The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), within the Department of Homeland Security, requires schools to maintain certain information in SEVIS for all students currently completing OPT (Optional Practical Training). As an F-1 student on OPT or STEM OPT, you continue to be under Rice's sponsorship. As such, we must continue to maintain your SEVIS records accurate, so that you will remain in valid visa status.

This page includes information about the following topics:

• Maintaining Status on OPT
• Maintaining Status on STEM OPT
• Travel & OPT/STEM OPT
• OPT Forms & Resources
• Sample explanations for OPT reporting

For information on applying for OPT, please see https://oiss.rice.edu/opt.
For information on applying for STEM OPT extension, please see https://oiss.rice.edu/stem.

OISS is offering walk-in hours via Zoom to Rice-sponsored F-1 students for questions related to STEM OPT Reporting and the form I-983, training plan for students currently on the 24M STEM extension, or on OPT with questions about completing the form I-983. Students will be seen on a first come, first served basis, so you may initially be placed in a waiting room until the advisor becomes available.

Virtual STEM OPT Reporting and the Form I-983 training plan Zoom hrs. information:
Fridays, 1:00 -2:00 PM (U.S. Central Time)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://riceuniversity.zoom.us/j/97414474399?pwd=WjRCcEFMbUNKVlk1bnoyM2lBeWN3QT09
Meeting ID: 974 1447 4399 | Passcode: 995334

Maintaining Status on OPT

Provide copy of EAD card to OISS

Upload a copy of your EAD at http://bit.ly/oissdocs as soon as you receive it. A photo taken with your phone is sufficient as long as the image is clear and legible.

Maintain valid I-20

Once your OPT has been approved and you have submitted a copy of your OPT EAD to OISS, you may request a new I-20 to update the information on the second page from "OPT Requested" to "OPT Approved." Unless you need the updated I-20 earlier for international travel purposes, we recommend waiting until your OPT has started and you have updated your employment information in the SEVP Student Portal, to ensure that this information is also printed on the new I-20.

To make the request, please email OISS at oiss@rice.edu and indicate that you would like to have an updated "OPT Approved" I-20. If you are making the request before your OPT start date, please confirm the purpose the I-20 is needed (for example international travel). Otherwise please also confirm that the employment in your SEVP Student Portal is current.

During your OPT period, please make sure you have a valid travel endorsement on your current I-20 for any international trips. For options on how to secure a travel signature, please see https://oiss.rice.edu/student-travel.

Maintain employment – maximum 90 days of unemployment

You may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during your OPT. Please keep in mind that if you are employed and fail to report it, those days will count as unemployment.

Employment must be full-time

You must work at least 20 hours per week. You may combine multiple positions to meet the full-time employment requirement. Positions may be paid or unpaid.

Employment must be directly related to major field of study and commensurate with degree level

Please note that while reporting employment in the SEVP Portal, it is your responsibility to provide a detailed description of how your practical training opportunity relates to your major area of study. If the relationship is not clear, additional documentation may be required to demonstrate the connection.
See the OISS Online OPT Reporting Formatting Tool for assistance with proper reporting format.

Employment types allowed on Post-Completion OPT

OPT employment may include:

Paid employment: Traditional employment where you have an employer-employee relationship is allowed on OPT.

Unpaid employment: You may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern. You must be able to provide evidence from the employer verifying the specifics of the work, including dates and hours.

Multiple employers: You may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be directly related to your degree program.

Short-term multiple employers (performing artists): Music students and other performing artists may work for multiple short-term employers (gigs). You should maintain a list of all gigs, including the dates and duration.

Work for hire: This is employment where you perform a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. You should be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract period and the name and address of the contracting company.

Self-employed business owner: A student on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. You must be able to prove you have the proper business licenses and are actively engaged in a business related to your degree program.

Employment through an agency or consulting firm: You must be able to provide evidence showing you worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.

Please note that many of these types of employment no longer continue to be allowed during the STEM OPT Extension.

Report a change of address within 10 days of the change

Your physical address (i.e., the address where you live), should be updated in the SEVP Student Portal within 10 days of the change.

For more information on reporting requirements while on OPT, please see https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/opt-student-reporting-requirements.

