Understanding STEM OPT: Can You Change Your Field of Work?
If you’re an international student in the United States, you may be familiar with Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to gain work experience in your field of study. Students in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, beyond the standard 12 months of OPT. With this opportunity in mind, one question often arises: Can I change my field of work while on STEM OPT?
What is STEM OPT?
STEM OPT is a period during which graduates with degrees in STEM fields from U.S. universities can work in the United States for up to 24 additional months after the initial OPT period. This extension is highly valuable for those seeking real-world experience and for employers seeking highly skilled employees. However, it comes with specific OPT visa regulations that need to be followed to maintain legal work status.
OPT Visa Regulations on Employment Fields
The U.S. government permits STEM OPT as long as your employment is directly related to your STEM degree. This requirement ensures that the work experience gained is relevant and beneficial to your career. Therefore, changing your field of work while on STEM OPT is permissible only if the new position is still directly related to your qualifying STEM degree.
“The aim of STEM OPT is to give international graduates the hands-on training that enhances their education,” Immigration authorities state. “Any change in the field of work should reflect advancement or expansion of that practical learning.”
Steps to Changing Your Field of Work on STEM OPT
- Ensure Relevance to Your Degree:
Your new job must correlate with the STEM degree that qualified you for the STEM OPT extension. Review your new job description with your Designated School Official (DSO) to confirm eligibility. - Notify Your DSO:
Communicate your intention to change jobs to your DSO as early as possible. Your DSO will guide you through the necessary paperwork to maintain your status. Report Changes to Immigration Services:
Through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), you must update your employment information to reflect your new job.Maintain Full-Time Employment:
Remember that STEM OPT requires you to work at least 20 hours per week. Whether you’re changing fields or jobs, this requirement remains in place.STEM OPT Reporting Requirements:
Periodically, you’ll need to confirm the information on your employment, and how it aligns with your STEM degree, with your DSO. Make sure these reports are accurate and timely to avoid issues with your immigration status.
Considerations Before Changing Your Field of Work
Switching careers is a significant decision and not without risks. Consider the following before making a move:
- Duration on STEM OPT: The closer you are to the end of your OPT period, the less beneficial a change may be. Make sure you have enough time to fully engage in the learning opportunities of the new role.
- Job Offer Quality: Ensure the new opportunity will offer you the growth and learning experiences that are at the core of the STEM OPT program’s intent.
- Immigration Consequences: Inadvertently violating OPT regulations can complicate your status. Always consult with an immigration attorney or your DSO before making changes.
Additional Resources
For comprehensive guidance, here are some valuable resources:
When considering a change in your field of work while on STEM OPT, precision and adherence to regulations are crucial. By staying informed and proactively managing your status, you can navigate changes in your career path while maintaining legal status in the United States. Always remember that each individual case may differ, and professional guidance is just a consultation away.
So there you have it, my STEM OPT adventurers! Changing your field of work while on STEM OPT is possible, but it comes with a few regulations and considerations. Remember to ensure relevance, notify your DSO, update employment info, maintain full-time work, and stay on top of reporting requirements. And if you want more juicy info on immigration and visa topics, hop on over to visaverge.com for a deep dive. Happy exploring, my tech-savvy pals!
FAQ’s to know:
FAQ 1: Can I change my field of work while on STEM OPT?
Answer: Yes, you can change your field of work while on STEM OPT, but the new position must still be directly related to your qualifying STEM degree. The aim of STEM OPT is to provide hands-on training that enhances your education, so any change in your field of work should reflect advancement or expansion of that practical learning.
FAQ 2: What are the steps to changing my field of work on STEM OPT?
Answer: To change your field of work on STEM OPT, follow these steps:
- Ensure relevance to your degree by confirming that your new job correlates with your STEM degree.
- Notify your Designated School Official (DSO) of your intention to change jobs. They will guide you through the necessary paperwork to maintain your status.
- Update your employment information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to reflect your new job.
- Maintain full-time employment by working at least 20 hours per week.
- Fulfill the reporting requirements of STEM OPT by periodically confirming the information on your employment and its alignment with your STEM degree with your DSO.
FAQ 3: What considerations should I keep in mind before changing my field of work on STEM OPT?
Answer: Before changing your field of work on STEM OPT, consider the following:
- Duration on STEM OPT: If you have limited time remaining on your OPT period, changing fields may not be as beneficial. Make sure you have enough time to fully engage in the learning opportunities of the new role.
- Job offer quality: Ensure that the new opportunity offers growth and learning experiences that align with the intent of the STEM OPT program.
- Immigration consequences: Unintentionally violating OPT regulations can complicate your status. Consult with an immigration attorney or your DSO before making any changes to ensure compliance.
Remember to always consult with professionals and stay informed to navigate changes in your career path while maintaining legal status on STEM OPT.
What did you learn? Answer below to know:
- Can you change your field of work while on STEM OPT? (True/False)
- What are the steps to changing your field of work on STEM OPT? (Short answer)
- What are the considerations before changing your field of work on STEM OPT? (Multiple choice)
a) Duration on STEM OPT
b) Job offer quality
c) Immigration consequences
d) All of the above
