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STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form

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STEM OPT EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FORM

Student Personal Information

Student Name:

Employer Information

Is employer enrolled in E-Verify? Yes

Position and Offer Details

Start Date:

Planned End Date:

Training Plan Summary

Brief description of practical training and how position relates to student’s STEM degree:

Supervision and Evaluation

Name and title of direct supervisor responsible for day-to-day oversight:

STEM OPT Attestations and Assurances

The employer certifies the following (initial each applicable box and sign below):

The training opportunity is directly related to the student’s qualifying STEM degree and provides a practical experience commensurate with the degree level.

The employer will provide compensation and working conditions commensurate with those provided to similarly situated U.S. workers.

The employer will provide necessary training, oversight, and resources to achieve the stated learning objectives.

The employer will conduct an initial evaluation and a final evaluation and keep records of student performance and progress.

Reporting, Material Changes, and Compliance

Employer will notify the student’s designated school official of any material changes to the terms of employment, including but not limited to: reduction in hours, changes in compensation, change of supervisor, or changes to the training plan. Employer will maintain documentation of the training plan and evaluations for compliance and inspection as required by law.

Employment History (Applicant)

Previous Employer 1

Dates Employed: to

Previous Employer 2

Dates Employed: to

Education

References

Reference 1

Reference 2

Reference 3

Legal Disclosures and Applicant Authorization

At-Will Employment: Nothing in this form alters the at-will employment relationship unless otherwise set forth in a separate written agreement signed by authorized representatives of the employer and the employee.

Equal Opportunity: Employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected categories. Employer agrees to comply with applicable employment laws and nondiscrimination obligations.

Authorization to Contact and Background Checks

By signing below, the student authorizes the employer to contact prior employers and references listed in this form and authorizes background checks and verification of employment and education as required for onboarding and regulatory compliance.

Student authorizes background check and prior employer contact.

Applicant Certification

I certify that all information provided on this form is true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any material misrepresentation may result in denial of employment or revocation of work authorization. I authorize the employer to rely on this form for purposes of STEM OPT training plan implementation and reporting.

Student Acknowledgment

Employer Certification

The undersigned employer representative certifies that the training plan described herein is consistent with the requirements applicable to STEM OPT and that the employer will comply with reporting, recordkeeping, and supervision obligations set forth by regulation. The employer agrees to meet the agreed training objectives and to evaluate the student’s progress as required.

Employer Representative:

By:

Date:

Student (OPT Participant):

By:

Date:

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What the STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form Is

The STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form is the documentation package used to request and support a 24-month STEM extension of Optional Practical Training for eligible F-1 students. It typically includes the employer-completed training plan (Form I-983), the student's Form I-765 application for employment authorization, and employer attestations such as E-Verify enrollment. The combined materials document the proposed STEM training, employer commitments, supervision and evaluation processes, and dates of employment so USCIS and the Designated School Official can confirm continued lawful work authorization and SEVIS reporting compliance.

Step-by-Step: Completing the STEM OPT Package

Follow these sequential steps to prepare and submit a complete STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form package.

  • 01
    Prepare Training Plan: Complete Form I-983 with employer learning objectives.
  • 02
    Employer Review: Employer completes attestations and provides E-Verify information.
  • 03
    DSO Recommendation: Submit I-983 to your DSO for SEVIS recommendation.
  • 04
    File with USCIS: File Form I-765 and include supporting documents before OPT EAD expires.

Frequently Asked Questions and Quick Answers

Common questions about the STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form, filing sequence, and employer responsibilities with concise, practical answers.


Need help? Contact support

Why the STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form Matters

The form package documents eligibility for extended work authorization, defines the training relationship, and records employer commitments that protect both student and employer. Accurate completion preserves legal status and meets USCIS and SEVP compliance requirements.

Why the STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form Matters

Who Completes and Uses This Form

The STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form involves three primary parties who must coordinate data and signatures.

  • F-1 STEM students seeking a 24-month OPT extension who provide personal, academic, and signature information.
  • Employers enrolled in E-Verify who complete the employer sections, attest to training oversight, and sign the I-983.
  • Designated School Officials (DSOs) who review the I-983, recommend the extension in SEVIS, and guide reporting requirements.

Key Elements Included in a Complete STEM OPT Form Package

A professional STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form package combines identity details, training objectives, employer attestations, and signed acknowledgements to meet federal immigration requirements.

Student Information

Full legal name, date of birth, SEVIS ID, and degree details that match SEVIS and the student’s I-20 record, ensuring proper identity linkage.

