STEM OPT RFEs and Site Visits: What to Expect

Common reasons for an RFE

Yale's international office says STEM OPT RFEs range from simple to complex. Simple ones ask for new photos.

Complex ones ask for proof of past employment, status or academic standing, or raise questions about your relationship with the employer.

• Proof of your jobs during regular OPT.
• Proof that you kept F-1 status or academic standing.
• Questions about whether the employer is your bona fide employer.
• A missing or incomplete Form I-983, or errors on Form I-765.

Responding to an RFE

• Contact your DSO as soon as it arrives.
• Read the deadline on the notice itself.
• Gather pay stubs, offer letters, employer letters and SEVP Portal history.
• Respond online if you filed online. If you filed by mail, put the RFE notice on top.
• With premium processing, the 30-business-day clock restarts when USCIS gets your response.

Photos and biometrics

Since December 12, 2025, USCIS has moved to photos taken at its own centers. University offices report STEM OPT applicants getting biometrics notices. Missing that appointment can lead to denial, so check your mail and USCIS account.

If the application is denied

Study in the States says applications filed too early or too late are denied, and you lose the fee. A denial also ends the 180-day work extension, so you must stop working.

Talk to your DSO the same day. Your options depend on your dates. See STEM OPT running out.

How site visits work

Under the STEM OPT rules, DHS may visit any STEM OPT employer. ICE employees conduct the visits.

DHS gives at least 48 hours' notice. It can visit without notice if a complaint or other evidence of noncompliance triggers the visit. It may also ask questions by email or phone first.

What officers check

DHS may refer issues to the Department of Labor or other agencies. Requests for corrected information go to the employer in writing.

• That the I-983 details are accurate.
• That the employer has enough resources and supervisors to train you.
• How the employer set your pay compared with similar US workers.
• That your actual work matches the training plan.

Fraud findings in 2026

In March 2026, SEVP said recent visits to some IT recruitment, consulting and staffing firms found empty offices, homes listed as work sites, and students who never worked. See staffing agencies on STEM OPT.

How to be ready

1. Keep your I-983 current and file updates for material changes. See the I-983 guide.
2. Make sure your work location matches the I-983.
3. Keep pay stubs and W-2s for every OPT job.
4. Submit evaluations on time.
5. Confirm your employer is in E-Verify.

This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm your situation with your DSO or an immigration attorney.

Questions

Sources

• Study in the States: STEM OPT Employer Site Visits
• Study in the States: STEM OPT Frequently Asked Questions
• ICE SEVP Broadcast Message 2603-02: STEM OPT Employer Fraud (Mar. 23, 2026)
• Yale OISS: USCIS Processing for STEM OPT
• USCIS: How Do I Request Premium Processing?
• University of Washington ISS: USCIS update on photo and biometrics requirements

Read next

What Is OPT? F-1 Work Rules, Limits and Job SearchOPT Unemployment Days: The 90 and 150-Day RulesHow to Find a Job on OPT: Which Employers Hire