Yes. F-1 students can generally change employers while on STEM OPT, but the new employment must independently satisfy the STEM OPT requirements.
Changing jobs during STEM OPT is more complicated than simply accepting a new offer and starting work. You must make sure the new employer is eligible, the new position is directly related to your STEM degree, the required training plan is completed, and the appropriate information is reported to your DSO.
This guide explains exactly what international students need to know before changing STEM OPT employers, including Form I-983, E-Verify, unemployment considerations, timing, multiple employers, remote work, and common mistakes.
Important: STEM OPT rules are immigration requirements and can change. Always confirm your specific situation with your designated school official (DSO) and, when appropriate, an immigration attorney.
Can You Change Employers While on STEM OPT?
Yes.
A STEM OPT student is not required to remain with the same employer for the entire 24-month extension.
You can potentially move from one STEM OPT employer to another as long as the new employer and new position meet all applicable STEM OPT requirements.
For example, you might move from:
Data Analyst at Company A
to:
Healthcare Data Scientist at Company B
provided that Company B and the new position satisfy the STEM OPT requirements.
The important point is that your STEM OPT authorization does not mean that every job automatically qualifies.
Your new employment must independently qualify.
What Happens When You Change STEM OPT Jobs?
When changing employers, there are several important steps.
Generally, you should:
- Confirm that the new employer participates in E-Verify.
- Confirm that the new position is directly related to your STEM degree.
- Complete a new Form I-983 with the new employer.
- Submit the required documentation to your DSO.
- Follow your school’s procedure for updating your SEVIS record.
- End the previous employment appropriately.
- Make sure you do not exceed the applicable unemployment limit.
- Begin the new employment only when you are authorized to do so.
The exact process and timing should be coordinated with your DSO.
Do You Need a New Form I-983?
Yes.
If you change STEM OPT employers, you generally need a new Form I-983 for the new employer.
This is because the I-983 describes the specific training relationship between:
- You
- Your STEM degree
- Your employer
- Your job duties
- Your supervisor
- Your training objectives
- Your compensation
- Your worksite
A Form I-983 completed for your previous employer does not simply transfer to your new employer.
Each qualifying STEM OPT employer needs its own training plan.
Does the New Employer Need to Be E-Verify?
Yes.
The new employer must meet the applicable STEM OPT E-Verify requirement.
This is one of the most important things to verify before leaving your current job.
You should not assume that a company qualifies because:
- It is a large corporation.
- It hires international employees.
- It has sponsored H-1B workers.
- It uses another employment verification system.
- A recruiter says it supports OPT.
Ask HR directly whether the employer participates in E-Verify for STEM OPT purposes.
You can also use the official E-Verify resources provided by USCIS. USCIS E-Verify
Does the New Job Have to Relate to Your STEM Degree?
Yes.
The new position must be directly related to the qualifying STEM degree.
This is particularly important when changing careers or moving into a different type of position.
For example, someone with a master’s degree in data analytics could potentially move between positions such as:
- Data Analyst
- Data Scientist
- Business Intelligence Analyst
- Healthcare Data Analyst
- Data Engineer
- Analytics Consultant
But a completely unrelated position may not qualify.
The key question isn’t simply:
“Does the job have a technology-related title?”
Instead, ask:
“Can I clearly explain how the duties of this position directly relate to my STEM degree?”
That relationship should be documented in the new Form I-983.
Can You Leave Your Current STEM OPT Employer Before Finding a New Job?
You can leave an employer, but you need to consider the STEM OPT unemployment rules before doing so.
STEM OPT students are subject to limits on unemployment during the OPT period.
Therefore, quitting without another qualifying job lined up can create immigration consequences if the resulting unemployment causes you to exceed the permitted unemployment period.
Before resigning, check your current unemployment days with your DSO.
This is especially important if you have already accumulated unemployment during your initial 12-month OPT period.
How Long Can You Be Unemployed During STEM OPT?
The total unemployment allowance for the initial post-completion OPT and STEM OPT periods is generally 150 days.
This is cumulative.
For example, if you used 40 days of unemployment during your initial 12-month OPT period, you would not receive a completely new 150-day allowance when STEM OPT begins.
Your remaining allowance would generally be reduced accordingly.
Because unemployment calculations can depend on your SEVIS record and specific circumstances, check your exact number of unemployment days with your DSO.
Can You Start the New Job Immediately?