Report change in employment within 10 days of the change

All changes to your employment (new position, new employer, end of employment, or remote work location) must be reported through your SEVP Student Portal within 10 days of the change. When reporting new employment, make sure to include a detailed explanation of a direct relationship between your job duties and your major field of study and degree level. To report remote work, please include the remote work location after the explanation of direct relationship. See the bottom of this page for the sample explanations provided by SEVP in their policy guidance, or use the OISS OPT Reporting Formatting Tool.

For more information on reporting requirements while on OPT, please see https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/opt-student-reporting-requirements.

Quick Tips on Reporting via the SEVP Student Portal

• You should not edit existing employer’s information when changing to a new employer or position, but rather add a new entry.
• Do not delete employer’s information if trying to update information, only delete if you never worked for that employer.
• Report volunteer positions only if they are directly related to your degree.
• Start of employment should not be backdated more than 10 days.
• Add do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov to approved email contacts to avoid emails from going into your Spam/Junk folder.
• Log in at least every 3 months even if you have nothing to report, to ensure that your SEVP Student Portal account stays active.
• You will lose access to your SEVP Student Portal 6 months after your OPT end date. It is recommended to make copies/take screenshots of your SEVP Portal records for future reference.

Report change in visa status or departure from the United States

Notify OISS immediately if you change your status to a visa type other than F-1, or if you depart the U.S. and no longer wish to maintain your F-1 status, by completing the online Departure Form at https://oiss.rice.edu/departure. Note: Once you change visa status to something other than F-1, you are required to update your address directly with USCIS (https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange), as your information will no longer be updated through SEVIS.

Timely request STEM OPT Extension, if eligible

Requests for STEM OPT extensions must be submitted to USCIS no earlier than 90 days prior to completion of OPT, and no later than OPT end date. For more information, please see https://oiss.rice.edu/stem.

Cap Gap Extension, if applicable for H-1B applicants

Request a cap-gap extension I-20 from OISS at https://bit.ly/ineedcapgap if you have applied for H-1B and your OPT EAD expires prior to the H-1B start date. OISS can issue an I-20 that will reflect the effective extension of your OPT work authorization period, if applicable. For more information on Cap Gap, please see https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/h-1b-status-and-the-cap-gap-extension.

Do not begin coursework at a new degree level, as it may impact your OPT

NOTICE: Per SEVP guidance, students engaged in post-completion OPT may not enroll in degree-seeking academic courses. Only recreational courses (such as pottery or cooking classes) are permitted. Violating this guidance can result in the loss of valid F-1 OPT status and accrual of unlawful presence. For more information, please schedule an appointment to meet with an OISS advisor.

If you plan to start a new degree program at a different school, please note that your OPT will automatically end on the day when your SEVIS record is released from Rice to your new school, even if your OPT EAD has not yet expired. If you wish to continue working for as long as possible, please discuss your transfer date carefully with an international advisor at your new school as well as OISS at Rice.

If you plan to start a new degree program at Rice, please note that your OPT will automatically end on the day when your new program starts, even if your OPT EAD has not yet expired.

Depart the U.S. within the 60-day grace period at the end of your F-1 status

You are eligible for a 60 day grace period if you have continued to maintain status throughout your F-1 status, including your OPT period. Following completion of your OPT, you must depart the United States within the 60 day grace period, unless you are applying for STEM, starting a new academic program, or changing your status to another visa type.

Please make sure to complete the online Departure Form at https://oiss.rice.edu/departure at the end of your OPT period.

Maintaining Status on STEM OPT

Provide copy of EAD card to OISS

Upload a copy of your EAD at http://bit.ly/oissdocs as soon as you receive it. A photo taken with your phone is sufficient as long as the image is clear and legible.

Maintain valid I-20

Once your STEM OPT has been approved and you have submitted a copy of your STEM OPT EAD to OISS, you may request a new I-20 to update the information on the second page from "STEM OPT Requested" to "STEM OPT Approved."

To make the request, please email OISS at oiss@rice.edu and indicate that you would like to have an updated "STEM OPT Approved" I-20.

During your OPT period, please make sure you have a valid travel endorsement on your current I-20 for any international trips. For options on how to secure a travel signature, please see https://oiss.rice.edu/student-travel.

