Can the agreement be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures meeting ESIGN and state UETA requirements are acceptable for the agreement when they demonstrate signer intent, consent, and allow reliable reproduction and retention.

Who must sign the agreement?

The student and the employer's authorized representative (usually the supervisor or HR) must sign. The DSO signs or certifies review for school records rather than filing with USCIS.

Is notarization required?

Not typically for the training plan. Check state rules if you intend to use notarization or if an employer requires it for internal purposes.

How do I correct a completed form?

Create an amended agreement signed and dated by all parties and retain both versions. Notify the DSO of material changes per school procedures.

How long must I keep signed copies?

Retain originals while active and for at least three years after termination; longer retention may be required by statute or sponsor requirements.

Can I use signNow to execute the agreement?

Yes, platforms that preserve an audit trail, support PDF/DOCX, and meet ESIGN/UETA standards can be used; choose authentication levels appropriate for employer and DSO verification.

Electronic Signature
Templates
HR
STEM OPT Employment Agreement

STEM OPT Employment Agreement

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

STEM OPT EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

This STEM OPT Employment Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into by and between Student Name: and Employer Name: . Effective Date: .

Personal Information (Student)

Full Legal Name Address Phone Email SEVIS ID or Student Identifier

Employer Information

Employer Legal Name Employer Address Primary Employer Contact (Name & Title) Contact Phone / Email

Employer attests: Position is directly related to the student's STEM degree. Compensation and benefits are consistent with those offered to similarly situated employees.

E-Verify Enrollment

Employer is enrolled in E-Verify and will comply with verification requirements. If enrolled, E-Verify Company ID:

Position Information

Job Title Department / Team

Start Date: Anticipated End Date: Hours per week:

Work Location Compensation

Training Plan and Duties

The Employer will provide a structured training plan that advances the Student's STEM knowledge and practical skills. Minimum components include the following descriptions and measurable objectives.

Primary Duties (Describe tasks and responsibilities) Training Objectives (Measurable learning goals) Supervision and Mentorship Plan Methods of Performance Evaluation (frequency and criteria)

Legal Terms and Employer Attestations

1. Compliance: Employer will comply with applicable employment laws and applicable immigration-related reporting obligations. Employer agrees to notify the Student's Designated School Official (DSO) within five business days of any termination, departure, or material change in the Student's employment status, duties, compensation, or location, and to provide the reason for termination where required.

2. Relationship to Degree: Employer certifies the duties and training are directly related to the Student's STEM degree and that the training plan is designed to achieve stated learning objectives.

3. At-Will Employment: Unless otherwise stated in a separate executed written agreement, employment is at-will and can be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice, consistent with applicable law.

4. Equal Opportunity: Employer is an equal opportunity employer and will not unlawfully discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or other protected characteristics.

5. Material Changes and Reporting: Employer will timely notify the Student and the Student's institution of material changes to duties, work site, compensation, or hours that could affect Student's maintained status under applicable regulations.

Employment History (Applicant)

Most Recent Employer Second Most Recent Employer

Education

Highest Degree Institution Graduation Date

References

Reference 1 Reference 2 Reference 3

Applicant Certification and Authorizations

I certify that all information provided in this Agreement and accompanying documents is true, complete, and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that knowingly providing false information may result in withdrawal of the employment offer or termination.

Authorization: I authorize the Employer to contact prior employers and references and to obtain background checks, as necessary for employment. I acknowledge that the Employer may verify the information provided here and that offers of employment may be conditioned upon successful completion of any required checks.

Consent to Background Check: I consent to a background check and verification of prior employment and education.

Applicant Certification: I certify that the information above is true and that I will comply with reporting requirements related to my STEM OPT employment.

Additional Provisions

Confidentiality: The Student shall abide by Employer confidentiality policies and shall not disclose proprietary or confidential information. Intellectual property ownership shall be governed by Employer policies and applicable law.

Amendments and Waivers: Any amendment to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. Waiver of any provision shall not constitute waiver of any other provision.

Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the primary work location is located, to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Employee Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Employer Representative:

Title:

By:

Date:

What the STEM OPT Employment Agreement Is and Why It Matters

A STEM OPT Employment Agreement documents the training relationship for an F-1 student on a STEM OPT extension. It captures the employer's learning objectives, supervision and assessment plan, compensation and worksite details, and the parties' responsibilities. The agreement supports the school's Designated School Official (DSO) review of the Form I-983 training plan and helps employers and students demonstrate compliance with immigration and labor obligations while the student works under OPT.

Why a Clear, Complete Agreement Reduces Risk

A professionally drafted STEM OPT Employment Agreement clarifies training goals, documents employer supervision, and creates a record that DSOs use to support the student's SEVIS recommendation.

Who Typically Completes and Signs This Agreement

The agreement is completed collaboratively and kept with the student's school record; several parties have ongoing responsibilities.

F-1 Student — Reviews, accepts training goals, and signs to confirm understanding and availability.
Employer / Supervisor — Provides job duties, oversight plan, compensation, and signs to commit to supervision.
Designated School Official — Reviews the Form I-983 and maintains the training plan in SEVIS and student records.

Each signer should keep a dated, signed copy; the DSO retains the official training plan as part of SEVIS documentation.

Core Elements to Include in a Professional Agreement

A complete STEM OPT Employment Agreement contains specific sections that align with Form I-983 and USCIS expectations.

Employer Information

Full legal employer name, EIN, physical worksite address, and employer official contact details to tie the training plan to the hiring entity.

Position Details

Job title, detailed list of duties, and how day-to-day tasks relate to the student's STEM degree and measurable learning objectives.

