The Center for International Studies will continue to maintain and update your SEVIS record while on OPT. It is your responsibility to report the following required information.
When do you need to submit a OPT update?
Within 10 days of the start of your OPT period (i.e. the start date on your EAD card), you must report your:
- Start/end date of your employment
- Employer name and address
- Your residential address
- And a statement of how the employment is related to your course of study
How do I report my OPT updates?
You will need to login to your SEVP Portal.
Note: Employment start dates more than 10 days before will not be accepted in the SEVP portal. Instead, you will need to report your employment update to a DSO to be entered in your SEVIS record, which will show in your SEVP portal within 1 business day after the update is made.
To report employment that started more than 10 days ago, please submit your request in the CIS Reporting Site.
How do I set-up my SEVP Portal account?
- Once your OPT request is approved, and OPT begins, you will receive an email with instructions on how to create your SEVP Portal account. You can recognize the SEVP email by the sender and subject line:
Sender: "do-not-reply.SEVP@ice.dhs.gov"
Subject line: Optional Practical Training Approval – the next step. Create an SEVP Portal account.
- Click the link in the email and the “Register” page in the SEVP Portal registration process will open. You can only use the link once and it is only good for 14 days. The day the email is sent counts as the first day.
- Enter your SEVIS ID. If you enter this incorrectly three times you will be locked out.
- Click “Submit”.
- Enter a password. SEVP Portal Password Tips Sheet.
- Confirm the password.
- Click “Create Account”.
The SEVP Portal will only send emails related to your portal account and will always come from "do-not-reply.SEVP@ice.dhs.gov."
If you do not receive the e-mail to create your SEVP Portal account, please do the following:
Email international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: SEVP Portal Account Creation
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email
If you get locked out of your SEVP Portal account you must do the following:
The SEVP portal will lock your account after three failed attempts to log in to the SEVP Portal. Please use the "Reset Password" option on the login screen before contacting a DSO to unlock. If you still need assistance after you attempt to reset your password, please do the following:
Email international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: SEVP Portal Account Reset
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email
A new I-20 is not automatically printed every time you make changes to your SEVP Portal. If you would like an updated I-20 or have plans to travel outside of the U.S. and need a new travel signature to re-enter, please do the following:
Email: international@stcloudstate.edu
- Subject: OPT I-20 Re-print
- Text: Last name, First name, Tech ID, SEVIS identification (ID) number, personal email, and include a statement as to why the re-print is requested
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Updated I-20s will be sent by e-mail. In April 2020, the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) updated its guidance, allowing I-20s to be emailed. Please print the updated I-20 and sign it in blue ink on page 1 for official use.
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Please allow 5-7 business days to process your request.
For further assistance:
