SEVP Portal Complete Guide: Setup, Unlock & Reporting for OPT & STEM OPT
The Student and Exchange Visitor Portal (SEVP Portal) is the federal government's direct reporting system for F-1 OPT students. Failing to set up your account or report within 10 days can result in SEVIS termination. Here is how to keep your record in status.
TL;DR / Quick Answer
The SEVP Portal is where you report your address and employer info to the government during OPT. You will receive an invitation email from do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov once your OPT is approved and starts. You must update your info in the portal within 10 days of any change. If locked out, contact your school's DSO immediately to reset it.
Key Takeaway
Updating the SEVP Portal is a mandatory legal requirement under 8 CFR § 214.2(f)(12). Keep your profile current to avoid automatic SEVIS cancellation by the Department of Homeland Security.
Source: Official SEVP Portal Login
In This Guide
How the SEVP Portal Works
The SEVP Portal is a secure website managed by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It allows students on OPT and STEM OPT to report their home addresses, phone numbers, and employer details directly without needing their DSO to log every minor detail manually in SEVIS.
What You Can Update
- • Residential home address
- • Primary mailing address
- • Personal telephone number
- • Regular OPT employer information
What You CANNOT Update
- • Legal name or birth date
- • Major or degree level
- • Program extension requests
- • STEM OPT employer additions
Step-by-Step Account Registration
Wait for USCIS Approval
You cannot register until your Form I-765 is approved by USCIS and your OPT period is active.
Check for Invitation Email
Check your university email or personal inbox for an invitation from do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder.
Complete Activation Within 30 Days
The link in the invitation email expires exactly 30 days after it is sent. Click the link, input your SEVIS ID, and set up your password immediately.
Log In & Verify Information
Sign in at sevp.ice.gov/opt. Check that your current legal name and OPT start/end dates match your approved EAD card.
Reporting Requirements: The 10-Day Rule
Homeland Security regulations specify that you must report all changes to your address or work status within 10 days. If you do not report your employment, the system will continue to deduct your 90 days of allowed unemployment.
Locked Out? Password Resets & Unlock Guide
Account lockouts occur frequently due to password expiration (required every 90 days) or three consecutive failed password entry attempts.
Self-Service Reset
If your account is simply locked but not deleted, use the 'Forgot Password' link on the login page to send a reset link to your email.
Contacting Your DSO
If the self-service reset fails or your account remains disabled, email your school's DSO. They can access SEVIS and request a manual unlock or issue a new registration invitation.
SEVP Portal Rules for STEM OPT Students
Students on the 24-month STEM OPT extension face stricter reporting regulations:
- Form I-983 required: You cannot add a new STEM OPT employer directly in the portal. You must first submit a signed Form I-983 to your DSO, who will manually enter the employer details.
- 6-Month Validation Reports: You must submit validation reports to your DSO every 6 months confirming your status and employment details, even if nothing has changed.
- Annual Evaluations: You must submit annual evaluations (page 5 of Form I-983) to your DSO at the 12-month mark and at the end of your STEM OPT period.
Simplify Your OPT Compliance
TrackMyOPT helps you log and verify your employment records so you never fall out of status. Get reminders when it's time to report changes.
Create Free AccountFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I don't receive the portal email?
Confirm that your DSO has updated your active status in SEVIS. If they did, ask them to check which email address is registered. They can also request SEVP to re-send the welcome email.
Can my employer update the portal for me?
No. The SEVP portal account is strictly personal. You are legally responsible for all submissions and updates on your profile.
Will I get a new I-20 after making an update?
Yes, you should request an updated I-20 from your DSO after changing employers to show the updated employment details on page 2.
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.