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Office of International Student & Scholar Services

Practical Training

Reporting Requirements for Students on OPT

Federal regulations require all F-1 students on Post-Completion OPT, STEM extension OPT, and in Cap-Gap to update new address information and their employment information within 10 days of changing. Please update this information directly through the SEVP Portal. Furthermore, you are also required to report the information to OISSS.

An updated I-20 with your employment information is not required, however some employers may request an updated I-20 for HR or other purposes. To request an updated I-20 that shows your approval and employer information, please submit a Form OISSS-165, Request for Reprinted I-20.

Post-Completion OPT Reporting Requirements:

You are limited to a total of 90 days without employment. The employment can be paid or unpaid, but the employment must be directly related to the field of your study.  OISSS suggests you to keep a record of all employment. For each job, maintain evidence of the job title, dates of employment, contact information for your supervisor, and a description of the work. It is useful to have these records available in case any questions arise during OPT or in a future immigration application, such as H-1B or green card.

STEM OPT Reporting Requirements:

You and your employer have STEM OPT reporting obligations throughout your STEM OPT training period. You must submit a report every 6 months from your STEM EAD start date even if your employment information has remained the same. Students who received a 24-month STEM OPT Extension are allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment for a total of 150 days over the entire period of Post-Completion OPT.  The employment must be paid and directly related to your STEM degree.  Again, OISSS suggest you to keep a record of all your employment. 

  1. 6-month Report: You must submit a report every 6 months to confirm your address and employer information from your STEM EAD start date even if your employment information has remained the same. Please use Form OISSS-160, OPT Reporting/Data Validation to confirm your address and employer information.
  2. 12-month Evaluation: You are also required to confirm your address and employer information and page 5 of form I-983 STEP OPT Training Plan (Evaluation on Student Progress).
  3. 18-month Report: Confirm your address and employer information via Form OISSS-160.
  4. 24-month Evaluation: You are also required to confirm your address and employer information and page 5 of form I-983 STEP OPT Training Plan (Evaluation on Student Progress).
  5. New employment or/and Additional Employer: You must submit a new and completed form I-983.
  6. End employment: If you end your employment or change visa status, you must also submit a final evaluation through submit page 5 of form I-983 STEP OPT Training Plan (Evaluation on Student Progress).