Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM Extension Responsibilities

While on OPT you are still in F-1 student status and Miami University remains responsible for your SEVIS record. It is important that you uphold the requirements of your F-1 status throughout the period of your OPT STEM Extension. In order to maintain your status, you must do the following:

Automatic Extension During Application Procedure

Your employment authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the EAD application is pending, as long as your application was filed properly and in a timely manner. Your I-20 with the OPT STEM Extension recommendation on page 2 plus your (expired) EAD is your proof of legal status.

Reporting Requirements

 It is important to understand the reporting requirements during your OPT STEM Extension. The following are your responsibility as an F-1 status holder and failure to comply could result in the termination of your work authorization and legal status.

Address, contact information, name and employment changes

 Report any changes in address, phone number, email address, name, or employment (including employer name, employer contact information, and employment start/end dates) within 10 days of changes. Report this information to International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) using the OPT STEM Extension Report form in InterLink.

6-month SEVIS Validations

 You are required by USCIS to validate your contact and employment information every six months. Within 10 days of your scheduled reporting date, you must complete the OPT STEM Extension Report form in InterLink.

Annual Self-Evaluations

 During the period of your OPT STEM Extension, you must submit an annual self-evaluation. You are required to complete the first “Evaluation of Student Progress” portion of the Form I-983 (top of page 5) at 12 months after the listed STEM OPT start date. At the end of your STEM OPT Extension, and any time you leave a position, you must submit a second/final assessment (bottom of page 5 on the I-983.) Please note that you will need to submit all 5 pages (complete and correct) of the I-983 form.

Material Changes

You are required to report any material changes or deviations from your initial Form I-983 formal training plan by submitting a new, updated Form I-983 via the OPT STEM Extension Report in InterLink. Material changes may include, but are not limited to:

• Any change of the employer’s EIN
• Any reduction in your compensation that is not tied to a reduction in hours worked
• Any significant decrease in the amount of hours/week you’re working 1
• Changes to the employer’s commitments or your learning objectives as listed on the I-983

If you do not comply with all regulatory requirements and submit a modified I-983 when necessary, your employment authorization will be jeopardized.

 To access the OPT STEM Extension Report e-form, log into InterLink and select the “F-1 Practical Training” menu option.

Additional Rules and Responsibilities

Engage in at least 20 hours/week of paid and supervised employment that is directly related to your major area of study and commensurate with your degree level. Employment must be with a company or organization that is registered with E-Verify. You may not work beyond the end date on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD.)

Travel Outside the U.S.

If leaving the United States, an International Student Adviser must endorse your SEVIS I-20 for travel. Please note:

• Travel signatures on page 2 of your I-20 are valid for only 6 months
• In addition to showing your valid passport, visa and I-20 at the port of entry, you will also need to show your Employment Authorization Document (EAD/OPT card).

Unemployment Limitations and Ending OPT Work Authorization

Students granted an OPT STEM Extension are permitted a maximum of 150 days of unemployment during the total 36 months of OPT work authorization, including the 12 months of post-completion OPT. To maintain status, you are required to report any interruptions in employment within 10 days. If you are approaching 150 days of unemployment, you should prepare to depart the country, apply for a change of status, or prepare to begin a new degree program. Exceeding 150 days of unemployment is a violation of F-1 regulations and could result in loss of legal status. If you decide to discontinue your work authorization/F-1 status and leave the U.S. before the End Date on your EAD, inform ISSS of your decision and provide the date that you will leave the U.S. by submitting an OPT STEM Extension Report in InterLink. ISSS will “complete” your SEVIS record so that you do not continue to accrue days of unemployment.

Alternative Types of Employment Allowed on 24-month Extension OPT

• Multiple employers. You may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be directly related to your STEM-eligible degree program, each position must meet all STEM Extension requirements, and all employers must be enrolled in E-Verify and must complete the I-983 form with the student.

Not Allowed:

• Work for hire. This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship.
• Self-employed business owner. A student may not serve as his/her own supervisor onthe I-983 form.
• Employment placement through an agency or consulting firm.

Options After OPT STEM Extension

Option 1- Complete practical training and leave the U.S. within the 60-day grace period.

Option 2 - If you intend to enroll directly into another degree program within 5 months of your OPT completion date, you will need to submit a request in InterLink to transfer your SEVIS record to your new school before the end of your 60-day grace period.

Please note: Transferring your SEVIS record to a new academic program while on an OPT STEM Extension automatically terminates your work authorization on the day that your SEVIS record is transferred.

Option 3 - Continue working in a new visa status. If your employer is willing to sponsor you for the appropriate visa, you will need to take the steps to change your status prior  to the End Date on your EAD.

Your STEM authorization may be canceled or invalidated if you:

• Start a new degree program
• Transfer to another institution
• Change or end your F-1 status
• Enter the U.S. using any visa other than F-1
• Violate your F-1 nonimmigrant status
• Are unemployed for more than150 days during your 3-year OPT authorization period

Employer’s Responsibility

In addition to the I-983 Form responsibilities, your employer must agree to report to ISSS

within 48 hours if you leave your position. Your supervisor should provide your name,

SEVIS ID number (if available), and the date that your employment ended. This information may be submitted by email to international@MiamiOH.edu.

SEVP Portal

If your OPT application is approved, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)will send you an invitation to the “SEVP Portal”, which will allow you to view, and evenchange employer information. However, the changes you make in the SEVP Portal willnot update your record unless you also submit an OPT STEM Extension Report inInterLink and your request has been reviewed/approved by ISSS.

In short, creating and updating a SEVP Portal account is optional but submitting updates and validation reports via InterLink is required.