Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Overview
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment that allows students in F-1 status to gain practical experience and training in a field directly related to their major area of study before or after completion of the program.
Unlike Curricular Practical Training (CPT), OPT does not have to be required for your program. This means that it does not need to be paired with an internship course, but it still must be related to your major area of study.
Students are allowed a maximum of 12 months of OPT, which may be completed all at once, or in several different intervals (e.g., three months each summer).
Employment authorization is given in the form of a small, plastic card called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This card will show your photo, signature, and the terms in which employment is authorized. It will also specify the time period during which you are eligible for employment.
You may not begin working on OPT until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and it is within the dates listed on your EAD.
Eligibility for OPTYou are eligible for either Pre-Completion or Post-Completion OPT if the following apply to you:
- You must have been a full-time student for at least one academic year in the U.S.
- You must currently be in F-1 status.
- You must be in good academic standing, maintaining a sufficient GPA and be making normal progress toward finishing your degree.
- You must not have used more than 12 months of OPT in the past at your current degree level.
If you complete your academic program and travel internationally BEFORE applying for OPT, VIS is not able to provide you with an OPT recommended I-20 (a necessary part of your OPT application).
If you are finished with your academic program, you can still apply for OPT as long as the government receives your application within 60 days of the date you finished your studies at Stony Brook AND you have not left the U.S. since completing your program.
How long does OPT last?You are eligible for a maximum of 12 months of OPT for each degree level you complete. If you are studying within certain fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension, for a total of 36 months.
Students on Post-Completion OPT must report their employment information within 90 days of your authorization OPT start date. If you don't report your employment or cannot find a job within that time, your OPT will automatically end.
- Pre-Completion OPT
Pre-Completion OPT Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment that allows students in F-1 status to gain practical experience and training in a field directly related to their major area of study before completion of the program.
EligibilityYou do NOT need to have a job before applying for OPT. However, please keep in mind that if you are approved for Pre-Completion OPT and don't use it, your 12-month allowance still applies.
This means that if you are approved for OPT in January but do not receive a job until March, you only have 9 months of OPT left.
Pre-Completion OPT that is 20 hours or less per week will be deducted at half the rate.
How many hours can I work per week?Fall or Spring Semester: You may only work part-time (20 hours or less per week) if you are still engaged in coursework.
School Breaks: During holiday periods (such as spring, summer, and winter breaks) you can be authorized for either a part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time basis (> 21 hours per week).
Master's Thesis or Doctoral Dissertation: If you are working on a Master's thesis or Doctoral dissertation following completion of all coursework, you may work either part-time or full-time year-round.
When to Apply
If you have been a full-time student for MORE than one academic year in the U.S. and are currently in F-1 status, you may apply for Pre-Completion OPT up to 90 days before you want your OPT to start.
If you are in F-1 status and have been a full-time student for LESS than one academic year, you may apply for Pre-Completion OPT up to 90 days before you will have completed one academic year. However, your OPT cannot begin until you have completed the full academic year.
How to Apply
Step 1: Attend an OPT workshopAttend a CPT & Pre-Completion OPT Workshop to get tips on preparing a successful pre-completion OPT application and reminders on what you need to do while you are on OPT to maintain your F-1 status.
In lieu of attending a workshop, click to review the CPT & Pre-Completion OPT Presentation or a recorded webinar.
Step 2: Undergraduates - complete the Major/Minor Review FormUndergraduatesOnly: Send the Major/Minor Review Form to your major and minor advisors
Step 3: Submit a request through accessVISSubmit the Pre-Completion OPT Request in accessVIS to a request an I-20 recommending OPT.
Be sure to have the following documents available for upload in PDF format before beginning this request. Files exceeding 100MB must be compressed before uploading to avoid an error message.
- Current Form I-94
- Passport (including identity pages and expiration date)
- F-1 Visa
- Undergraduates Only: Major/Minor Review Form completed and signed by your major and minor advisors
- If applicable, upload a scanned copy of your official Letter of Offer from your employer
Once you submit your request for an I-20 Recommending OPT, it takes 5-7 business days for VIS to process your request.
Step 4: Prepare your OPT applicationIf your request for OPT is approved, you will be issued a new I-20 recommending OPT and emailed a link to download your updated I-20.
