Please note: A new I-20 is not automatically issued upon STEM OPT approval. If you would like a new, updated I-20 or require a new travel signature for re-entry, please do the following:
Complete a STEM OPT Reporting Form.
When do you need to submit a STEM Extension update?
STEM OPT Reporting Requirements (pdf)
How do I report my STEM Extension updates?
There are some updates that you will need to submit through the SEVP Portal:
Other changes to employment must be submitted as a request to a DSO. Follow the instructions below for "Changes in Employment".
During STEM OPT there are required reports that must be submitted to a DSO every 6 months. This cannot be done via the SEVP portal. Please read about each reporting period below.
How do I set-up my SEVP Portal account?
You will not need to set-up a new SEVP Portal account if you maintain the same SEVIS ID that you did for your OPT.
How often do I need to log into my SEVP Portal account?
You must continue to maintain an active SEVP Portal account—which involves logging in to the portal every 90 days and updating your password.
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:
Complete a STEM OPT Reporting Form.
For further assistance:
DHS requires students on STEM Extension report their employment information every 6 months, even if the employment is the same.
6 months and 18 months after your STEM Extension start date you must log into the STEM OPT Reporting Form to confirm that your name, residential address, employer information, and employment status are current and accurate.
If you would like a new 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
DHS requires students on STEM Extension to submit a self-evaluation of training progress at the 12-month point after the STEM Extension begins.
12 months after your STEM OPT start date, you must log into the STEM OPT Reporting Form to confirm that your name, residential address, employer information, and employment status are current and accurate. You must also summarize the progress you have made toward the training goals outlined on your I-983 Training Plan. To submit your 12-month STEM OPT report:
This must be completed no later than 10 days following the conclusion of the 12-month reporting period.
If you would like a new 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
DHS requires students on STEM Extension to submit a final evaluation of training progress at the end of your STEM Extension.
24 months after your STEM OPT start date, you must log into the STEM OPT Reporting Form to confirm that your name, residential address, employer information, and employment status are current and accurate. You must also summarize the progress you made toward the training goals outlined on your I-983 Training Plan. Therefore, you must also email page 5 of your I-983 (completed and signed by you and your employer) to:
This must be completed no later than 10 days following the conclusion of the 12-month reporting period.
If you would like a new 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
If you change employers while on STEM Extension, your new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you begin to work for pay. Changes in employment must be reported to the Center for International Studies within 10 days of the change.
To report changes in STEM OPT Employment:
A new I-20 is not automatically printed every time you make report or make changes to your STEM Extension. If you would like a new I-20 or have plans to travel outside of the U.S. and need a new travel signature to re-enter, please specify this in your email.
If you change your immigration status (e.g. from F-1 to H-1B) during your STEM Extension, you are required to submit official approval of your change to status to the Center for International Studies.
If you are approved for a change of status while on STEM Extension, you must do the following:
Email international@stcloudstate.edu
You must have the approval of the change of status, not the application for the change of status.