Maintaining Status during OPT

Once work authorization has been approved, all students are required to provide the OIS with a copy of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and approval notice. Students will have access to update information housed in their SEVIS record, such as, address, telephone number, and employer information. This access will through the SEVP Portal. Students will receive an email requesting that they create an account but only after their OPT request is approved and the OPT validity dates are current. Prior to the OPT validity dates, students should update their International Services Representative by email.

The OIS will require that all students create an account. The SEVP Portal will allow students to update their addresses, telephone, and view their employer information. Students granted standard OPT will be permitted to update their employer information. Students on STEM OPT will have to update their International Services Representative with regards to their employment/employer.

Students on Standard OPT Reporting Requirements

  • Unemployment time is not to exceed a cumulative of 90 days.
  • Employment must be related to program of study.
  • Changes in the following must be reported within 10 days of the update: student’s residential address, employer’s information, including employer’s name, employer’s address and any change to employment status, and phone number and/or email address.
  • Notify OIS of any change of immigration status.

Students on STEM OPT Reporting Requirements

  • Unemployment time is not to exceed a cumulative of 150 days for entire 36 months on OPT.
  • Employment must be related to STEM degree.
  • Be aware that every six months, any student on STEM OPT will need to report to their International Services Representative, confirming their name, address, employer’s name and address, and current employment.
    Tip: We recommend setting a reminder on your calendar every six months to contact our office with this information so that your information can be validated.
  • On the 12th and 24th month, students on STEM OPT need to complete and submit their self-evaluations to their International Services Representative. Failure to submit the 24 month evaluation could jeopardize a student’s immigration status.
  • Material changes will need to be reported if different from what was provided on the current Form I-983.
  • A new Form I-983 will need to be submitted if there should be a change of employer.  The new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
  • Loss of employment should be reported within 10 days of the termination.
  • Notify OIS of any change of immigration status.