
12-month validation report
- Legal name
- Address and contact information
- Employer name and address
- 1st self-evaluation on the progress (1st section of page 5 of form I-983)
24-month validation report
- Legal name
- Address and contact information
- Employer name and address
- Final self-evaluation on the progress (2nd section of page 5 of form I-983)

To report changes to personal and employment information or submit a STEM OPT validation report, complete the ISS STEM OPT Reporting Form.

Visit Travel on OPT for information if you plan to travel outside the U.S. and then re-enter.

International Student Services provides general guidance. Any advice provided to you by the ISS should not be construed as legal advice.

Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, government agencies such as USCIS/ICE/CBP may change their interpretation of immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. We will do our best to provide the most current guidance.

Each case is fact-specific and it is advised that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.

» Maintaining STEM OPT Status

Employment requirements

Reporting requirements

Validation report

Traveling on STEM-OPT

Contact ISS