Changing Employers During OPT STEM

CHANGING EMPLOYERS WHILE ON 24 MONTH STEM EXTENSION

Students on OPT STEM are allowed to change employers but every employer you work for while on OPT STEM must be enrolled in E-Verify and the position must meet all STEM requirements.

When you depart from a company while on OPT STEM, you are required to submit the Final Evaluation on Student Progress (last page of the I-983) to CIE. When you start employment with a new employer, you must submit a new Form I-983 to CIE for the new employer. 

Changing Employers While STEM application is Pending

  1. Confirm your new employer is enrolled in E-Verify
  2. Confirm your new employer is willing to complete and sign the Form I-983
  3. If you have started your OPT STEM period, you must submit the Final Evaluation (Page 5 of the I-983) from your previous employer. If your OPT STEM period hasn't started yet, please login to your SEVP Portal and update your employer end date and the new employer information if you will be employed on Post Completion OPT.
  4. Submit the completed and signed Form I-983 for the new employer to cie@csueastbay.edu
  5. CIE will update your SEVIS record with the new employer information and issue you an updated I-20.
  6. You will need to download, save, print and sign the updated I-20 using ink. You are not eligible to electronically sign your I-20.
  7. Submit the updated I-20 and E-Verify proof to USCIS. If you filed your application online, submit these documents via your online application in the "Unsolicited Evidence" section. If you mailed your application, you will need to mail a copy of the I-20 and E-Verify proof to USCIS (use the address on the receipt notice, not the lockbox).

Changing Employers While on OPT STEM

  1. Confirm your new employer is enrolled in E-Verify
  2. Confirm your new employer is willing to complete and sign the Form I-983
  3. Submit the following to CIE
    1. Completed and signed Form I-983 for the new employer to cie@csueastbay.edu
    2. Final Evaluation of I-983 from your previous employer 
  4. CIE will update your SEVIS record with the new employer information and issue you an updated I-20 if requested.
  5. You will need to download, save, print and sign the updated I-20 using ink. You are not eligible to electronically sign your I-20.