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OPT Reporting FAQs

 
Common FAQs About OPT/STEM OPT:
 
 
  • How do I get an official copy of my Northwest transcripts?
    • To request a copy of your transcripts to be sent to you OR to another school, you will need to go through Parchment on the Registrar's Office website, linked here 
 
  • How do I report changes to my employment information?
    • You will log into the IIC Portal and submit an OPT reporting request with the employment information and upload the offer letter
    • If you are on STEM OPT, you will also need to upload the Form I-983, signed and completed with your employer
    • Some updates you are required to report to our office include: adding a new employer, leaving an employer, change of pay, change of site address, supervisor contact information, etc. 
 
  • Does the job offer I received qualify for initial OPT?
    • Generally, as long as you can relate the job responsibilities to what you studied for your degree, it is acceptable for OPT. Just be sure the job also meets the other reporting requirements for initial OPT / STEM OPT
 
  • My initial OPT start date is soon, but my application hasn't been approved yet; what do I do?
    • The average processing time from application to approval for initial OPT is around 4-5 months. You can check for updates about your application in your myUSCIS portal, or by entering your receipt number into the USCIS tracking website
    • Even if it is after your requested start date, you are NOT authorized to work until you receive approval AND your physical EAD card; working without proper authorization is considered a violation of status, and can negatively impact your current status, as well as future visa applications
 
  • How soon should I report employment updates to the DSO?
    • Please report any changes within 10 days of the change! DSOs have an additional 21 days to review students' requests and report changes to SEVIS
 
  • How long will it take to get my updated I-20 after I submit an OPT reporting request?
    • The processing time for OPT reporting can take up to 2 weeks, but they are typically completed in less than one week
 
  • The DSO put my request into "Clarification Requested", what does this mean?
    • "Clarification Requested" means that the DSO requires additional information or documents to complete your request and update your record. Be sure to check your email to see if they have reached out to ask for further information!
 
  • My STEM OPT start date is soon, but my application is still pending; can I still work?
    • As long as you submitted your STEM OPT application before the end of your initial OPT period, you are automatically granted an additional 180-days of work authorization, starting the day after your initial OPT period ends. Read more about this regulation here
    • For example, if your initial OPT ends on 01/10/2026 and you submitted your STEM OPT application before this date, you would be authorized to continue working until 07/09/2026 while your application is pending with USCIS
 
  • How do I submit a validation report? (only applies to students on STEM OPT)
    • To submit a validation report, you will need to submit an OPT reporting request and select the reason "submitting a validation report." In the request you will verify your employer's information and provide your current home address
    • If it is for your 12-month OR 24-month validation report, you will also need to provide the Form I-983 with the student-evaluation on the last page filled out and signed by you and your employer
    • You will also need to submit an updated Form I-983 if any of the information has changed from the previous version, such as remote site address, salary, supervisor info, etc.

Attached below are some additional resources to assist you while on post-completion OPT!

Initial OPT:
 
STEM OPT Extension:
 
Is your case still pending with USCIS?
   
 

 
Please send any OPT related questions to OPT@nwmissouri.edu!