The Student
and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) recently released a reminder
that the March 2016 STEM OPT rule allows the U.S. Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) to conduct site visits of employers that train STEM OPT
students.
As reiterated in the reminder, the purpose of the sites
visits is to permit DHS to confirm STEM OPT students are engaged in a
structured, work-based learning experience that is consistent with the goals of
practical training, and to confirm that the information contained within the
student’s Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students” is accurate.
Prior to the site visit, DHS may reach out to the employer
by email or phone to request information including but not limited to
confirmation of work locations of STEM OPT students and supervisors. More
details from DHS about site visits of employers that train STEM OPT students
can be found the Study in the States website.
UIC students currently on a period of STEM OPT with
questions about this announcement can connect with an OIS Advisor via email at stemopt@uic.edu. UIC departments
currently training a student on STEM OPT with questions about this announcement
can connect with OIS via email at ois@uic.edu.
Questions?
Feel free to contact
the Office of International Services.