E-Verify and Hiring F-1 STEM OPT Students
If you’re an employer looking to hire F-1 students seeking an extension of their Optional Practical Training (OPT) under a STEM-designated degree program, you’re likely wondering about E-Verify requirements. Here’s what you need to know to ensure compliance and offer employment opportunities to these highly skilled students.
What is STEM OPT, and Who Qualifies?
F-1 students who have completed an approved period of post-completion OPT following their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in a designated STEM field can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This extension allows them to gain practical work experience in the U.S. related to their field of study, provided the employer meets specific requirements, including E-Verify participation.
Why E-Verify Enrollment is Required for STEM OPT
To employ an F-1 student with a STEM OPT extension, an employer must enroll in E-Verify, electronically sign an E-Verify Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and actively participate in the system. E-Verify is an internet-based system operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) that verifies employment eligibility.
How Universities Should Approach E-Verify Enrollment
For universities that intend to hire F-1 students under the STEM OPT program, E-Verify enrollment can be done at the university level or by individual departments. Here’s how it works:
- University-Wide Enrollment: When a university enrolls as a whole, F-1 STEM OPT students can work across any qualifying STEM department within the institution.
- Department-Specific Enrollment: If each department enrolls separately, only those departments with an E-Verify MOU qualify, meaning STEM OPT students may only work within those specific departments.
This flexibility allows universities to choose the enrollment strategy best suits their hiring structure.
Requirements for Employment Agencies and Consulting Firms
Employment agencies and consulting firms looking to employ F-1 students on a STEM OPT extension must also enroll in E-Verify. However, third-party clients who contract with these agencies or firms are not required to participate in E-Verify, provided the agency or firm employing the student is enrolled correctly.
Steps to Enroll in E-Verify
To participate in E-Verify, follow these steps:
- Create an Account: Register your business on the E-Verify website.
- Sign the MOU: Review and electronically sign the Memorandum of Understanding to establish your company’s participation.
- Complete Training: Take the E-Verify training modules to understand how to use the system properly.
- Begin Verifying: Start verifying new employees’ work authorization through E-Verify.
Key Takeaways for Employers
- Mandatory Participation: Enrollment in E-Verify is a must to hire F-1 STEM OPT students.
- Options for Universities: Choose between university-wide or department-specific enrollment in E-Verify.
- Special Considerations for Agencies: Only the agency or consulting firm needs to be enrolled in E-Verify, not the third-party clients.
By enrolling in E-Verify and following these guidelines, you can confidently hire F-1 students with STEM OPT extensions while meeting DHS compliance requirements. For more information on E-Verify enrollment and requirements, consult the official E-Verify website
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