If you participate in the STEM OPT program, either as a student or as an employer, please pay attention to these important updates from the USCIS. Both students and employers are now required to report any material changes to the Designated School Official (DSO) directly by submitting a modified Form I-983. This should be done at the earliest opportunity. Students are also responsible to report certain other changes, such as changes to their employer’s name and address to their DSO, and they need to do this within 10 business days. Employers of STEM OPT participants should be aware that they are given five business days to report a student’s termination of employment or departure.
STEM OPT employers and students should also know that the DHS is allowing for participants to experience training at a location other than the employer’s principal place of business, so long as certain criteria is met. Qualification for this special training opportunity will be reviewed by the DHS on a case-by-case basis. For more information, please visit the USICS or click here: https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/clarification-stem-opt-extension-reporting-responsibilities-and-training-obligations.