Understanding the Role of E-Verify in the Stem Opt Requirement- A Comprehensive Insight
Does STEM OPT require E-Verify?
The question of whether STEM OPT requires E-Verify is a common concern among international students and employers in the United States. STEM OPT, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training, is a program that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study after completing their academic program. E-Verify, on the other hand, is an electronic employment verification system used by employers to confirm the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States. In this article, we will explore the relationship between STEM OPT and E-Verify, and answer the question of whether STEM OPT requires E-Verify.
Understanding STEM OPT
STEM OPT is an extension of the standard 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) available to F-1 students. It allows students to work in the United States for an additional 24 months in a STEM field, provided they meet certain criteria. To be eligible for STEM OPT, students must have completed a degree in a STEM field from a U.S. institution, and their employer must be willing to sponsor their participation in the program.
Understanding E-Verify
E-Verify is a web-based system that allows employers to verify the employment eligibility of their employees by comparing information from Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. Employers are required to use E-Verify if they are federal contractors or subcontractors with a contract value of $150,000 or more, or if they are federal grant recipients with a grant value of $500,000 or more.
Does STEM OPT Require E-Verify?
The answer to the question of whether STEM OPT requires E-Verify is not straightforward. While STEM OPT participants are required to work for an employer who is authorized to hire workers in the United States, there is no explicit requirement for employers to use E-Verify. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
1. Employer Authorization: Employers participating in STEM OPT must be authorized to hire workers in the United States. This means they must comply with all relevant immigration and employment laws, including the use of E-Verify if required by their federal contracts or grants.
2. Employer’s Decision: While not a requirement, many employers choose to use E-Verify to streamline their hiring process and ensure compliance with immigration laws. This is particularly true for employers who are federal contractors or subcontractors.
3. Student’s Responsibility: Students participating in STEM OPT are responsible for ensuring that their employer is authorized to hire them and that the employer is compliant with all relevant laws. It is advisable for students to confirm with their employer whether they use E-Verify or not.
In conclusion, while STEM OPT does not explicitly require employers to use E-Verify, it is important for both students and employers to understand the requirements and implications of the program. Employers should ensure they are authorized to hire workers in the United States and may choose to use E-Verify to facilitate this process. Students should verify their employer’s compliance with immigration and employment laws to ensure a successful and legal work experience.
