u/Basic_Cup6941

Dear all,

I’m posting on behalf of my closest one and need some urgent advice regarding his complicated situation.

He is currently on F-1 OPT, and his field is Electrical Engineering,currently working in an engineering related role with a state employer, he really loved this job.

The issue is that, his current employer is not actively enrolled in E-Verify. Because of that, they can't support his STEM OPT extension. His direct supervisor and boss have been supportive, but HR is the only department not helping or moving forward with E-Verify enrollment.

Since his timeline is very short, he is trying to understand the most realistic path forward:

★ Should he focus only on finding a full time E-Verified electrical engineering employer, even though the hiring process can take time? (Many companies have expressed concern about his work authorization limitations and visa status, especially because he completed his undergraduate degree outside the US.)

★Would applying for E-Verified internships be a faster or more realistic option for STEM OPT purposes?

★Has anyone successfully convinced HR to enroll in E-Verify?

★If he receives another E-Verified job or internship offer, could that help push his current employer’s HR to reconsider?

★Are there any engineering firms that help STEM OPT students find E-Verified roles?

He is not looking for immediate sponsorship. He only needs an E-Verified employer related to his degree.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What worked best for you?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Hi everyone,

I’m currently on regular F-1 OPT and need to apply for STEM OPT soon. My current employer is a state agency. They were previously E-Verified, but they don't seem to be active in E-Verify now, and HR said they can't help with enrollment.

My degree is in Electrical and Computer Engineering, and my current role is engineering related.

Can I file STEM OPT if my current employer is not currently E-Verified but was E-Verified in the past?

If I switch to a new E-Verified employer, can I file STEM OPT after the new employer signs the I-983?

Are there any temporary legal options if I cannot find an E-Verified employer before my OPT expires?

I will also contact my DSO, but I’d appreciate any personal experience or guidance.

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Hi everyone,

I need some urgent advice regarding my F-1 OPT/STEM OPT situation.

I am currently on regular F-1 OPT. My undergraduate major was EEE, and my graduate degree is in ECE. I'm currently working for a state agency in an engineering related position.

The issue is that my current employer was E-Verified until around 2021, but now they are not active in E-Verify. I contacted HR, but they said they can't really help with this, they're unable to enroll the agency in E-Verify at this time.

My OPT end date is coming soon, and I need to file for STEM OPT extension immediately. As far as I understand, the employer must be E-Verified and must sign the I-983 training plan for STEM OPT.

I'm now urgently looking for an E-Verified employer related to electrical engineering / ECE, but I don't have much time left.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What are my realistic options right now?

Questions:

1.Can I file STEM OPT if my current employer is not currently E-Verified but was E-Verified in the past?

2.If I switch to an E-Verified employer quickly, how soon can I apply for STEM OPT?

3.Can I apply for STEM OPT with a new job offer before fully starting, or do I need to already be working there?

4.Are there any temporary legal options if I cannot find an E-Verified employer before my OPT expires?

5.Should I talk to my DSO first or an immigration attorney immediately?

I understand this is not legal advice, but I would really appreciate any guidance, personal experience, or suggestions. Thank you!