STEP OPT Reporting
While on STEM OPT, you are required to keep your record updated. This includes changes to your address or phone number, or changes in your current employment. Updates should be made within 10 days of the change.
Students are also required to complete their STEM Employment Reporting in a timely manner. All STEM OPT reporting must be submitted in the STEM OPT Updates and Evaluations e-form in iStart:
- Login to iStart using your W&M ID and Password
- Click F-1 Practical Training in the menu on the left side
- Select STEM Optional Practical Training and complete the STEM OPT Updates and Evaluations e-form.
You can still do address updates through the SEVP Portal, but you must do your STEM Reporting in iStart.
When do I need to report?
- Every 6 months: Confirm your home address and employment information. You are required to submit this information every 6 months even if your home address or company remains the same.
- After 12 months: Complete a self-evaluation (top half of page 5 of the I-983)
- After 24 months or End of Employment: Complete a final self-evaluation (bottom half of page 5 of the I-983)
- Changes in current employment: Anytime you have a “material change” to your I-983 Training Plan (i.e. a significant change to your job position or duties), you must submit an updated I-983 in iStart.
- New employer: If you leave your position and start working for a new company, you must notify ISSP. You will need to submit a final self-evaluation for the old employer, and a new I-983 for the new employer.
- Your employer must agree to report your termination or departure to ISSP, and to follow other requirements listed within the training plan.
- If you plan to work for multiple employers on STEM OPT, you must submit an I-983 for each company.
ISSP will send reminder emails when it is time for you to complete your 6, 12, and 24-month STEM Reporting in iStart, so please make sure to check your email regularly.
Leaving the U.S. and ending your STEM OPT
If you have left the U.S. and do not plan to return to continue your STEM OPT, we recommend reporting this to ISSP so we can "Complete" your F-1 immigration record. This is a permanent action; once you do this, you will not be able to use the remainder of your STEM OPT, your I-20 or your F-1 visa.
If you have left the U.S. and wish to complete your record, please report it here:
- Log into iStart using your W&M ID and Password.
- Click on F-1 Practical Training in the menu on the left-hand side.
- Select STEM Optional Practical Training and complete the STEM OPT Updates and Evaluations e-form.
- You will receive an email once your record has been completed.
