OPT STEM 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.
Changing Employers while on OPT STEM extension
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.
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.
Change of Visa Status
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.