What employers must do to hire and retain STEM OPT workers, from E-Verify enrollment to training plan compliance.
The STEM OPT extension gives F-1 students with STEM degrees an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the standard 12-month OPT period. For employers, STEM OPT is a powerful tool to retain talented international graduates while exploring long-term sponsorship options like H-1B. However, it comes with specific employer obligations that go beyond standard OPT hiring.
The single most important requirement: employers must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire STEM OPT workers. E-Verify is the federal electronic employment verification system that checks work authorization against government databases. If your company is not enrolled in E-Verify, you cannot employ STEM OPT workers on the 24-month extension — there are no exceptions. Enrollment is free and can be completed at e-verify.gov, but plan for 1–2 weeks for account activation.
Employers must complete Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students) with the student. This is a detailed document that describes the student's learning objectives, how the practical training relates to their STEM degree, the employer's training program, and how the employer will supervise and mentor the student. The training plan must demonstrate that the position is more than just employment — it should provide genuine learning opportunities that build on the student's academic training.
STEM OPT workers must be compensated on par with similarly situated U.S. workers. While there is no formal prevailing wage requirement as with H-1B, the regulations require that the employer provide commensurate compensation to prevent undercutting of U.S. workers. This means paying a salary or stipend that is consistent with what other employees in the same role receive. Unpaid STEM OPT positions are generally not permissible.
Employers have ongoing obligations during the STEM OPT period:
USCIS and ICE may conduct unannounced site visits to verify that the STEM OPT student is working at the listed location, performing the duties described in the training plan, and that the employer is meeting its obligations. Prepare by keeping a copy of the I-983 and E-Verify documentation at the worksite. Inform reception or front desk staff that government representatives may visit to verify STEM OPT employment.
STEM OPT gives employers up to 36 total months of OPT work authorization with a valued employee. This provides three chances at the H-1B lottery (years one, two, and three), time to evaluate the employee before committing to H-1B sponsorship, and a known, trained worker who is already productive. Many employers use STEM OPT as a bridge to H-1B sponsorship, filing H-1B petitions while the employee continues working under OPT authorization.
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Search H-1B Sponsors on Wisa →You cannot employ STEM OPT extension workers without E-Verify enrollment. The standard 12-month OPT does not require E-Verify, but the 24-month STEM extension does. Enroll at e-verify.gov — the process is free and takes about 1–2 weeks. Plan ahead if you know you will be hiring STEM OPT graduates.
Yes, but the worksite must be accurately reflected on the I-983 training plan. If the student works from a home office, that address should be included. Remote work does not change any of the employer's obligations regarding supervision, training plan compliance, or compensation requirements.
Material changes to the employment — including significant changes in job duties, hours, compensation, or worksite — require an updated I-983 training plan. The student must report changes to their DSO and submit the modified training plan. Minor changes in day-to-day tasks do not require an update, but when in doubt, update the I-983.
No. STEM OPT requires a bona fide employer-employee relationship. The employer must have sufficient control over the student's work, including supervision and evaluation. Independent contractor arrangements do not satisfy this requirement. Staffing agencies can qualify if they maintain the direct employer-employee relationship and meet all training plan obligations.