STEM OPT (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training) is a work authorization that an incoming employee may have received from their former university. For example, there are several degrees at W&M and VIMS that allow recent alumni to apply for STEM OPT.
Though W&M and VIMS would not be typically sponsoring an incoming employee for STEM OPT, there are obligations the university must fulfill if an employee has this work authorization.
For W&M and VIMS alums on STEM OPT, please see OPT Reporting for more information.
table of the steps to apply for STEM OPT
Requirements
For a W&M or VIMS position to be eligible for STEM OPT, it must be:
Paid
At least 20 hours per week
Directly related to the employee's STEM degree
Include training, documented in Form I-983
It cannot replace a full time or part time, temporary or permanent U.S. worker
E-verify Information for I-765 STEM OPT Application
The employee will apply for their STEM OPT with the help of the university who holds their immigration record.
E-verify Company ID: 466151
E-verify Company Name: College of William and Mary
The e-verify name and number are the same, whether an employee is working for W&M or for VIMS
Completing Form I-983
The I-983 is a training plan for the employee and their position, so many of the questions relate to the type of training and supervision the employee will receive.
Form I-983 -- check that the form is valid by looking at the "Expiration Date" at the top of the form.
This must be completed before the employee begins work.
Sections 1 & 2: The new hire will complete this, in partnership with the university who holds their immigration record.
Sections 3 - 6: The hiring W&M or VIMS department should complete these, and have the "EmployerOfficialwithSignatoryAuthority" review and sign.
North American Industry Classification (NAIS) code: 611310
Section 5: Though the form refers to a "student," it is asking about the details of the new employee and their position. This section asks for information about the goals, objectives, oversight, and assessment of the position.
Page 5: These are two self evaluations that do not need to be completed initially.
Self Evaluations
Following the deadlines listed below, these must be completed by the employee, and signed by the employer. A completed copy is provided to the employee, who must submit it to the university who holds their immigration record.
Evaluation on Student Progress: Due before the end of their first year of work.
Final Evaluation on Student Progress: Due before the end of their STEM OPT or when their position ends (whichever comes first).
Employment Changes
Any time there are changes to the employee's position, an updated I-983 must be given to the employee within 5 business days. Examples:
Reduction in compensation (not tied to a reduction in hours worked)
This work authorization will last a maximum of 24 months (36 months if original OPT is included). The employee should have a work authorization card that lists the end date.
If you foresee wanting the employee to work past their work authorization end date, please work with ISSP to explore additional work authorization options. Some of these take several months to be approved, so advanced notice is always recommended.