Training Objectives

Measurable learning goals and supervision plan on Form I-983 that connect the STEM degree to the practical training activities.

Employer Attestations

Employer commitments regarding compensation, resources, and oversight, including confirmation of E-Verify enrollment and monitoring procedures.

Reporting Responsibilities

Instructions and fields describing how and when to report material changes, site updates, or termination to the DSO and SEVP.

Signatures and Dates

Dated signatures from student and employer that establish intent and attribution; retention of signed copies for audits.

Supporting Documents

Copies of diploma/transcript, passport, prior EAD, and employer E-Verify proof to corroborate eligibility and employer status.

Required Information and Fields at a Glance

Student Name: Full legal name
SEVIS ID: N-number
Degree Info: Program and CIP
Employer Name: Legal entity name
E-Verify ID: E-Verify company number
Signatures: Student and employer dated

Consequences of Errors or Incomplete Submission

USCIS Denial: Incorrect or missing information can lead to application denial.
Loss of Work: A denial or gap may remove authorized employment eligibility.
Status Risk: Failure to report changes can jeopardize F-1 status.
Employer Liability: Noncompliance with E-Verify or attestations may trigger audits.
Processing Delays: Requests for evidence extend adjudication timelines.
Recordkeeping Failure: Missing signed documents complicate future verification.

Typical Digital Workflow Settings for eSubmission

Configure a clear routing and authentication flow to capture required student and employer signatures and preserve audit evidence.

Field Configuration
Document Type PDF or DOCX preferred
Authentication Email + SMS code or 2FA
Routing Order Student → Employer → DSO
Retention PDF/A with audit trail

Digital Signing and Submission: Technical Requirements

Pick tools and settings that meet legal and institutional requirements for attribution, security, and record retention.

  • Integrations: Connectors include Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Box, and Procore for document routing and storage.
  • Formats Supported: PDF, Word (DOCX), and HTML documents can be signed and exported as signed PDFs.
  • Security & Compliance: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit, AES-256 at rest, SOC 2 Type II, HIPAA with BAA options.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Snapshot for STEM OPT Workflows

Compare common vendor starting prices and core features that affect secure completion of the STEM OPT Employment Authorization Form; signNow is listed first per platform comparison convention.

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 Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Practical Examples: How Institutions and Employers Use the Form

Two illustrative scenarios show typical coordination between student, employer, and the school DSO when completing STEM OPT documentation.

University International Office

The DSO provides an I-983 checklist to students and employers to reduce omissions and speed review.

  • The checklist reduces back-and-forth.
  • After adopting a standardized checklist and electronic intake, the office reduced incomplete submissions and shortened DSO review time while maintaining accurate SEVIS recommendations.

Employer HR Team

HR collects E-Verify proof and supervisor learning objectives before signing.

  • Supervisor signs training commitments.
  • Using a consistent training-plan template helps HR verify compliance with E-Verify and provides a clear evaluation schedule for post-hire STEM training.

Key Timing Rules and Filing Windows

Follow these timing guidelines to avoid gaps in employment authorization and maintain SEVIS compliance.

File Before EAD Expiration:

Submit Form I-765 to USCIS before your current OPT EAD expires.

I-983 to DSO First:

Provide a completed I-983 to your DSO prior to filing I-765.

Report Changes Quickly:

Report material changes to your DSO according to school policy and SEVP timelines.

Maintain Records:

Keep signed copies and USCIS receipts during the authorization period.

Expect Processing Delays:

USCIS processing times vary; retain documentation in case of requests for evidence.

Accuracy and Efficiency Tips for Completing the Form

Follow these practices to reduce errors, accelerate review, and maintain a clear audit trail for compliance.

Verify Names and IDs
Cross-check the student’s passport, SEVIS ID, and I-20 to ensure consistent identifiers across all fields and attachments before signing.
Collect E-Verify Proof
Obtain employer E-Verify documentation and record the company ID in the form to demonstrate employer eligibility and avoid delays.
Use Compliant eSignatures
Capture signatures with an ESIGN/UETA-compliant provider that records timestamps, IP addresses, and signer attribution for evidentiary support.
Retain Full Package
Store signed I-983, I-765 receipt, and supporting documents in immutable PDF format for the retention period required by your institution.

How Electronic Submission Typically Works

A standard eSubmission workflow preserves evidence and routes the package to the right parties for signature and filing.

  • Upload Documents: Institution or student uploads I-983 and supporting files.
  • Place Fields: Configure signature, date, and text fields where needed.
  • Assign Signers: Student, employer representative, and DSO are added in order.
  • Capture Audit Trail: Platform logs timestamps, IPs, and actions for evidentiary records.
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