Maintain employment – aggregate maximum 150 days of unemployment

You may not accrue more than 150 days of unemployment during the combined period of your OPT and STEM OPT.

Employment Authorization while STEM OPT is Pending

Timely filing a STEM OPT application automatically extends your work authorization by 180 days while you wait for the STEM OPT EAD. Please note that all STEM OPT regulations and requirements for maintaining status apply during this automatic extension period.

Employment must be paid, full-time, with an employer enrolled in E-Verify

You must work at least 20 hours per week and the employment must be paid. You may only work for the employer(s) with whom you have been approved to work under an I-983 Training Plan as reported to SEVIS. In addition, the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.

Report a change of address within 10 days of the change

Your physical address (i.e., the address where you live), should be updated in the SEVP Student Portal within 10 days of the change.

Submit mandatory validation reports and evaluations to OISS

During STEM OPT, you are required to submit a validation report every 6 months, even if your information has not changed. In addition, you must submit a self-evaluation signed by your employer within the first 12 months of your STEM OPT extension and at the end of your 24-month STEM OPT extension. Here is a summary of the submission timeline:

• 6 months into STEM OPT extension: Submit validation
• 12 months into STEM OPT extension: Submit validation & self-evaluation
• 18 months into STEM OPT extension: Submit validation
• 24 months into STEM OPT extension: Submit validation & self-evaluation

When submitting the mandatory self-evaluations, you only need to submit the final page of the Form I-983, unless there is also an update to your Training Plan, in which case a fully updated Form I-983 is also required along with your evaluation.

Tips to complete the self-evaluation (You may download the form at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/form-i-983-overview):
1) Have your Form I-983 training plan in hand and refer to the information previously provided when completing your self-evaluation.
2) Range of evaluation dates: The student self-evaluations are based on your approved dates for the STEM OPT extension, not your employment dates.
For completing the 12 month self-evaluation: The start date should be the same as your start date on your STEM OPT EAD card – unless there was a change in your employer while on the STEM OPT before the 12 months mark, then you must list the start date with the new employer. The end date should be at the 12 month mark of when your STEM OPT began.
For completing the Final (24 month) self-evaluation (unless there is a gap in your employment history): the start date should be the day after the end date of your 12 month self-evaluation and the end date should be the end of your 24 month STEM extension (as listed in your EAD card).
3) Signature of employer official: The person who certified to complete the required evaluations under Section 6. of your original form I-983 is expected to sign your evaluation.
4) If there is a change to your training plan since the original Form I-983 was submitted, please submit an updated I-983 along with your evaluation.

Report change in employment

If there is a change in your employment or the Form I-983 Training Plan, you must report it to OISS as soon as possible, but no later than 10 days from the change, using our online reporting form. Updated information may include, but is not limited to, remote work address, employer's name, address, or site information, EIN number, supervisor's contact information, etc.

If you are changing employers:
1) You need to confirm your last day of employment at your previous job.
2) You need to submit a final evaluation to OISS with your self-evaluation signed by your former employer at the conclusion of your employment. You only need to submit the final evaluation section on page 5 of the Form I-983 (see tips for completing the evaluation below the timeline).
3) You need to submit an updated Form I-983 to OISS regarding your new employment and the formal training plan that has been set for you.

All of this information and documentation can be submitted together using our online reporting form.

Information by DHS about changing employers on STEM OPT: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/dsos-stem-opt-reporting-requirements.

Tips to complete the self-evaluation (You may download the form at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/form-i-983-overview):
1) Have your Form I-983 training plan in hand and refer to the information previously provided when completing your self-evaluation.
2) Range of evaluation dates: start date of employment (time DURING your STEM OPT authorization dates only - please do not evaluate any time spent while on OPT, only the time during your STEM OPT) – end date (should be the last day of employment)
3) Signature of employer official: The person who certified to complete the required evaluations under Section 6. of your original form I-983 is expected to sign your evaluation.
4) If there is a change to your training plan since the original Form I-983 was submitted, please submit an updated I-983 along with your evaluation.

