STEM OPT Validation
SEVP - Student and Exchange Visitor Program requires all students completing 24 Month STEM OPT validate/report their STEM OPT employment every 6 months. Failure to validate your employment within 30 days of the due date may result in negative results of future requests to USCIS or auto-termination of your OPT authorization by SEVP.
Reporting Requirements
Validation: During the STEM OPT extension period, the student must make a 6, 12, 18 & 24-month validation report to the DSO that confirms the student’s current name, address, employer, and employment status are correct.
Self-Evaluations: Self-evaluations “Evaluation of Student Progress” (page 5 of Form I-983) are submitted to the DSO at the end of any employment and at the 12- & 24-month marks from the start date of the STEM extension. Not submitting a final evaluation would be a violation of the terms of Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students,” and may jeopardize the student’s nonimmigrant status.
Continued General Reporting: Any changes in the student’s legal name, address, employer, or employment status within 10 days of the change.
Required Materials
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For 12 & 24 moth validation Form I-983, page 5 “Evaluation of Student Progress” for 12 months and 24 month validation.
Procedure
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Log in to your My OPT Profile
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Click on “2. Requests”
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Under “What Can We Help You With”, see your request options, and click on the STEM OPT Validation Request.
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Complete the STEM Report Participation Request.
- Electronically sign the Report STEM OPT Participation Agreement
- Complete STEM OPT Reporting Questionnaire
- You will need to upload “Evaluation of Student Progress" for 12 & 24 month validation only. -
Submit STEM OPT Validation Request.
You will receive an email from the International Student Services office once your new I-20 is available in the International Student Platform.
Special Considerations
- Once you submit the STEM Validation Request, we will review and validate your employment in SEVIS.
- Failure to validate your STEM employment could affect future USCIS benefits.
To begin this request, login here: My OPT Profile
International Student Services:
E-mail: international@newpaltz.edu
Phone: +1-845-257-3595
