International Student and Scholar Services

STEM Information for Employers

This information is regarding the new 24-Month STEM Extension for F-1 students who are currently on Post-Completion OPT.

What Employers Need to Know

  • Student must be in a valid F-1 status and currently on Post-Completion OPT.
  • Employer must be registered with E-Verify.
    • Volunteering and self-employment do not qualify under the STEM rule.
  • When a student takes up new employment, the student and the employer must complete a training plan and submit it to ISSS within 10 days of the employment start date.
    • A I-983 training plan must be completed and signed by the employer and the student. This plan must be reviewed by ISSS. The plan must explain:
      • The specific goals of the training opportunity;
      • How your organization plans to meet these goals;
      • How the training is directly related to the student's STEM field of study;
      • Your organization's methods for evaluating the success of the training opportunity;
      • How your organization will oversee and supervise the student's training;
      • The student's compensation.
    • If a student is terminated, the employer must report this to ISSS within five business days.
  • Any substanstial updates to the information provided on the initial I-983, requires a new form to be executed, signed and submitted to ISSS.
  • Regular evaluations of the student must be submitted to ISSS. The student must complete the first portion of the evaluation page on the Form I-983 within 12 months of the listed STEM OPT start date. At the end of the STEM OPT extension or at the end of any employment while on STEM, a student must conduct a second, final assessment.
  • Employers must provide a Employment Identification Number (EIN).
  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is permitted to conduct employer site visits to confirm that the training plan goals are being met. Notice is generally provided to the employer 48 hours in advance of a site visit but may make unannounced visits if there is a complaint or other evidence of noncompliance.
  • Students' compensation must be commensurate to similarly situated U.S. workers and will not replace a U.S. worker.