SEVP Online STEM OPT Hub and Resources on DHS Final Rule
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) released a STEM OPT hub page on the Study in the States website, to help school officials, students, and employers understand the new DHS final rule on OPT for F-1 students. The website includes a transition plan and training plan, as well as FAQs. This resource page includes links to information found on the STEM OPT webpage, as well as resources from other sources.
May 10, 2016
A DHS blog post published on the Study in the States website contains links to helpful resources, including a one-pager that illustrates how designated school officials (DSOs), students, and employers must comply with reporting requirements under the new rule.
April 14, 2016
ICE provides a SEVP special report on STEM OPT, including Frequently Asked Questions.
April 29, 2016
ICE provided the following handouts from the April 29, 2016, SEVIS STEM OPT webinar:
- F-1 OPT-STEM Extension SEVIS User Guide
- Student Planning Tool for 24-Month Extension of Optional Practical Training
- STEM OPT Rule Implementation SEVIS User Guide
- Planning Tool: 7-Month Extension for Approved 17-Month Extensions of OPT for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Screenshots for the May 2016 SEVIS Release
- Webinar Slides: SEVIS Workarounds for STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Rule
April 14, 2016
NAFSA posts resources on the STEP OPT rulemaking.
- NAFSA website includes information and resources on:
- 17 to 24-Month STEM OPT Transition Rules
- SEVIS Readiness
- Duration of STEM OPT
- Filing Deadlines
- Students Who Have Not Yet Completed Thesis or Dissertation Still Eligible for STEM OPT
- School Accreditation and U.S. Location
- Eligibility for Second Period of STEM OPT After Higher Degree
- STEM Definition and CIP Categories for STEM OPT Extension
- Mentoring and Training Plan: Form I-983
- Additional Reporting Obligations
- Wages and Working Conditions
- Restrictions on Certain Types of Employment Arrangements
- Employer Site Visits
- E-Verify and EIN Numbers for STEM OPT Employers
- Cap-Gap Extension
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) released a STEM OPT hub page on the Study in the States website, to help school officials, students, and employers understand the new DHS final rule on OPT for F-1 students. The website includes a transition plan and training plan, as well as FAQs.
- Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
- Completing the Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
Visit the ICE Study in the States STEM OPT website or read the ICE press release on the SEVP website.
The Transition Plan section outlines what international students can expect during the next few months and highlights two categories of eligible F-1 students: