STEM OPT extension Reporting
Requirements
Students on active OPT STEM are required to report all employer and contact information within 10 days of any change and every 6 months (even if nothing has changed) through the STEM Reporting Form. You will need a completed, signed Evaluation of Student Progress found on page 5 of Form I-983 and instructions before submitting the OPT STEM Reporting form.
Your DSO will report your changes to your SEVIS record. Students should review their employer/contact information for accuracy in their SEVP Portal Account 24-48 after submitting the OPT or STEM Reporting Form.
STEM OPT Reporting Requirements
It’s important to use the STEM Reporting Calculator Spreadsheet to assist you in determining your required 6 month reporting dates during your 24 month OPT STEM period.
- 6 and 18-month OPT STEM Reporting: Complete only the STEM Reporting Form
- 12-month OPT STEM Reporting: Complete the STEM Reporting Form and upload the completed/signed Evaluation of Student Progress found on the top section of page 5 of the Form I-983.
- 24-month Reporting: Complete the STEM Reporting Form and upload the completed/signed Final Evaluation of Student Progress found on the bottom section of page 5 of the Form I-983.
Completed evaluations must be signed by you and your employer; electronic signatures are acceptable.
Changing Employers While STEM OPT application is Pending
- Confirm your new employer is enrolled in E-Verify.
- Confirm your new employer is willing to complete and sign the Form I-983.
- If you have started your OPT STEM period, you must submit submit a STEM Reporting Form and the Final Evaluation (Page 5 of the I-983) from your previous employer.
- If your OPT STEM period hasn't started yet, submit a STEM Reporting Form, the completed and signed Form I-983 for the new employer.
- Create a letter addressed to USCIS explaining your STEM OPT is pending and include your name, SEVIS #, STEM receipt #, employer,name, federal EIN, e-verify #. Sign the letter and email a copy to isss@siue.edu.
- ISSS will update your SEVIS record with the new employer information and issue you an updated STEM I-20.
- Download, save, print and sign the updated I-20 using ink. Electronic signatures are not allowed.
- Upload the updated STEM I-20 and letter to your online USCIS application in the "Unsolicited Evidence" section.
Changing Employers on STEM OPT extension after receiving approval
Students must submit a STEM Reporting Form and complete a Form I-983 (page 1-4) for the new employer and the Final Evaluation (Form I-983 page 5 only) on Student Progress for the past employer.
Change of Visa Status to H1B, PR, etc.
Students who have applied for a change of status should continue to maintain their F-1 status(including required reporting) until a decision has been made on their application and the new status becomes effective. Submit an STEM Reporting Form after you receive your approval notice to notify us of the change. For additional information regarding change of status to H1B please see the website for Cap-Gap.