You must print and sign this new I-20 with blue ink.
If you notice any mistakes on your I-20 please contact your VIS Advisor immediately.
Completing Form I-765 is the next step. There are two ways to file your I-765 application with USCIS, either online or through a paper application. Please only choose one option.
Step 5: Report your employment to VISOnce you have secured an employer, please log in to accessVIS and complete the Add or Update OPT Employment form.
Employment Requirements
Work done while on Pre-Completion OPT must be directly related to your major area of study. Unlike Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the work done for Pre-Completion OPT does not have to be required for your program. This means that it does not need to be paired with an internship course.
Any employment that you engage in while authorized for OPT that is not directly related to your major could be considered a status violation.
SEVP recommends that you maintain evidence for each job documenting the position held, proof of the duration of that position, the job title, contact information fo your supervisor or manager, and a description of the work. If it is not clear from the job description that the work is related to your degree, SEVP recommends that you obtain a signed letter from your hiring official, supervisor, or manager stating how the your degree is related to the work performed.
- Post-Completion OPT
Post-Completion OPT Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment that allows students in F-1 status to gain practical experience and training in a field directly related to their major area of study after completion of the program.
When to Apply
The earliest you can apply for Post-Completion OPT is 90 days prior to your completion date. The latest you can apply is 4 weeks after you complete your degree requirements to allow for adequate processing time. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will not accept applications received 60 days or more beyond the completion date.
If you are a graduate student completing a thesis or dissertation, your completion date would be the date your academic advisor indicates you will finish all requirements for your program. This date doesn't have to match the end of semester date, but in many cases it will. If you have any questions on your completion date, be sure to contact us.
Choosing Your Start Date
Post-Completion OPT may start any time during the 60 day grace period after degree completion, and must end within 14 months of degree completion date.
You are eligible for one year of OPT available per academic level of study. If you've never used OPT at your current academic level, then you will most likely want to put an end date one year after your selected OPT start date. .
USCIS processing typically takes about 3-6 months, so you should apply for OPT as early as possible to maximize the 12 months available.
For more assistance, click here or contact your International Student Advisor for assistance.
How to Apply
Step 1: Attend an OPT WorkshopAttend an OPT Workshop to get tips on preparing a successful OPT application and reminders on what you need to do while you are on OPT to maintain your F-1 status.
In lieu of attending an OPT Workshop, you can review the OPT Presentation or recorded webinar.
Step 2: Undergraduates - complete the Major/Minor Review FormUndergraduatesOnly: Send the Major/Minor Review Form to your major and minor advisors
Step 3: Submit a request through accessVISWithin the Post-Completion OPT Request in accessVIS, submit all three forms:
- Obligations for Maintaining your F-1 Status
- Request for an I-20 Recommending OPT
- Form I-765 Tutorial (this becomes available once the I-20 Recommending OPT e-form has been submitted)
When submitting the Request for an I-20 Recommending OPT, be sure to have the following documents available for upload in PDF format before beginning this request. Documents uploaded in accessVIS must be in PDF format. Files exceeding 100MB must be compressed before uploading to avoid an error message.
- Current Form I-94
- Passport (including identity pages and expiration date)
- F-1 Visa
- Undergraduates Only: Major/Minor Review Form completed and signed by your major and minor advisors
- If applicable, upload a scanned copy of your official Letter of Offer from your employer.
This e-form will first be routed to your general academic advising unit or academic department for completion before it is assigned to your VIS advisor.
Students applying for Post Completion OPT will be assessed a $100 International Student Fee, payable through SOLAR.
This is a SUNY approved fee effective since Fall 2012 that is assessed based on the issuance of your I-20 recommending OPT regardless of whether you use the OPT authorization or not. Failure to submit timely payment of this fee could result in the Bursar reporting your information to a collection agency.
Step 4: Complete the I-765 TutorialCompletion of the I-765 Tutorial is required for students submitting the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization to USCIS.During this module, you will learn what the required materials are for the I-765, as well as your obligations for maintaining your status while on OPT.
This session is available in the I-765 Tutorial e-form within the Post-Completion OPT Checklist. To receive your Form I-20 recommending Post-Completion OPT, you must review the I-765 Tutorial in its entirety, and upload your program completion certificate in the e-form.
You will NOT be able to proceed until you complete this tutorial.
Step 5: Submit your application to USCISIf your request for OPT is approved, you will be issued a new I-20 recommending OPT and emailed a link to download your updated I-20. You must print and sign this new "OPT I-20" with blue ink. If you notice any mistakes on your I-20 please contact your VIS Advisor immediately.
Completing Form I-765 is the next step. There are two ways to file your I-765 application with USCIS, either online or through a paper application. Please only choose one option.
FILING THE PAPER BASED FORM I-765
Do not submit your I-765 application with USCIS until you have received your I-20 recommending OPT.
Employment Reporting Requirements
Students authorized for Post-Completion OPT may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment. If you don't report your employment, or you exceed the 90 day unemployment period, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) may end your F-1 OPT and terminate your SEVIS record, thus requiring you to leave the U.S. immediately.
Once you have secured an employer, please log in to accessVIS and complete the Add or Update OPT Employment form.
Click here to review your reporting requirements and responsibilities for maintaining your F-1 status while authorized for OPT.
- Form I-765 Explained
Form I-765 Explained
F-1 students may file the Form I-765 online, or by using the paper based application . The instructions linked below are provided as a service solely to the international students of Stony Brook University who are applying for Optional Practical Training.
- Workshops and FAQs
Post-Completion OPT Workshops
This workshop provides tips on preparing a successful OPT application and reminders on how to maintain your F-1 status while authorized for OPT. Attendance and/or review of the OPT Workshop is recommended for any F-1 student who wishes to obtain work authorization to engage in Post-Completion Optional Practical Training.
Fall 2023 OPT Workshops
Date Time Location Thursday, September 14th 11am - 12pm SAC Auditorium Wednesday, October 25th 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Zoom - Register here Thursday, December 7th 11am - 12pm SAC Auditorium
View our most recent Virtual Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop:View the Spring 2023 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshop Presentation
FAQs about OPT
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding OPT. Should you have further questions, feel free to contact your International Student Advisor.
General OPT Questions
What is my (visa) status while I'm authorized for OPT?Your visa status (F-1) does not change while on OPT. You are still considered in F-1 status while authorized for OPT and must abide by all F-1 regulationsCan I take classes online or at another institution while I’m authorized for Post Completion OPT?Beginning a new course of study will automatically cancel your OPT authorization. VIS does not recommend taking a class or classes (even part-time) that may later be used to satisfy new program degree requirements.Can I renew my driver’s license while my OPT application is pending?Unfortunately, you will have to wait until you receive your EAD card before you can renew your license. Once you have your new EAD card, your renewal dates will be based on your EAD card, typically 1 yearOPT Application Questions
Do I need to have a job offer to apply for OPT?No, you do not need to have employment in order to apply for OPT.What date should I choose for my Post-Completion OPT to start?You are responsible for choosing your own OPT start date. Please keep in mind that it must be within your 60 day grace period (period of time that begins the day after your program completion date). You cannot choose a date before this period starts or after this period ends. Here is the "Choosing OPT Start Date" timeline.
You may also wish to consider the following when choosing your OPT start date:
- If you have a job offer and if yes, the start date of that job;
- Date you submit your OPT request form (the later you submit the form, the more likely you’ll need to select a later OPT start date).
Can I change my OPT start date if I have received my I-20 from VIS but haven’t filed application with USCIS?Yes, please email your International Student Advisor confirming the new OPT start date you would like to use. Your advisor will then reissue your OPT I-20 with the new start date. Please note that you must include a copy of your previously issued OPT I-20 with your application to USCIS.Can I request a SSN with my OPT application? Will that delay the approval process?Yes, you may apply for your SSN on the I-765. Doing so does not delay adjudication of the Form I-765.
If USCIS approves your OPT application and you completed the section on the I-765 to request an SSN card, then USCIS will send the Social Security Administration (SSA) office the data needed to issue your SSN card. If you already have an SSN and you requested an SSN card on the I-765 application, they will issue you a replacement SSN card. If USCIS approves your application, you will receive two documents – your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and in another envelope your SSN card. The SSA office will mail your SSN card to the address you listed on your I-765 application. You should receive your SSN card no later than 7 business days after you receive your EAD from USCIS.
What should I do if I don't have every I-20 ever issued to me?It is your responsibility to keep your previously issued immigration documents. To confirm you have all I-20s issued to you, or to request copies of missing I-20, submit the Request for Document Copies request in accessVIS.
If you are missing one or more of your previously issued I-20s and VIS does not have them on record, simply include copies of the I-20s you do have. Missing I-20s does not automatically result in a denial of your OPT.
What order should my application package be in?You may arrange your documents by following the order outlined on the Cover Letter. If using the G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions to pay the application fee, please place your Form G-1450 on top of your application.Pending OPT Applications
My application is pending but I need to change my mailing address. What do I do?Visit the USCIS website and check your Case Status Online: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do. Once there, click "Change of Address" and follow the instructions. If you are using someone else's address, please fill out the "In Care of for Mailing, C/O" section with their name.What happens if I fail to graduate but already applied for OPT?If you fail to complete your academic program requirements AFTER your I-20 program end date, you MUST contact your VIS Advisor immediately. If your OPT request has NOT been approved by USCIS, and you contact us immediately there may be a chance to withdraw your request with USCIS. If your OPT request HAS been approved by USCIS, it is unlikely USCIS will cancel your request and you may lose eligibility time for Post-Completion OPT. Termination and Reinstatement to F-1 status will likely be necessary. Your VIS Advisor will provide appropriate guidance.Will I be in valid status while my application is pending with USCIS?As long as you submit a timely OPT application to USCIS within your 60 day grace period, then you will remain in the U.S. in F-1 status while awaiting the adjudication of your OPT application by USCIS.What should I do if I filed my I-765 with USCIS more than 30 days ago but have not yet received my Receipt Notice?If your payment was not cashed, your application/petition might have been lost in the mail or rejected by the Lockbox for some reason. Please email the Lockbox at lockboxsupport@uscis.dhs.gov to inquire about your application/petition.If my application is past normal processing time, when can I inquire about it?USCIS can tell you your "Case Inquiry Date". If your case inquiry date has been met, then you can submit an e-request on USCIS' website to ask about your case. Click here for the USCIS' webiste to submit an e-request.
To find your case inquiry date go to: uscis.gov/processing-times/
- Under Form select ‘I-765 Application for Employment Authorization’
- Under Form Category select ‘Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]’
- Under Field Office or Service Center select ‘Potomac Service Center’
- Click ‘Get processing time’
- Under the case processing time put in your receipt notice date and click 'Get Inquiry Date'.
Before this date, USCIS will likely not be able to give you any update on your application.
Can I request for USCIS to expedite my application?USCIS announced in March 2023 that they have expanded premium processing (Form I-907) for certain F-1 students filing an I-765 under these three categories:
- (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT;
- (c)(3)(B) – Post-Completion OPT; and
- (c)(3)(C) – 24-Month Extension of OPT for STEM students
Starting April 3, 2023, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests for F-1 students in the above categories when filed together with a Form I-765.
To file Form I-907 online, you must first create a USCIS online account. If you have previously filed a USCIS form online, you may use your existing USCIS online account.
The fee for premium processing is $1,500 if you are filing a Form I-901 with a Form I-765 with eligibility category (c)(3)(A), (c)(3)(B) or (c)(3)(C). This fee is in addition to the standard filing fee of $410 for the I-765 application.
Premium Processing Service guarantees that USCIS will take one of several possible actions (issue an approval notice, a denial notice, a notice of intent to deny, or a request for evidence) on the petition or application within a certain processing timeframe. The processing timeframe for I-765 applications is 30 calendar days with premium processing. For more information about premium processing, click here for USCIS’ website.
We strongly advise to check current processing times on USCIS’ website to determine if premium processing is the right fit for you. See below for instructions:
- To check processing times, go to: uscis.gov/processing-times/
- Under Form select ‘I-765 Application for Employment Authorization’
- Under Form Category select ‘Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]’
- Under Field Office or Service Center select ‘Potomac Service Center’
- Click ‘Get processing time’
May I cancel my OPT application once I have applied?Yes, you may request that the OPT application be withdrawn. Email your VIS Advisor as soon as possible if you need to withdraw the OPT application. Once your OPT application has been approved by USCIS, it cannot be withdrawn.What should I do if my application is rejected?If your application gets rejected, please contact your International Student Advisor immediately and email a copy of your rejection notice. They will be able to advise you on how to proceed. If you are within your 60 day grace period you may be able to submit a new OPT application to USCIS however a new OPT I-20 will likely need to be issued by your VIS Advisor.International Travel
Can I travel abroad while my OPT application is pending with USCIS?VIS does not recommend traveling abroad (including Canada or Mexico) while your I-765 application is pending with USCIS. Although the regulations do not prohibit travel during this time, there are risks involved.
Students who choose to leave the US while the OPT application is pending and plan to reenter the US after their I-20 program end date will need the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to return to the US. Students who plan to return to the US before the EAD is approved may not be admitted into the US as admission is at the discretion of Customs and Border Protection.
For more information, visit the ICE travel website which cautions students about traveling while the OPT application is pending.
NOTE: You must be physically present in the US at the time USCIS receives your OPT application. If you must travel abroad after USCIS receives the application and accept the risks, VIS strongly recommends that you wait until you have received the receipt notice from USCIS. The receipt notice will arrive in the mail within a few weeks of USCIS receiving your application.
Can I travel abroad while authorized for OPT?Yes, the regulations allow students to travel while in a period of OPT. It is important that you are prepared to present proper documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at U.S. ports of entry (POEs) to demonstrate that you can resume employment upon returning to the U.S. Additionally, you should be prepared to answer questions regarding the specific nature of your OPT work and how it relates to your degree programs. Should you travel outside of the country, upon reentry to the U.S. be prepared to show the following documents:
- Valid passport with an expiration date that is at least six months into the future
- Valid, unexpired F-1 visa
- Valid Travel signature on OPT I-20 (OPT travel signatures are only valid for 6 months)
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
- Letter of employment (e.g. initial offer letter, pay stubs, employment verification letter) if you have one.
Note: If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to re-enter the United States in F-1 status.
The travel requirements for students in a period of pre-completion OPT are the same as an enrolled student.
Can we renew my F-1 visa once I've received my EAD card?Yes. Students authorized for OPT or the 24-month OPT STEM Extension may apply for a new F-1 student visa. You will need
a valid EAD as well as evidence that you are working or will be working in a position that is directly related your major field of
study, along with the other required visa renewal documents.
When you apply for your F-1 student visa, you should have the following:- Valid passport with an expiration date that is at least six months into the future
- Valid travel signature on your most recent I-20 (travel signatures while authorized for OPT are only valid for 6 months).
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
- Proof of employment (e.g. initial offer letter, pay stubs, employment verification letter). We recommend that the proof of employment shows your salary, location of employment, whether or not the job is full-time or part-time, job duties, etc. You should be prepared to clearly explain how the job is related to your field of study.
Working While on OPT
When can I start working under OPT?You may only start your position once you have received the OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by the USCIS, and the effective start date listed on the EAD has been reached.Can I work if my EAD card has been approved by USCIS, but I have not received it yet?No. You must wait until you have received your EAD Card and the start date on the card is valid in order to begin work.Can I work in a volunteer position before I receive my EAD card?No. If the position you are "volunteering" for will be the same position for which you will be paid for once your employment authorization begins (when you have the EAD card with a valid start date), then VIS does not recommend you work in an unpaid capacity. Your employer may be violating U.S. federal labor laws by permitting you to work in an unpaid capacity in a position which is normally compensated for similar workers.Can I work as a volunteer on campus at Stony Brook after my OPT is approved?The definition of Volunteerism is any job/internship whose original purpose was to be a non-paid position. If the job normally offers a stipend, but the employer agrees not to pay you for the work, this is not considered volunteer and is not acceptable.
You may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern on-campus, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least 21 hours per week and directly related to you degree program. Additionally, as a policy you must provide a letter of offer issued by the Department Chair on letterhead detailing the following:
- Description of your specific duties
- Dates of employment (begin and end dates)
- Number of hours of work per week
- Physical address of the employment (do not use P.O. Box)
- Name of your supervisor
Does the job I have while on OPT have to be paid employment, or can it be unpaid?While on Post-Completion OPT, your employment does not need to be paid. Therefore, a student who is an unpaid intern or volunteer in a position that is directly related to their major/program would satisfy the employment requirements of OPT so long as they work in the unpaid position for at least 21 hours per week. We advise you to keep documentation for all employment you have while on OPT.
For the 24-Month STEM Extension, employment must be traditional paid employment.
Can I have more than one employer while on OPT?Your OPT is not linked to one employer; this means that you can have more than one employer while on OPT as long as every job you have is directly related to your major AND you are working at least 21 hours/week cumulatively.Am I able to work on campus while on OPT assuming I couldn't find a job/internship?While authorized for Post-Completion OPT you would only be able to accept a position on or off campus that is directly related to your major.OPT Reporting Requirements
How many days can I be unemployed while on OPT?SEVIS can automatically terminate your F1 status if no employment is reported after 90 days. However, you have up to 90 days of unemployment. During the approved OPT period, each day (including weekends and holidays) that the student does not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment. Thus, you need to maintain employment for at least 9 months out of the 12 total months of OPT. Students who receive a STEM extension are given an additional 60 days of unemployment for a total of 150 days over their entire post-completion OPT period. OPT authorization begins on the employment start date shown on the student’s EAD card, even if you don’t have the actual card in hand.
If I don't have a job yet, when will I start accruing unemployment days?You will begin to accruing unemployment time as of the start date listed on your EAD card.
Options after OPT
How long can I remain in the US once my Post-Completion OPT is finished?As long as you worked and did not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment while on OPT, you can stay in the US for up to 60 days after completing your OPT.
Is it possible to extend my OPT?Review your options and determine your eligibility for extending OPT here.
I'm starting a new academic program at a new university. How do I transfer my SEVIS record?Follow our transfer out procedures.
I'm starting a new academic program at Stony Brook. What do I have to do?Students on OPT beginning a new degree level at Stony Brook must complete the Change of Degree Level request form in accessVIS prior to the start of the academic term. Click here for more details.
- SEVP Portal
SEVP Portal
The U.S. government created an online portal for students on Post-Completion OPT to report the following personal and employer information directly to SEVP:
- Add or edit your phone number
- Add or edit your mailing and physical address
- Add or edit your employer's information
The use of this portal is optional and does not impact your employment authorization. At this time VIS encourages you to submit any updates directly to us in accessVIS. Once you submit your information to VIS, we will update your SEVIS record, and thus the US government on your changes.
If you choose to use the government's SEVP Portal and have any issues using it, including if you get locked out of it, if you forget or need to reset your password, or if you never received the email providing you with instructions with how to create and log into the portal, please contact your International Student Advisor for assistance.
FAQs Regarding the SEVP Portal
-
Accordion Item Title Accordion Item Content Who can report employment through the SEVP Portal? All F-1 students who are on an approved period of OPT or STEM OPT may set up an account to report their information. Even if you have already reported your employment to VIS using the respective OPT/STEM Reporting form, you will receive the email about the SEVP Portal. Which email will SEVP use to communicate with me? SEVP will use the personal non-Stony Brook email address you most recently reported in accessVIS. This is the email address that we have listed for you in SEVIS and will be the only email that they will communicate with. Can I still report my employment in accessVIS? Yes, we advise students report using the Pre & Post OPT Reporting form or the STEM OPT Reporting form depending on their authorization. What if I report my employment through the SEVP Portal but SEVP does not have a record of it? This should not be the case. However, VIS recommends that you take a screenshot of your employment reporting when you submit it and save this in your records. I am on STEM OPT, should I still use the SEVP Portal? Those on STEM OPT may edit employer information or delete an employer if they have never worked for that company. All 6 month reporting, as well as submission of the 12 month evaluation, 24 month evaluation, end of employment evaluation, and a new employer I-983 (if you change employers) must continue to be done through accessVIS by submitting the STEM OPT Reporting form. What if I have trouble accessing the SEVP Portal or have questions once I login? Portal users can now reset their own accounts if they have been locked out of their account. A “Password Reset” option is available on the SEVP Portal log in page. Additionally, SEVP has a website with step-by-step videos and instructions.