Working under OPT
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      1. The White Paper for F1 Students
      2. F1 - OPT
      3. Working under OPT

      OPT Work - Changing Employment during OPT

      This article provides a detailed explanation of the important considerations when changing jobs during OPT.

      Changing jobs during OPT requires extra steps. Here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth transition and maintain your legal status.

      Scenario 1: Changing Employment during Initial OPT

      During the first year of OPT, you can change jobs, but you must update your employment information in the SEVP Portal within 10 days.

       

      Scenario 2: Changing Employment While Your STEM OPT Application is Pending

      1. To change employment while your STEM OPT extension application is pending, you need to make sure that the new employer meets all necessary requirements.

      During your first year of OPT, you can work in unpaid or volunteer positions. However, for the STEM OPT Extension, the employer must be E-Verified. You can confirm if a company is E-Verified via several methods:

      • Contact the employer’s HR department.

      • Search the official E-Verify website or third-party websites.

      • Review the job description for the position, which might explicitly state whether the company is E-Verified. Such companies generally have experience hiring foreign employees.

      2. Once you have confirmed that the new employer qualifies, apply for a new I-20 at your school’s International Student Office. Be sure to indicate during the application that the reason is “STEM OPT extension is under review, and my employer has changed.” After you receive the new I-20, submit the following documents to USCIS:

      • Form I-765, including the new employer’s information.

      • A cover letter explaining the reason for submitting the new I-765 and the associated application under review.

      • Copy of the new STEM OPT I-20, including updated employer information.

       

      Scenario 3: Changing Employment During the STEM OPT Extension

      • When changing your job during the STEM OPT Extension, you do not need to send additional materials to USCIS. However, you do need to update the employer information in the SEVP Portal within 10 days.

      • With your previous employer, complete the “Final Evaluation of Student Performance” section of Form I-983 and fill out a new I-983 with the new employer.

      • During the STEM OPT Extension, you must update your name, residential address, employer name and address, and current employment status every 6 months with your school’s DSO. The specific deadlines vary by school.

      • Complete and submit the student performance assessment of Form I-983 every 12 months.

      • Complete the final evaluation either at the end of the 24-month STEM OPT extension or when your relationship with the employer is terminated.