STEM OPT Reporting Requirements You Need to Know

The 6-Month Validation Report

Every 6 months during your STEM OPT period, you must confirm to your DSO that your employment information is still accurate. This is called a validation report. Your DSO will typically reach out to you via email when it's due, but it is your responsibility to complete it on time. The validation confirms:

• Your current employer name and address
• Your employer's EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Your job title and whether you're still in a STEM-related role
• Your current physical address
• Whether your employer is still enrolled in E-Verify

If you fail to complete the validation within the required timeframe, your DSO may be required to report you as not maintaining status, which can lead to SEVIS termination.

I-983 Training Plan Updates

The I-983 is not a one-time form. You must update it in three scenarios:

• 12-month self-evaluation: At the 12-month mark of your STEM OPT, you must complete pages 5–6 of the I-983, which assess your progress on learning objectives. Both you and your supervisor must sign the evaluation.
• Final evaluation: At the end of your STEM OPT period (or when your employment ends, whichever comes first), you must complete a final self-evaluation on the I-983.
• Material changes: If any material change occurs to your training plan — such as a new supervisor, significant change in duties, change in hours, or a new work location — you must submit a modified I-983 to your DSO.

What Triggers a Material Change Report?

You must report the following changes to your DSO within 10 days:

• Change of employer: If you leave one employer and start with another, you need a completely new I-983 from the new employer. Report the change immediately.
• Change of employer name or EIN: Even if it's just a corporate restructuring, report it.
• Change of physical address: Both your home address and your work location must be reported.
• Change of immigration status: If you file a change of status application, notify your DSO.
• Loss of employment: If you are terminated or laid off, report it immediately. Your unemployment clock starts that day.

Annual Self-Evaluation Requirements

The 12-month and final evaluations on the I-983 must specifically address: the knowledge, skills, and techniques you acquired; how the training related to your STEM degree; and whether the learning objectives from your original I-983 were achieved. Vague or generic responses can raise red flags during future immigration applications.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The consequences of failing to meet STEM OPT reporting requirements are severe:

• SEVIS termination: Your DSO may terminate your SEVIS record, ending your F-1 status and work authorization immediately.
• Unlawful presence: Working after SEVIS termination constitutes unauthorized employment and begins accumulating unlawful presence.
• Future visa impact: Non-compliance documented in SEVIS can trigger RFEs or denials on H-1B petitions, green card applications, or future student visa applications.