STEM Extension Reporting Requirements
Please note: A new I-20 is not automatically issued upon STEM OPT approval. If you would like a new, updated I-20 or require a new travel signature for re-entry (STEM OPT I-20 travel signature is valid for 6 months), please do the following:
Complete a STEM OPT Reporting Form.
- Select "STEM OPT Extension"
- Select "Option 1: I-20 Reprint for OPT/STEM OPT Status Updates"
- Complete any other required information on the form
- Updated I-20s will be sent by e-mail. In April 2020, the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its guidance, allowing I-20s to be emailed. Please print the updated I-20 and sign it in blue ink on page 1 for official use.
- Please allow 5-7 business days to process your request
When do you need to submit a STEM Extension update?
STEM OPT Reporting Requirements (pdf)
How do I report my STEM Extension updates?
There are some updates that you will need to submit through the SEVP Portal:
- Physical home address
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Limited employment details for current employer
Other changes to employment must be submitted as a request to a DSO. Follow the instructions below for "Changes in Employment".
During STEM OPT there are required reports that must be submitted to a DSO every 6 months. This cannot be done via the SEVP portal. Please read about each reporting period below.
How do I set-up my SEVP Portal account?
You will not need to set-up a new SEVP Portal account if you maintain the same SEVIS ID that you did for your OPT.
How often do I need to log into my SEVP Portal account?
You must continue to maintain an active SEVP Portal account—which involves logging in to the portal every 90 days and updating your password.
If you get locked out of your SEVP Portal account you must do the following:
The SEVP portal will lock your account after three failed attempts to log in to the SEVP Portal. Please use the "Reset Password" option on the login screen before contacting a DSO to unlock. If you still need assistance after you attempt to reset your password, please do the following:
Complete a STEM OPT Reporting Form.
- Select "STEM OPT Extension"
- Select "Option 2: SEVP Portal Help (Create/Unlock)"
- Select "I have locked my SEVP Portal account. I am unable to reset my password."
- Complete any other required information on the form
For further assistance:
Required STEM OPT Reporting
6-Month and 18-Month Validation Reports
DHS requires students on STEM Extension report their employment information every 6 months, even if the employment is the same.
6 months and 18 months after your STEM Extension start date you must log into the STEM OPT Reporting Form to confirm that your name, residential address, employer information, and employment status are current and accurate.
If you would like a new I-20 or have plans to travel outside of the U.S. and need a new travel signature to re-enter, please do the following:
Email: international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: STEM OPT I-20 Re-print
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email, and include a statement as to why the re-print is requested
- Updated I-20s will be sent by e-mail. In April 2020, the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its guidance, allowing I-20s to be emailed. Please print the updated I-20 and sign it in blue ink on page 1 for official use.
- Please allow 5-7 business days to process your request.
12-Month Validation Report & Self Evaluation
DHS requires students on STEM Extension to submit a self-evaluation of training progress at the 12-month point after the STEM Extension begins.
12 months after your STEM OPT start date, you must log into the STEM OPT Reporting Form to confirm that your name, residential address, employer information, and employment status are current and accurate. You must also summarize the progress you have made toward the training goals outlined on your I-983 Training Plan. To submit your 12-month STEM OPT report:
- Email: international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: STEM Extension 12-Month Evaluation
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email
- Attach: Page 5 of I-983 with "Evaluation on Student Progress" completed and signed by you and your employer
This must be completed no later than 10 days following the conclusion of the 12-month reporting period.
If you would like a new I-20 or have plans to travel outside of the U.S. and need a new travel signature to re-enter, please do the following:
Email: international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: STEM OPT I-20 Re-print
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email, and include a statement as to why the re-print is requested
- Updated I-20s will be sent by e-mail. In April 2020, the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its guidance, allowing I-20s to be emailed. Please print the updated I-20 and sign it in blue ink on page 1 for official use.
- Please allow 5-7 business days to process your request.
Final Validation Report & Self-Evaluation
DHS requires students on STEM Extension to submit a final evaluation of training progress at the end of your STEM Extension.
24 months after your STEM OPT start date, you must log into the STEM OPT Reporting Form to confirm that your name, residential address, employer information, and employment status are current and accurate. You must also summarize the progress you made toward the training goals outlined on your I-983 Training Plan. Therefore, you must also email page 5 of your I-983 (completed and signed by you and your employer) to:
- Email: international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: STEM Extension Final Evaluation
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email
- Attach: Page 5 of I-983 with "Final Evaluation on Student Progress" completed and signed
This must be completed no later than 10 days following the conclusion of the 12-month reporting period.
If you would like a new I-20 or have plans to travel outside of the U.S. and need a new travel signature to re-enter, please do the following:
Email: international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: STEM OPT I-20 Re-print
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email, and include a statement as to why the re-print is requested
- Updated I-20s will be sent by e-mail. In April 2020, the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its guidance, allowing I-20s to be emailed. Please print the updated I-20 and sign it in blue ink on page 1 for official use.
- Please allow 5-7 business days to process your request.
Changes in Employment
If you change employers while on STEM Extension, your new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you begin to work for pay. Changes in employment must be reported to the Center for International Studies within 10 days of the change.
To report changes in STEM OPT Employment:
- Email: international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: STEM Extension Change in Employment
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email, last date of employment at previous employer, start date of new employer
- Attach: Page 5 of I-983 with "Final Evaluation on Student Progress" completed and signed by you and previous employer
- Attach: New I-983 for new employer
A new I-20 is not automatically printed every time you make report or make changes to your STEM Extension. If you would like a new I-20 or have plans to travel outside of the U.S. and need a new travel signature to re-enter, please specify this in your email.
- Updated I-20s will be sent by e-mail. In April 2020, the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its guidance, allowing I-20s to be emailed. Please print the updated I-20 and sign it in blue ink on page 1 for official use.
- Please allow 5-7 business days to process your request.
Unemployment days: OPT and STEM OPT have 150 unemployment days in total, under the circumstance that the individual has not used any days of unemployment in OPT (90 days of unemployment) and STEM OPT (additional 60 days of unemployment). You are only allowed 150 total days over the entire 3 years (OPT + STEM OPT Extension).
Change of Status while on STEM Extension
If you change your immigration status (e.g. from F-1 to H-1B) during your STEM Extension, you are required to submit official approval of your change to status to the Center for International Studies.
If you are approved for a change of status while on STEM Extension, you must do the following:
Email international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: Change of Status Approval
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email
- Text: From what status to what status (i.e. F-1 to H1B)
- Attach: Proof of change of status approval
You must have the approval of the change of status, not the application for the change of status.