If you’re an international student in the U.S. on OPT or STEM OPT, it’s really important to stay on top of your reporting responsibilities. To keep your F-1 student status valid, you need to follow the rules set by USCIS and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), especially when it comes to reporting your job details.
Whenever you start a new job, switch employers, or there’s a major change in your job (like your role or work location), you have 10 days to report it. This helps keep your SEVIS record (the system the government uses to track international students) up to date.
For students on regular OPT, you’ll usually update your info through the SEVP Portal. But if you’re on STEM OPT, you’ll need to work with your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) instead. You’ll need to provide your employer’s name and address, your job title, the start date, and explain how your job relates to what you studied.
If you’re on the STEM OPT extension, there’s one more step—you must fill out and submit Form I-983, which is your training plan. This form outlines your goals, who supervises you, and how your job ties into your degree. If anything changes in your job, you need to update this form too.
Missing the 10-day window or not reporting your job at all can get you into serious trouble. If you’re unemployed for too long (more than 90 days on OPT, or 150 days combined on OPT + STEM OPT), you could lose your legal status in the U.S. That might mean having to leave the country and facing problems with future visa applications.
So, even though getting a job is a big and exciting step, don’t forget to take care of the paperwork. Keep your info updated, stay in touch with your DSO if needed, and double-check everything regularly. Staying compliant now can open doors later—whether it’s moving to an H-1B visa or even applying for a green card.
