When qualifying criteria are met, STEM OPT-based EAD extensions do extend your work authorization. Unfortunately, these extensions can be easily confused with the automatic 180-day extensions. We’ve already written about those elsewhere, but we’ll cover the basic...
Students/CPT/OPT/STEM
The Economic Impact of International Students in the US
The number of international students coming to study in the U.S. has declined for three straight academic years. This is significant because of the money these students bring in. How much money are we talking about? According to Open Doors, international students...
Video: What Is Form I-983?
Giselle explains what Form I-983 is and provides insights to facilitate its completion and compliance.
Tips to Complete Form I-983 for the F-1 STEM OPT Extension
Are you an employer of a future STEM OPT student or a future STEM OPT student? Here are tips for completing the required Form I-983 and the training plan. Read on.
ICE Is Conducting STEM OPT Visits
The ICE visit is typically announced via email to the managers who oversee STEM OPT workers. The email gives two days’ notice that ICE will be making a site visit. Typically, these visits have been taking around one to two hours, with an ICE officer questioning both...
How to Re-Verify a Cap-Gap Student?
As F-1 students under the “cap-gap” change to H-1B status on October 1, employers will need to re-verify their status. Download this sample Form I-9 on how to re-verify these students. [Download Now]
FAQs about F-1 OPT Work Authorization Verification
Many F-1 students selected under the H-1B lottery have an expiring or expired Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Our clients are asking us how to verify their work authorization. We have created these FAQs to guide you through the process. Download the PDF
CPT, OPT, and OPT STEM Guide for HR Pros and F-1 Students
This quick and practical reference PDF provides the information you need at a glance to identify the key differences between CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT - including the basic requirements and work authorization evidence. Thanks go to Ellen Mazujian and Gabbie Buenano for...