News

Participating in the STEM Extension of Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT Extension) is an opportunity for F-1 students to gain valuable professional experience in their field of study. Along with that opportunity comes an important responsibility: ensuring that all employment information reported to the ISSC, the SEVP Portal, and/or U.S. government agencies is complete, accurate, and truthful.

Federal agencies have recently increased scrutiny of reported STEM OPT Extension employment and announced investigations into suspected fraud involving employers and employment records. While the reporting requirements for the STEM OPT Extension have not changed, maintaining accurate records and reporting employment honestly is more important than ever. 

You are responsible for ensuring that all employment reported during the STEM OPT Extension is legitimate, directly related to your major field of study, and meets all applicable STEM OPT requirements.
 

Providing false or misleading employment information—including inaccurate job duties, employer information, work location, hours worked, supervision, or supporting documentation—may result in serious immigration consequences. Federal agencies may take actions including but not limited to SEVIS termination, the denial of future immigration benefits, or the denial of entry to the U.S .
 

Reporting responsibilities for students and employers increase on the STEM OPT Extension from Post OPT. Keep in mind that you and/or your employer working together are responsible for:

• Completing the Form I-983 and adhering to the Training Plan you and your employer agree to
• Reviewing your I-983 frequently, and submitting changes to ISSC via our Employment Update eForm when a new I-983 is required
• Reporting the end of a position by submitting the I-983 Final Evaluation to the ISSC
• Following all reporting requirements for every position you have, if you are working for multiple employers
• Submitting validation reports every six months during your STEM OPT Extension, including the Annual Self-Evaluation after one year and a Final Evaluation after the full two years, to ISSC via our Reporting eForm (ISSC will finalize these reports in SEVIS) 
   

Keep in Mind: Form I-983 is a formal, binding agreement between you and your employer. Both you and your employer are required to follow the Training Plan, and to report updates by submitting a new I-983 if the plan changes. 

Fraud is not limited to fake companies or completely fabricated employment. It can also include providing inaccurate or misleading information about otherwise legitimate employment.
 

Examples include:

• Reporting employment that does not exist.
• Misrepresenting job duties to make a position appear related to your major.
• Reporting incorrect employment dates, work location, employer information, or hours worked.
• Submitting altered or fraudulent documentation.
• Continuing to report employment after it has ended.
• Allowing someone else to submit false information on your behalf.
   

Even information that seems minor can have significant consequences if reviewed by a U.S. government agency.

Remember: If you file with USCIS for your STEM OPT Extension on time, you are granted an automatic 180 day extension to your work authorization. However, if you have not received your STEM EAD card before the end of the extension, you cannot continue to work until you receive the new EAD. ISSC recommends submitting a Final Evaluation of your I-983 if this happens to verify you are not working. 
 

Remember, reporting employment information is only one part of maintaining your F-1 status while on the STEM OPT Extension. You are responsible for ensuring that your employment is legitimate, meets STEM OPT Extension requirements, and is accurately reported. Things to consider:

• Reporting employment to the ISSC does not confirm that the position meets STEM OPT Extension requirements. You are responsible for ensuring that every position you report qualifies as valid STEM OPT Extension employment.
• The ISSC can explain STEM OPT Extension regulations, but we cannot determine whether a particular position ultimately qualifies as valid STEM OPT employment. That determination may be made by U.S. government agencies such as USCIS, CBP, or the U.S. Department of State.
• Be cautious of arrangements that seem too good to be true. If an opportunity promises to help you avoid unemployment days without requiring legitimate work or encourages you to report inaccurate information, proceed with caution. Employment arrangements based on inaccurate reporting or misleading information may place your immigration status at risk. 
   

Most international students successfully complete the STEM OPT Extension while maintaining compliance with immigration regulations. You can help protect your F-1 status and future immigration benefits by:

• Reporting only legitimate employment that meets STEM OPT Extension requirements, including:
  • Work that is compensated
  • Work that is recorded in a Training Plan of Form I-983, which is checked frequently and updated as needed
  • Work that is done for an employer that you, as the employee, have a bona fide relationship with (no multiple employer relationships for the same position)
• Ensuring all reported information is complete, accurate, and truthful.
• Keeping documentation such as offer letters, job descriptions, and other employment records, especially any and all I-983 forms.
• Reporting employment changes within the required 10-day timeframe. Remember that the majority of reporting on the STEM OPT Extension goes through ISSC, not your SEVP Portal.
• Submitting a Final Evaluation with an employer signature if you end a position. Remember, if an employer signs Form I-983, they are obligated to sign the Final Evaluation when employment ends!
• Seeking guidance if you are unsure about an employment opportunity or reporting requirement.
   

Your full employment history from the time you started as a student, especially while on the STEM OPT Extension, may become part of future immigration applications, including applications for future visas or other immigration benefits. Taking the time now to report your employment accurately, maintain supporting documentation, and comply with STEM OPT Extension requirements can help protect your immigration record now and in the future. 

Protecting your future starts with the decisions you make today. Report honestly, keep good records, and ask questions when unsure.