If you are currently on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT, this blog is a must-read.
Imagine this: You’re in the middle of your workday, and someone unexpectedly knocks on your office door. To your surprise, it’s a USCIS officer conducting an in-person site visit. While this may seem alarming at first, there’s no need to panic—these visits are part of routine federal compliance checks, and being prepared is the best way to ensure a smooth experience.
Why Are These Visits Happening?
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have the legal authority to conduct unannounced site visits to verify compliance with F-1 visa regulations. These visits are primarily focused on students who are on OPT or STEM OPT extensions and can occur at either your residential address or your employer’s office.
Such visits can be triggered by:
- Random audits
- Third-party complaints
- Suspected fraud or inconsistencies
The main objective is to verify that:
- You are maintaining lawful immigration status
- Your employment aligns with your degree program and complies with your Form I-983 (for STEM OPT students)
There’s nothing to fear if your records are in order and you’ve followed proper reporting protocols.
How to Prepare for a USCIS Site Visit
Key Do’s When Approached by a USCIS Officer:
- Verify their identity: Politely request official identification, a badge number, or a business card.
- Remain calm and cooperative: Answer questions honestly and in alignment with your SEVIS and immigration records.
- Ensure your documentation is accessible: Keep updated records of your status, employment, and training plans.
OPT/STEM OPT Compliance Checklist
Identity & Status
- Know your SEVIS ID, full legal name, and current address
- Be able to state your visa status (e.g., “F-1 on OPT” or “F-1 on STEM OPT”)
- Know your university, degree, and graduation date
OPT Authorization
- Be aware of your OPT start and end dates (as listed on your EAD card)
- Keep your EAD card available
- Confirm your OPT application was filed on time and reported to your DSO
Employment Verification
- Know your employer’s name, address, and your specific work location
- Be ready to describe your job title and daily responsibilities
- Be clear about how your job relates to your field of study
- Maintain a 40-hour work week if on full-time OPT
- Keep copies of your offer letter, job description, and recent pay stubs
For STEM OPT Students
- Keep an up-to-date copy of your Form I-983
- Know your supervisor’s name and understand your training and evaluation plan
- Be ready to explain how the employer supports your professional development
Reporting and Compliance
- Report address and employment changes in SEVIS within 10 days
- Monitor your unemployment days (must remain under 90 days)
- Know your future plans (e.g., H-1B, further education, returning to home country)
Common Questions Asked During Site Visits
During a USCIS site visit, officers may ask a series of questions to verify your identity, immigration status, and compliance with the requirements of OPT or STEM OPT. You may be asked to state your full name and date of birth, provide details about when you graduated and from which university, and confirm your current immigration status. Be prepared to present original documents such as your passport, F-1 visa, I-20, and EAD card upon request.
In terms of your OPT or STEM OPT authorization, officers may inquire about your start and end dates, whether you are on initial OPT or a STEM extension, and if you filed your application on time. It’s important to be familiar with these dates and the timeline of your application process.
When discussing employment, you may need to explain who your employer is, your job title, and a summary of your primary job responsibilities. Be ready to clearly describe how your role is directly related to your degree field. Officers may also ask whether your position is full-time and paid, when you began your employment, and whether you’ve previously worked for other employers under OPT.
Questions about work conditions may focus on whether you work onsite or remotely, your weekly work hours, and details about your supervisor. You might also be asked to describe your typical daily routine to help validate your job functions and their alignment with your field of study.
If you are on STEM OPT, expect questions specifically related to your Form I-983 Training Plan. You should be prepared to confirm that the form has been submitted, explain how your training is monitored, and disclose whether there have been any changes since your I-983 was last updated. Additionally, you may be asked if you have completed the required evaluations, and how frequently you receive feedback or assessments from your employer.
Under the compliance and reporting category, USCIS officers often verify whether you have reported any changes to your address or employment to your DSO in a timely manner. They may ask if you maintain valid health insurance, if you know your DSO’s contact details, and whether you have been unemployed for more than 90 cumulative days—a critical threshold for maintaining OPT status.
Lastly, officers may request to see a range of supporting documents. These can include your passport, visa, I-20 (endorsed for OPT/STEM OPT), EAD card, your job offer letter or job description, and recent pay stubs, W-2s, or bank statements as proof of ongoing employment. For STEM OPT students, your Form I-983 and any correspondence with your DSO may also be reviewed. It’s advisable to keep your SEVIS record updated and have digital or physical copies of all relevant documents readily available.
Important Reminders
- Address Changes: Must be updated in SEVIS within 10 days.
- STEM OPT Reporting: Changes to your employment, worksite address, or training plan must be submitted through your DSO.
- Stay Informed: Review your I-983 training plan regularly, and ensure evaluations are completed on time.
Final Thoughts
USCIS site visits are designed to ensure that students on OPT and STEM OPT are complying with the terms of their visa and gaining meaningful training related to their field of study. Preparation is key—by keeping your documents updated and being well-versed in your role and responsibilities, you can handle these visits confidently.
As a proactive measure, we recommend reviewing the checklist and common questions above periodically, and keeping your DSO informed of any changes.
If you have questions or need help preparing for a USCIS visit, reach out to your school’s International Student Office or your HR/immigration support contact.
Stay compliant. Stay informed. Stay confident.