Quick Tips on Reporting via the SEVP Student Portal

• The only information you should update in the SEVP Student Portal during STEM OPT is changes to your address and/or phone number. All other information during STEM OPT should be updated by contacting OISS.
• Add do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov to approved email contacts to avoid emails from going into your Spam/Junk folder.
• Log in at least every 3 months even if you have nothing to report, to ensure that your SEVP Student Portal account stays active.
• You will lose access to your SEVP Student Portal 6 months after your OPT end date. It is recommended to make copies/take screenshots of your SEVP Portal records for future reference.

Report change in visa status or departure from the United States

Notify OISS immediately if you change your status to a visa type other than F-1, or if you depart the U.S. and no longer wish to maintain your F-1 status, by completing the online Departure Form at https://oiss.rice.edu/departure. Note: Once you change visa status to something other than F-1, you are required to update your address directly with USCIS (https://www.uscis.gov/addresschange), as your information will no longer be updated through SEVIS.

Cap Gap Extension, if applicable for H-1B applicants

Request a cap-gap extension I-20 from OISS at https://bit.ly/ineedcapgap if you have applied for H-1B and your STEM OPT EAD expires prior to the H-1B start date. OISS can issue an I-20 that will reflect the effective extension of your STEM OPT work authorization period, if applicable. For more information on Cap Gap, please see https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/h-1b-status-and-the-cap-gap-extension.

Do not begin coursework at a new degree level, as it may impact your STEM OPT

NOTICE: Per SEVP guidance, students engaged in post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extension may not enroll in degree-seeking academic courses. Only recreational courses (such as pottery or cooking classes) are permitted. Violating this guidance can result in the loss of valid F-1 STEM OPT status and accrual of unlawful presence. For more information, please schedule an appointment to meet with an OISS advisor.

If you plan to start a new degree program at a different school, please note that your STEM OPT will automatically end on the day when your SEVIS record is released from Rice to your new school, even if your STEM OPT EAD has not yet expired. If you wish to continue working for as long as possible, please discuss your transfer date carefully with an international advisor at your new school as well as OISS at Rice.

If you plan to start a new degree program at Rice, please note that your STEM OPT will automatically end on the day when your new program starts, even if your STEM OPT EAD has not yet expired.

Depart the U.S. within the 60-day grace period at the end of your F-1 status

You are eligible for a 60 day grace period if you have continued to maintain status throughout your F-1 status, including your STEM OPT period. Following completion of your STEM OPT, you must depart the United States within the 60 day grace period, unless you are applying for STEM, starting a new academic program, or changing your status to another visa type.

Please make sure to complete the online Departure Form at https://oiss.rice.edu/departure at the end of your STEM OPT period.

Additional information and FAQs

For additional information and frequently asked STEM questions, please see the STEM OPT Info Page.

Travel & OPT/STEM OPT

It is not advisable to leave the U.S. while waiting for your EAD card to arrive, as re-entry may be denied!

Travel Abroad and Re-Entering the U.S. while OPT/STEM OPT is Pending

Travel while your OPT/STEM OPT approval is pending requires extreme caution. While traveling before the end date on your I-20 may incur fewer risks than travel after graduation, it still may negatively impact your OPT/STEM OPT application and/or entry back into the U.S.

Please also see https://oiss.rice.edu/student-travel for more information on international travel.

Travel Abroad and Re-Entering the U.S. once OPT/STEM OPT is Approved

F-1 students authorized for OPT/STEM OPT can travel outside the U.S. and re-enter as long as they have all the following documents:

1. Passport valid at least 6 months into the future.
2. Unexpired F-1 visa stamp in the passport.
3. I-20 form stating "OPT Approved" and endorsed for travel (on page 2) by a Designated School Official within the last six months.**
4. Valid EAD issued by USCIS.
5. Letter of employment offer or verification (strongly recommended).
6. Employment information in SEVIS updated via SEVP Student Portal (strongly recommended).

**Once your OPT has been approved and you have submitted a copy of your OPT EAD to OISS, you may request a new I-20 to update the information on the second page from "OPT Requested" to "OPT Approved." Unless you need the updated I-20 earlier for international travel purposes, we recommend waiting until your OPT has started and you have updated your employment information in the SEVP Student Portal, to ensure that this information is also printed on the new I-20.

