IMPORTANT NOTICE
On March 23, 2018, the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) launched the SEVP Portal for students on OPT. On March 23, 2018 or Day 1 of your Approved OPT (whichever is later), you will receive an email from SEVP with instructions on how to create an account. This is optional. The SEVP Portal will NOT replace our student reporting requirement. We ask that ALL PSU students on STEM OPT continue to report to PSU for all STEM OPT reporting requirements.
STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT)
STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) is a 24-month extension to the employment authorization by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) that allows International (F-1) students who have participated in the 12-month OPT to continue their practical work experience in the United States in their field of study.
PSU Career Services provides guidance to students seeking to apply for STEM OPT. Questions about STEM OPT application? Questions about reporting requirements? From start to end, no matter which stage of your STEM OPT is at, we are here to help! Please contact Career Services (E219).
STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial
STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial provides valuable information for the students regarding how to prepare your application materials for submission to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). It is essential the student view this tutorial prior to submitting all documentations to Career Services.
Update: USCIS has updated the instructions and form I-765 on January 8, 2021 with additional questions. The tutorial may assist the students to navigate through most of the questions on form I-765. Please refer to the USCIS website for the latest instruction and form.
Reporting Requirements
Student's Reporting Requirements
During your STEM OPT period, you need to update your address and employment information to Career Services. If you are employed, you are required to submit your Annual Evaluation of Student Progress. The following information must be reported to Career Services during the STEM OPT period of authorization within 10 days of any changes:
- Your name
- Your residential address
- Your phone and email address
- Employer(s) name
- Employer(s) address
- Job Title(s)
- Start and/or end dates of employment
- Any periods of unemployment
- Date of exiting the U.S. (You must provide date of exit if you decide to exit the U.S and complete your STEM OPT status prior to the end date of your OPT)
- Change of status to another visa category
You are required to update this information within 10 days of any changes. Please be reminded that the law allows you to be unemployed for 150 days total during your STEM OPT period (this dates back to the start of your initial 12-month OPT period) and you will jeopardize your status if you fail to report the information to school as we will not be able to report to the government on your behalf.