STEM OPT Extension for Employers

While the majority of the reporting requirements are the responsibility of the student, the employer plays an integral role in maintaining the integrity of the STEM OPT extension program. The employer’s responsibilities for STEM OPT are listed below.

• Be enrolled in E-Verify and remain in good standing.
• Report material changes to the STEM OPT student’s employment to the ISA within 5 business days.
• Implement a formal training program to augment the student’s academic learning through practical experience.
• Provide an OPT opportunity that is commensurate with those of similarly situated U.S. workers in duties, hours, and compensation.
• Complete the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. In this form, you must attest that:
  • You have enough resources and trained personnel available to appropriately train the student;
  • The student will not replace a full or part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker; and
  • Working for you will help the student attain his or her training objectives.
• Site Visits: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement may visit your worksite(s) to verify whether you are meeting the STEM OPT program requirements, including whether you are maintaining the ability and resources to provide structured and guided work-based learning experiences for the STEM OPT student.

STEM OPT Employers will be required to provide training, assist the student in drafting and signing the formal Training Plan and the self-evaluations, be subject to random site visits, and must sign and submit various attestations. This includes attesting that:

• The STEM OPT employment terms and conditions (including pay, hours, duties and benefits) are similar to the terms offered to U.S. workers in similar positions;
• The employer will report the end date of employment directly to our office;
• The employer has sufficient resources and training personnel available to provide mentoring and training;
• The employer will not terminate, lay off, or furlough any full-or part-time, temporary or permanent U.S. workers as a result of the STEM OPT employment; and
• The opportunity benefits the student in attaining his/her training objectives