24-Month STEM Extension
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial
Periodic Reporting Requirements
A feature unique to the 24-month STEM OPT extension is the periodic reporting requirements. Failure to meet all reporting requirements may result in the automatic termination of your SEVIS record, resulting in a status violation and the subsequent end of any remaining STEM OPT authorization:
- The 6-month validation reporting requirement
Government regulations mandate that students on the 24-month STEM OPT extension complete a validation report and submit it to our office every six months. This is required even if personal and employment information has not changed. To satisfy this validation requirement, the student must submit a 6-Month Reporting Form at 6, 12, and 18 months into the extension period (starting from the extension start date).
- Annual Self-Evaluation
Complete the Evaluation on Student Progress at the top of page 5 of the Form I-983* 12 months into your STEM OPT extension. This section must be signed by your employer before submitting to OIE. Please include your myWSU ID at the top of the form.
- Final Self-Evaluation
Complete the Final Evaluation on Student Progress at the bottom of page 5 of the Form I-983* at the end of your 24-month STEM OPT extension or at the end of any employment during your STEM OPT period. This section must be signed by your employer before being submitted to OIE. Please include your myWSU ID at the top of the form.
Additional information is available online at https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students-stem-opt-reporting-requirements.
Learn more about reporting requirements in our FAQ.
*This copy of the I-983 includes hints to help students and employers complete the form more easily. They can be viewed if you first download the pdf and then open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader.