OPT & STEM OPT: Before Accepting a Job Offer, Verify These 3 Areas
A job offer can protect your status or put it at risk. Use this pre-acceptance checklist to verify employer eligibility, DSO alignment, and SEVIS accuracy before you say yes.
Quick Answer
Before accepting an OPT/STEM OPT job offer, confirm it is a W-2 degree-related role, verify E-Verify and I-983 readiness (for STEM OPT), and make sure DSO + SEVIS records match your EAD dates and real work location.
Why this matters
Many F-1 status issues happen after accepting a role without checking compliance basics. A role that looks good on paper can still fail STEM OPT rules (E-Verify, I-983, wage comparability, or location reporting). Verify before onboarding, not after.
1) Employer Verification
W-2 role confirmed (not 1099/contractor).
For STEM OPT: E-Verify enrollment is active. Ask for the company E-Verify ID and verify details at e-verify.uscis.gov.
Job title and responsibilities are directly related to your degree field.
Start date is on or after EAD start date and before EAD end date.
For STEM OPT: salary is comparable to similarly situated U.S. workers in the same role and location.
Employer agrees to sign Form I-983 and complete required evaluations every 6 months.
2) DSO Confirmation
OPT/STEM OPT filing status is valid and within the eligible timeline.
DSO confirms the role is degree-related and compliant for your record.
Remaining unemployment days are reviewed before accepting the offer.
For STEM OPT: employer E-Verify Company ID has been shared with DSO for SEVIS and updated I-20.
3) SEVIS & I-20 Accuracy
Program end date and authorization period cover the expected employment period.
DSO-authorized employment dates align with your EAD dates.
Worksite address reflects your physical work location, not employer HQ.
For remote/hybrid roles: report the primary location where you work most days.
Current residential address is updated in SEVIS.
If you move to another state during employment, submit a new SEVIS update promptly.
FAQ
Can I accept a 1099 contractor role on STEM OPT?
No. STEM OPT requires a bona fide employer-employee relationship and a completed Form I-983. 1099 contractor setups usually do not satisfy this requirement.
Why is work location accuracy important for remote roles?
SEVIS records must reflect your actual primary work location. Reporting an HQ address when you work elsewhere can cause compliance mismatches.
Should I share E-Verify Company ID with my DSO?
Yes. For STEM OPT, your DSO needs the employer's E-Verify information to correctly update SEVIS and issue an accurate I-20.
Track Compliance Before It Becomes a Problem
Use TrackMyOPT to monitor unemployment days, deadline windows, and STEM OPT requirements in one dashboard.
Protect Your OPT StatusRelated Guides
Written by the TrackMyOPT Team
Our team includes former F-1 students who navigated OPT, STEM OPT, and H-1B transitions firsthand. We combine lived immigration experience with data from USCIS, ICE.gov, and 2,500+ student users to create the most accurate and practical guides for international students in the US.