Training Goals

Clear, measurable learning outcomes, milestones, and the specific knowledge or skills the student will acquire during the STEM OPT period.

Supervision & Oversight

Name, title, and contact of the direct supervisor; description of training methods, frequency of reviews, and assessment criteria.

Compensation & Hours

Salary or wage, expected weekly hours, and any benefits or reimbursements; ensure pay complies with labor laws and company policies.

Reporting & Amendments

Procedures for reporting material changes, who must approve amendments, and the frequency of formal progress evaluations.

Key Administrative and Security Details to Record

Employer EIN: Enter federal EIN for identification.

SEVIS ID: Include the student's SEVIS number exactly.

Worksite Address: Provide full physical address.

Supervisor Contact: Name, title, email, phone.

Compensation: Pay rate and hours.

Authentication: Signer identity method used.

Step-by-Step: Completing the STEM OPT Employment Agreement

Follow a consistent sequence to avoid omissions and ensure the DSO can accept the training plan into SEVIS.

01

Gather Documents: Collect student ID, SEVIS ID, employer EIN, and job description.
02

Employer Drafts: Employer completes the agreement sections and training objectives.
03

Student Review: Student reviews, signs, and returns the agreement to the employer or DSO.
04

DSO Recordkeeping: DSO reviews the I-983 content and retains the plan in student records.

Configuring the Online Agreement Workflow

Set signer order, required fields, and notifications before sending to reduce incomplete responses.

Field	Configuration
Signer Order	Student -> Employer -> DSO
Required Fields	Make SEVIS ID and EIN mandatory
Authentication	Email link with optional SMS code
Notifications	Auto-reminders at 3 and 7 days

Where the Agreement Goes and Who Retains It

Understand the routing so records are complete: the training plan is retained by the school while work authorization is governed by USCIS filings.

Employer to Student: Employer provides the completed draft for student review and signature.
Student to DSO: Student submits signed plan to the DSO for review and SEVIS endorsement.
DSO Record: DSO retains the training plan in the student’s SEVIS record and school files.
USCIS Filing: Student files Form I-765 with USCIS to request STEM OPT work authorization.

Digital Signing and File Format Essentials

Electronic completion and e-signatures are acceptable when they meet ESIGN/UETA requirements and allow reliable record reproduction.

Supported Formats: PDF, DOCX, and printable copies
Integrations: Works with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
Signer Authentication: Email link, SMS code, or advanced methods

Timing Considerations and Ongoing Reporting

Timely completion and reporting maintain work authorization and SEVIS compliance; employers and students must monitor reporting obligations.

Before OPT Expires:

Complete the training plan before submitting STEM OPT paperwork to avoid gaps in authorization.

DSO Record Update:

DSO must retain and update the plan when material changes occur.

Reporting Changes:

Report material changes in employment, loss of work, or address to the DSO promptly.

Evaluation Schedule:

Conduct formal progress evaluations at required intervals per the training plan.

USCIS Filings:

Submit Form I-765 and follow USCIS guidance for application timing and documents.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Agreement

Using informal job descriptions that do not tie tasks to STEM learning objectives and measurable milestones.
Entering inconsistent identifying data (name, SEVIS ID, employer EIN) across the agreement and supporting records.
Failing to describe supervision and evaluation processes, which can lead DSOs to reject or request corrections.
Not retaining signed copies or failing to notify the DSO promptly of material changes in employment.

Consequences of an Incomplete or Incorrect Agreement

Loss of Work Authorization: USCIS denial or termination of STEM OPT

DSO Action: SEVIS record may be updated or terminated

I-9 Penalties: Civil fines for I-9 paperwork violations

Tax Issues: Incorrect employer data can trigger withholding problems

Contractual Risk: Disputes over duties or compensation

Recordkeeping Risk: Failure to retain documents for audits

Practical Examples of Agreement Use

Two concise scenarios show how the agreement supports supervision, reporting, and SEVIS documentation in common settings.

University Research Lab

A post-baccalaureate student joins a research team to develop machine-learning models

Supervisor lists weekly milestones and mentoring hours
The DSO retains the signed plan and periodic evaluation notes to support SEVIS reporting and employer oversight.

Small Engineering Firm

An employer hires a graduate for product testing and data analysis

Employer documents specific measurable objectives and tools used
Student, employer, and DSO keep dated copies and use them for midterm evaluations and change reporting.

eSignature Pricing Comparison for Completing the Agreement

Compare basic per-user pricing and key features for common eSignature providers; signNow is listed first for column consistency.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial, no credit card required	Yes, limited trial	Yes, limited trial	Yes, limited trial	Yes, limited trial
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No

Frequently Asked Questions and Troubleshooting

Answers to common questions about execution, corrections, notarization, recordkeeping, and eSigning the STEM OPT Employment Agreement.

Need help? Contact support

Can the agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures meeting ESIGN and state UETA requirements are acceptable for the agreement when they demonstrate signer intent, consent, and allow reliable reproduction and retention.
Who must sign the agreement?
The student and the employer's authorized representative (usually the supervisor or HR) must sign. The DSO signs or certifies review for school records rather than filing with USCIS.
Is notarization required?
Not typically for the training plan. Check state rules if you intend to use notarization or if an employer requires it for internal purposes.
How do I correct a completed form?
Create an amended agreement signed and dated by all parties and retain both versions. Notify the DSO of material changes per school procedures.
How long must I keep signed copies?
Retain originals while active and for at least three years after termination; longer retention may be required by statute or sponsor requirements.
Can I use signNow to execute the agreement?
Yes, platforms that preserve an audit trail, support PDF/DOCX, and meet ESIGN/UETA standards can be used; choose authentication levels appropriate for employer and DSO verification.

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