STEM OPT Reporting Timeline

Mark Your Calendar to Submit STEM OPT EMployment Every 6 Months

You must report employment every 6 months, even if there have been no changes using the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form in TD system.

• 6 months: continuous reporting, no I-983 evaluation required
• 12 months: continuous reporting, updated I-983 required with "Evaluation on Student Progress" completed at the top of page 5 
• 18 months: continuous reporting, no I-983 evaluation required
• 24 months: continuous reporting, updated I-983 required with "Evaluation on Student Progress" completed at the bottom of page 5

SEVIS 6 MONTH STEM VALIDATION

SEVIS requires validation of your continued employment every six months. CISP International Team will not notify you directly when the SEVIS 6 Month STEM Validation is due.

ACTIVE STUDENTS REQUIRING STEM OPT REPORTING

The US Government randomly selects STEM OPT students for reporting. The CISP International Team will notify you directly by e-mail when the ACTIVE STUDENT REQUIRING STEM OPT REPORTING is due. You must respond to follow the directions stated in the email within the given timeframe to confirm your address, upload any information requested by the government, and confirm employment information.

FORM I-983 ANNUAL EVALUATION

You must submit at least two self-evaluations signed by your employer during the 24-Month STEM Extension. You will not receive any e-mail reminders. 

Annual Evaluation #1: Complete page 5 of the Form I-983 (PDF) and submit evaluation online using the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form in TD system at the end of your first year of STEM OPT.

Annual Evaluation #2: Complete page 5 of the Form I-983 (PDF) and submit evaluation online using the STEM OPT Employment Reporting form in TD system at the end of your second year of STEM OPT.

Additional concluding evaluations (page 5 of the I-983) must be submitted each time you complete a training opportunity, no matter how long the position lasted.