3) STEM OPT Extension (Your Time Multiplier)
Working on STEM OPT
Working on the STEM OPT Extension is more than just a job, it’s a supervised training program. Because the government is giving you an extra two years, they expect a higher level of accountability. Think of this phase as a partnership between you, your employer, and the U.S. government to ensure you are truly gaining advanced skills in your field.
-Reporting requirements (6-month, annual)
On STEM OPT, you can't just set it and forget it. You have to check in with your school's International Office (DSO) every six months to confirm you are still following the rules.
- You must confirm that your name, address, and employer information are still correct. Even if nothing has changed, you must report.
- The 12-Month & 24-Month Self-Evaluations are Big Check-ins. You must fill out Page 5 of your Form I-983.
- 12-Month: Fill out the Evaluation on Student Progress (top half of Page 5).
- 24-Month: Fill out the Final Evaluation on Student Progress (bottom half of Page 5).
- All reports are due within 10 days of your reporting date. If you are late, the government's SEVIS system may automatically terminate your status!
Free Resource:How to submit STEM OPT Validation Reports
-Material change reporting
If anything big changes about your job, you can't wait for the 6-month check-in. You must report Material Changes within 10 days.
- What counts as Material?
- A change in the employer’s EIN (Tax ID).
- Any reduction in your compensation (salary) not tied to a reduction in hours.
- A significant decrease in your hours (it must stay above 20 hrs/week).
- A change in your supervisor or their contact info.
- A major shift in your job duties or training objectives.
- You and your boss must update your Form I-983 and submit the new version to your DSO.
-Multiple employers rules
Yes, you can work for more than one company, but it is much more work than it was on your initial OPT.
- Each employer you work for must provide at least 20 hours of work per week. You cannot combine a 10-hour job and a 10-hour job.
- Each employer must be E-Verify registered and each must help you complete a separate Form I-983 Training Plan.
- You must have a "bona fide" supervisor at each location. You cannot be your own boss or work for a staffing agency that doesn't provide direct on-site supervision.
Free Resource:Can I Have Two Jobs on STEM OPT?
-Supervision and evaluation requirements
STEM OPT is defined by Work-Based Learning. The government wants to see that you are being taught, not just used for labor.
- Be aware that DHS may conduct site visits at your office. They want to verify that the training described in your I-983 is actually happening.
- Your supervisor must be someone within the company who has the expertise to oversee your STEM training.You and your supervisor are both responsible for the annual evaluations. This is your chance to document the "Asymmetric Upside" you've gained—showing how you've moved from an entry-level student to a skilled professional.
Free Resource: Employer Site Visits - What to Expect