STEM OPT employer checklist

Ask: Is the company enrolled in E-Verify, and can you share the company E-Verify number?

Red flag: They aren't sure what E-Verify is, or say they'll enroll later.

Ask: What is the Employer Identification Number that will go on my Form I-983?

Red flag: No EIN, or the EIN belongs to a different company than the one supervising you.

Ask: Who will complete and sign my I-983 training plan, and when?

Red flag: No one will commit to signing it, or they ask you to fill it out alone.

Ask: How many hours per week is the role, in writing?

Red flag: Hours depend on projects, or the offer is under 20 hours a week.

Ask: Will you be my direct employer, paying me and supervising my training day to day?

Red flag: You'll be placed at a client with no supervision from the employer on the I-983.

Ask: Which duties in this role connect to my degree field?

Red flag: The duties have little to do with your degree, such as general admin or sales work.