To make the request, please email OISS at oiss@rice.edu and indicate that you would like to have an updated "OPT Approved" I-20. If you are making the request before your OPT start date, please confirm the purpose the I-20 is needed (for international travel please include estimated travel dates). Otherwise please also confirm that the employment in your SEVP Student Portal is current.

Please also see https://oiss.rice.edu/student-travel for more information on international travel.

OPT Forms & Resources

F-1 OPT Info Page

This website provides information on Post-Completion OPT, a link to the OPT Tutorial Canvas Course, important resources, and instructions on how to apply: https://oiss.rice.edu/opt.

F-1 STEM OPT Info Page

This website provides information on the 24-month STEM extension, important resources, as well as the STEM Extension Tutorial and instructions on how to apply: https://oiss.rice.edu/stem.

STEM Designated Degree Programs

A list of majors that currently qualify as a STEM major is available at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/additional-resources/eligible-cip-codes-for-the-stem-opt-extension.

To confirm if your major is eligible for the STEM OPT extension, please refer to the 6-digit CIP code for your major (format xx.xxxx) that is listed on the first page of your I-20 in the Program of Study section. If the CIP code on your I-20 is included on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, it is eligible for the STEM OPT extension.

If you would like to check if a different program at Rice qualifies for the STEM OPT extension, you can find the assigned CIP code in the General Announcements: https://ga.rice.edu/programs-study/. Select the program you are interested in, and click on Codes at the top of the page to see the CIP code for each major.

SEVP Student Portal

More information and Frequently Asked Questions available at SEVP Student Portal.

OISS Online OPT Reporting Formatting Tool

If you need assistance in making sure that your OPT reporting includes all the required information, you are welcome to use the OISS Online OPT Reporting Formatting Tool.

Request Form for Cap Gap I-20

If you were selected in the H-1B lottery, and need a cap gap extension because your OPT expires before the H-1B start date, you can request for a cap gap I-20 at https://bit.ly/ineedcapgap.

Social Security Number

For more information about applying for a Social Security Number, please see https://oiss.rice.edu/ssn.

OPT Pre-employment Tax Support

More information on a resource provided by Sprintax to assist you in completing your W-4 is available at https://oiss.rice.edu/cpt-opt-tax.

Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9 form)

A form entitled “Employment Eligibility Verification” (USCIS Form I-9) must be completed by any new employee no later than the first day of employment when starting a new position. This form will be kept on file by the employer and must be updated each time renewal of the work permission is received.

Potentially Fraudulent OPT Employers

This website explains the importance of being aware of and recognizing the signs of a potentially fraudulent employer: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2021/05/recognize-the-signs-of-a-potentially-fraudulent-employer

Sample explanations for OPT Reporting

Sample Explanations for OPT Reporting of a Direct Relationship between Practical Training Opportunities and a Student's Major Area of Study

These sample explanations were provided by SEVP in their Policy Guidance.

1. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering: I work full time as an Electrical Engineer at ABC Corp., a government contractor. In my job, I analyze client requirements for electrical systems and provide them with cost estimates of such systems. My work requires understanding of electrical circuit theory, which I studied in-depth at the University of ABC.

2. Bachelor's degree in Business: I work full time as a Loan Officer at a mortgage company, Happy Homes, where I meet with clients and evaluate, authorize and recommend approval of loan applications. On a daily basis, I use the knowledge I gained in my credit analysis, sales and marketing classes that I took as part of my major program of study.

3. Master's degree in Music: I am working at a hospital playing the harp in patient rooms. I also conduct hands-on harp beginner workshops for long-term patients. On average, I work at the hospital 35 hours a week. My duties directly utilize the skills and knowledge I acquired from my coursework and degree in music therapy.

4. PhD in Computer Science: I am employed as a Computer and Information Research Scientist at ABC Research Institute. I work as part of a team of scientists and engineers that designs experiments to test the operation of various software systems. My work builds on research in complex algorithms and machine learning, which I studied as part of my dissertation.

5. Master's degree in Kinesiology: I am working 25 hours a week in a health food store as a consultant for Self-Made Inc., designing and teaching exercise classes that are incorporated into a customer's overall nutrition and exercise plan. My designs and customer instruction draw upon my studies and classwork in exercise therapy and physical reconditioning.