During STEM OPT both regularly scheduled reports and ad hoc reports must be submitted to the International Student Services office at Pomona College. You can do this by downloading and filling out the STEM OPT Employment Report Form [pdf].
- Validation Reports, due every 6 months during STEM OPT, must include the following
- Your full legal name, as it appears on passport. Do not use “preferred” name
- SEVIS identification number
- Current residential address
- Name and address of the current employer – Enter Work site address
- Date the you began working for the current employer
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Self-evaluation reports are due annually - so 12 months into your extension and again at 24 months - the conclusion of your OPT period (or earlier if you decide to discontinue your OPT and exit the US or if you request release of your SEVIS record to enroll in a new program of study). You can use page 5 of the I-983 or submit your own report form as long it includes both your signature and that of your employer/supervisor.
Your self-evaluation should provide the following:
An evaluation of your performance, using the measures previously identified in applying and acquiring new knowledge, skills, and competencies identified in the Training Plan. Discuss accomplishments, successful projects, overall contributions, etc., during this review period. Address whether there are any modifications to the objectives and goals for projects, or new areas for skill and competency development.
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Ad Hoc Reports - Report any changes to the following, within 10 days of the change:
- Student's legal name - Report via portal and email Report Form to ISA
- Residential addresses - Report portal and email Report Form to ISA
- The date you stop working for an employer – final evaluation due – Email Report form to ISA, checking the appropriate box to provide the details of your decision.
- The date you begin working for a new qualifying employer – new I-983 required. Email to ISA with Report Form; a new I-20 will be generated and mailed to you.
- Any substantive change to your Training Plan – Prepare a modified version of your I-983 Training Plan. Both you and your employer must sign in all the appropriate places.
Please use the STEM OPT Employment Report Form [pdf] for all reports - validations, evaluations and ad hoc reports. Save this form to use each time a report is required.
Summary of reporting requirements
In a typical 24-month STEM OPT extension, at the minimum, there will be four report due-dates*
- 6 months after the STEM OPT employment start date – validation report
- 12 months – validation report AND self-evaluation report
- 18 months – validation report
- 24 months – validation report AND final self-evaluation
Notes
Scheduled reports must be submitted during a 20-day period – 10 days either side of the due date.
*Changing your employer does not alter the reporting schedule timetable. However, it does trigger an out of sequence final evaluation and completion of a new STEM Employment Training Plan, I-983. See OPT STEM Reporting Form for additional details.