Please note all employers during STEM OPT must meet the following requirements, whether you are first applying for STEM OPT or whether you are changing employers during your STEM OPT period:

• The job is with an employer enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program. Check with your employer for this information if necessary.
  • • PLEASE NOTE : the E-Verify number is NOT the same as the EIN. They are two different numbers. You will need both from your employer.
• The job is not freelance work. No freelance is allowed during STEM OPT.
• The job offers at least 20 hours per week (this cannot be split up between employers, the requirement is that each employer constitutes at least 20 hours)
• The job will provide documented formal training and learning objectives directly related to your qualifying STEM degree
• Be able to complete the I-983 training plan with your employer and submit it to ISS at the time of STEM OPT application. Please review the I-983 form instructions for assistance.
• The job is paid. There is no self employment is allowed on STEM OPT.

Important! Self-employment, freelance projects, and unpaid / volunteer work is not allowed during the STEM OPT period.

You must meet the following reporting requirements during your STEM OPT period using the reporting forms under the "resources" section on the right hand side of this portal page. Failure to meet these requirements could have a negative impact on your F-1 status and on any future application for benefits from USCIS (change of status to H-1, etc)

Reporting requirements are outlined on the Study in the States website here and are :

• 6 months : validate that current employment information and local address in SEVP portal account are correct
• 12 months : complete and submit self evaluation of training progress by completing the "Evaluation on Student Progress" section at the top of page 5 on the I-983 form and have employer sign. Submit completed evaluation to ISS within 10 days of your 12 month STEM OPT period.
• 18 months : validate that current employment information and local address in SEVP portal account are correct
• 24 months : complete and submit "Final Evaluation on Student Progress" section on page 5 of the I-983 form to ISS within 10 days of your last day of employment.
• Ending employment with current STEM OPT employer : you must submit the "Final Evaluation on Student Progress" section of page 5 of the I-983 form to ISS within 10 days of your last day of employment.

Please review Alumni Employment Reporting on STEM OPT for next steps.

Can I change employers while on STEM OPT?

Yes, you can, as long as you meet the requirements listed below.

• You must complete the final evaluation section of the I-983 training plan to close out your previous employer information within 10 days of leaving that job.
• Your new employer must be enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program before you begin working.
• Your new employer must meet all requirements listed above in the STEM OPT Employer Requirements section of this page
• You will need to submit a new completed I-983 training plan to ISS within 10 days starting the new job, including all required signatures from the employer.

Use the Report STEM OPT I-983 Update form on the right hand side of the page under "Resources" to submit the required forms to ISS.