UMD: A Globally Connected University
Employer HUB for STEM OPT
Employer HUB for STEM OPT
If you are an employer who wants to provide a practical training opportunity to a STEM OPT student during his or her extension you have reporting responsibilities to USCIS.
- Be enrolled in E-verify and remain in good standing.
- Employers are required to notify the Designated School Official at the school who recommended OPT when employment is terminated
- Reporting termination of employment: Provide student's last day of employment with your company.
- Reporting of employee who has not reported to work in the last 5 days with prior approval: Provide employee's last day of physical presence at job.
To report termination of a UMD F1 alumni on STEM OPT, click here.
- Provide an OPT opportunity that is commensurate with those of similarly situated U.S. workers in duties, hours, and compensation.
- Implement a formal training program to augment the student's academic learning through practical experience.
- Complete the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. || See Sample I-983 Form
- Agree to possible site visits from U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement
- Reporting material changes or deviations from original I-983
- Reporting a material change on the I-983: A new I-983 is required when making changes in the following areas: Employers name or address, decrease in student’s compensation, reduction in hours worked to less than 20 hours a week. Please work with the Employee to update the I-983. The employee will submit the new I-983 to University of Maryland, via our I-Terp system.
Helpful Resources for Employers
- Sample I-983 Form
- Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States - Information on STEM OPT Reporting Requirements
- Department of Homeland Security's Study in the States - OPT Frequently Asked Questions
- USCIS - STEM OPT Employer Responsibilities