Not necessarily.
Before beginning the new STEM OPT employment, make sure the new employer and position have been properly documented and that your DSO has updated your SEVIS record as required.
A common mistake is:
Accept job → start working → tell DSO later.
A safer approach is:
Accept offer → verify STEM OPT eligibility → complete I-983 → submit required documents → coordinate with DSO → begin employment according to the applicable authorization requirements.
Your DSO can tell you exactly when you can begin based on your circumstances.
What Information Goes Into the New Form I-983?
Your new I-983 will document the new employment relationship.
It generally includes information such as:
Employer Information
- Legal company name
- Employer address
- EIN
- E-Verify information
- Number of employees
- Industry information
Employment Information
- Job title
- Start date
- Hours per week
- Salary
- Worksite
- Supervisor
Training Information
- Training objectives
- Specific duties
- Skills you will develop
- Learning outcomes
- Supervision structure
- Evaluation process
The employer must certify the information provided.
The official Form I-983 is available through the Department of Homeland Security’s Study in the States website. Form I-983 — Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
What Happens to Your Old I-983?
Your previous I-983 applies to your previous employer and training relationship.
When you leave that employer, the old training plan is no longer the plan governing your new employment.
Your new employer needs a separate I-983.
You should also follow your DSO’s instructions regarding the previous employer’s information and any required final evaluation or documentation.
Do You Need to Report the Job Change to Your DSO?
Yes.
Your DSO needs accurate information about your STEM OPT employment.
Your university’s international student office will generally have a process for reporting:
- New employment
- Employer changes
- Employer termination
- Changes in employment details
- Updated Form I-983
- Other material changes
Do not assume that updating LinkedIn or notifying your employer’s HR department is sufficient.
Your SEVIS record and STEM OPT documentation need to remain accurate.
Can You Have Two STEM OPT Employers?
Potentially, yes.
A student can potentially have multiple qualifying STEM OPT employers at the same time.
However, each employer must independently satisfy the STEM OPT requirements.
That generally means each qualifying employer needs:
- E-Verify participation
- A qualifying position
- At least 20 hours per week
- A separate Form I-983
- Appropriate supervision
- A legitimate training opportunity
DHS guidance addresses multiple STEM OPT employers and the requirement for a separate training plan for each employer.
So you cannot simply work 10 hours for Company A and 10 hours for Company B and assume that the two positions automatically combine to satisfy the requirement for each employer.
Can You Change Jobs During the STEM OPT Application Process?
This situation requires additional caution.
If you have submitted your STEM OPT application but are changing employers around the same time, coordinate closely with your DSO.
The employer information associated with your STEM OPT documentation needs to accurately reflect your qualifying employment.
Do not assume that submitting the I-765 automatically gives you permission to work for any employer.
Your employment authorization and STEM OPT requirements still apply.
What If the New Employer Is Not E-Verify?
If the company does not participate in E-Verify, the position generally cannot be used as STEM OPT employment.
This is why you should verify E-Verify participation before accepting the position if you intend to use that job for STEM OPT.
You may find a perfect job that matches your degree and experience, but if the employer doesn’t meet the applicable STEM OPT requirements, it may not work as your STEM OPT employment.
What If the New Employer Says They Have Never Hired an OPT Student?
This isn’t necessarily a problem.
An employer does not have to be a multinational corporation or have years of STEM OPT experience.
If the company meets the applicable requirements, it can potentially hire a STEM OPT student.
However, HR may need to understand:
- E-Verify
- Form I-983
- STEM OPT reporting
- Training requirements
- Supervision
- Compensation requirements
You can provide the employer with the official DHS resources so that HR can understand its responsibilities.
Can You Change Jobs for a Higher Salary?
Yes.
There is no general requirement that you stay with an employer simply because you began STEM OPT there.
Moving to a better-paying position can be perfectly legitimate if the new employment qualifies.
For example:
Current position:
Data Analyst — $65,000
New position:
Healthcare Data Scientist — $85,000
A salary increase does not itself create a STEM OPT problem.
However, the new position must still satisfy the applicable requirements.
Can You Change Jobs to a Different Industry?
Yes, potentially.
Your industry can change as long as the new job remains directly related to your STEM degree.
For example, a data analytics graduate could potentially move from:
Healthcare → Finance
or:
Finance → Technology
or:
Technology → Insurance
if the actual job duties continue to relate directly to the qualifying STEM degree.
