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STEM OPT Extension reporting requirements

While on STEM OPT Extension, you must continue to update your SEVP Portal in order to maintain your F-1 visa status. For in depth information on updating and managing your SEVP Portal, refer to Optional Practical Training reporting requirements.

Note that the STEM OPT Extension has additional reporting requirements, as outlined below.

Important Note

Failure to report your information could result in the automatic termination of your I-20 SEVIS record by the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) without warning. If your I-20 SEVIS record is terminated while you are still in the U.S., you may begin to accrue days of unlawful presence.

You should keep proof of employment for your permanent records.

STEM OPT Extension evaluation reports

DHS requires students on the STEM OPT Extension report their employment information every 6 months, even if the employment is the same.

6 months and 18 months after your STEM OPT Extension start date you must email international.studentservices@metrostate.edu to confirm that your name, residential address, employer information, and employment status are current and accurate.

Log in to your SEVP Portal to ensure all personal and employment information is entered correctly.

To submit your 6-month or 18-month validation:

  • Subject: 6-month Validation or 18-month validation
  • Text:
    • Personal Information
      • Last name
      • First name
      • Metro State ID number
      • SEVIS identification (ID) number
      • Personal email address
    • Residential Address
    • Employment Information
      • Employer Name
      • Employer EIN
      • Job Title
      • Start Date
      • End Date
      • Full time / Part time
      • Employer Address
      • Supervisor Last Name
      • Supervisor First Name
      • Supervisor Telephone Number
      • Supervisor Email Address

A new I-20 is not automatically printed every time we make changes to your SEVIS record. If you would like an updated 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.

DHS requires students on the STEM OPT Extension to submit a self-evaluation of training progress at the 12-month point after the STEM OPT Extension begins.

12 months after your STEM OPT Extension start date you must email international.studentservices@metrostate.edu 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 Form. This must be completed no later than 10 days following the conclusion of the 12-month reporting period.

Log in to your SEVP Portal to ensure all personal and employment information is entered correctly.

To submit your 12-month validation and self-evaluation:

  • Subject: 12-month Validation Report & Self-Evaluation
  • Text:
    • Personal Information
      • Last name
      • First name
      • Metro State ID number
      • SEVIS identification (ID) number
      • Personal email address
    • Residential Address
    • Employment Information
      • Employer Name
      • Employer EIN
      • Job Title
      • Start Date
      • End Date
      • Full time / Part time
      • Employer Address
      • Supervisor Last Name
      • Supervisor First Name
      • Supervisor Telephone Number
      • Supervisor Email Address
  • Attach
    • Page 5 of I-983 Form with "Evaluation on Student Progress" completed and signed by you and your employer

A new I-20 is not automatically printed every time we make changes to your SEVIS record. If you would like an updated 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.

DHS requires students on the STEM OPT Extension to submit a final evaluation of training progress at the end of your STEM OPT Extension.

24 months after your STEM OPT Extension start date you must email international.studentservices@metrostate.edu 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 Form. This must be completed no later than 10 days following the conclusion of your STEM OPT Extension.

Log in to your SEVP Portal to ensure all personal and employment information is entered correctly.

To submit your Final Evaluation:

  • Subject: Final Evaluation
  • Text:
    • Personal Information
      • Last name
      • First name
      • Metro State ID number
      • SEVIS identification (ID) number
      • Personal email address
    • Residential Address
    • Employment Information
      • Employer Name
      • Employer EIN
      • Job Title
      • Start Date
      • End Date
      • Full time / Part time
      • Employer Address
      • Supervisor Last Name
      • Supervisor First Name
      • Supervisor Telephone Number
      • Supervisor Email Address
  • Attach
    • Page 5 of I-983 Form with "Final Evaluation on Student Progress" completed and signed by you and your employer.

Changes in employment

If you change employers while on the STEM OPT Extension, your new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you begin to work for pay.

Changes in employment must be reported to International Student Services within 10 days of the change. You must email international.studentservices@metrostate.edu.

To report changes in your STEM OPT Extension:

  • Subject: STEM OPT Change in Employment
  • Text:
    • Personal Information
      • Last name
      • First name
      • Metro State ID number
      • SEVIS identification (ID) number
      • Personal email address
    • Residential Address
    • Current Employment Information
      • Employer Name
      • Employer EIN
      • Job Title
      • Start Date
      • End Date
      • Full time / Part time
      • Employer Address
      • Supervisor Last Name
      • Supervisor First Name
      • Supervisor Telephone Number
      • Supervisor Email Address
      • Employment Start Date
      • Employment End Date
    • New Employment Information
      • Employer Name
      • Employer EIN
      • Job Title
      • Start Date
      • End Date
      • Full time / Part time
      • Employer Address
      • Supervisor Last Name
      • Supervisor First Name
      • Supervisor Telephone Number
      • Supervisor Email Address
      • Employment Start Date
  • Employment End Date
  • Attach
    • Page 5 of I-983 Form with "Final Evaluation on Student Progress" completed and signed by you and your employer
  • Attach
    • New Employer I-983 Form

A new I-20 is not automatically printed every time we make changes to your SEVIS record. If you would like an updated 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.

Change of status while on STEM OPT Extension

If you change your immigration status (e.g. from F-1 to H-1B) during your STEM OPT Extension, you are required to submit official approval of your change to status to International Student Services.

If you are approved for a change of status while on STEM OPT Extension, you must email international.studentservices@metrostate.edu.

To report a change of status:

  • Subject: Change of Status Approval
  • Text
    • Personal Information
      • Last name
      • First name
      • Metro State ID number
      • SEVIS identification (ID) number
      • Personal email address
  • Attach
    • Proof of change of status approval official notice from USCIS