The job responsibilities and degree relationship are more important than simply staying in the same industry.
Can You Move From a Large Company to a Startup?
Potentially, yes.
You can change from a large employer to a startup as long as the startup meets the STEM OPT requirements.
Before making the move, verify:
- E-Verify
- Employer identity
- Compensation
- Hours
- Supervision
- Training resources
- I-983 requirements
Small company does not automatically mean ineligible.
Can You Change From Full-Time to Part-Time?
STEM OPT employment must generally involve at least 20 hours per week.
Therefore, moving to part-time employment may be possible if the new position meets the applicable minimum and all other STEM OPT requirements.
However, a reduction from 40 hours to 20 hours should be properly documented.
The employer must also ensure that compensation and training conditions remain compliant.
Can You Change From On-Site to Remote Work?
Remote and hybrid work arrangements require careful consideration.
The Form I-983 includes information about the employer and the physical location where the STEM practical training takes place.
If your work location changes, you should discuss the change with your DSO and determine whether an updated I-983 or other reporting is required.
Don’t simply assume that:
“It’s remote, so nothing needs to be updated.”
The training arrangement needs to remain consistent with STEM OPT requirements.
What If You Are Fired?
If your employer terminates your employment, contact your DSO promptly.
Your priorities should be:
- Determine your termination date.
- Confirm your remaining unemployment allowance.
- Update your employment information.
- Begin searching for another qualifying STEM OPT position.
- Complete the required documentation for the new employer.
- Avoid exceeding the applicable unemployment limit.
Do not wait until your unemployment period is almost exhausted before contacting your DSO.
What If You Quit?
The same principle applies.
If you voluntarily resign, make sure you understand:
- Your final employment date
- Your remaining unemployment days
- Required DSO reporting
- Your new employer’s STEM OPT eligibility
- When the new job can begin
Ideally, have the transition planned before leaving your current employer.
Can Your Employer Prevent You From Changing Jobs?
Your employer cannot generally turn STEM OPT into a personal employment lock-in.
STEM OPT is tied to your immigration status and qualifying employment—not ownership of your career.
However, your employment contract may contain ordinary employment provisions, such as:
- Notice requirements
- Confidentiality
- Intellectual property provisions
- Non-solicitation provisions
Those are separate from STEM OPT.
Review your employment agreement before resigning.
What Should You Tell Your New Employer?
You don’t need to give a long immigration lecture.
A simple explanation can work:
“I am currently authorized to work in the United States through F-1 STEM OPT. For the position to qualify, the employer needs to meet STEM OPT requirements, including E-Verify participation, and we would need to complete the required Form I-983 training plan.”
This gives HR the essential information.
STEM OPT Job Change Checklist
Before changing employers, use this checklist:
- New employer participates in E-Verify.
- New position is directly related to your STEM degree.
- New job provides at least 20 hours per week.
- Position is paid.
- Compensation is appropriate.
- Employer can provide structured training.
- Qualified supervisor is available.
- Employer can complete Form I-983.
- Training objectives are clearly defined.
- DSO has been notified.
- New I-983 has been completed.
- Previous employment has been properly documented.
- Unemployment days have been checked.
- Employment dates are accurate.
- Worksite information is accurate.
- You understand when you are authorized to begin the new position.
Common Mistakes When Changing STEM OPT Jobs
1. Starting Before Updating Your Documentation
Don’t assume you can simply start the new job because you have an unexpired EAD.
The STEM OPT employment itself must meet the applicable requirements.
2. Forgetting the New I-983
Your previous employer’s I-983 does not automatically transfer to your new employer.
3. Not Checking E-Verify
Always verify the new employer.
4. Ignoring the Degree Relationship
The new job must be directly related to your qualifying STEM degree.
5. Forgetting Unemployment Days
Your unemployment allowance is limited.
Track your days carefully.
6. Waiting Too Long to Notify Your DSO
Your DSO is one of your most important resources during STEM OPT.
Contact the international student office as soon as you know you’re changing employers.
7. Assuming the Job Title Is Enough
A job titled “Data Analyst” isn’t automatically qualifying.
The actual responsibilities matter.
8. Accepting a Fake or Questionable Job
Never pay for employment or accept an arrangement designed solely to maintain immigration status.
STEM OPT is intended to provide genuine practical training.
How Long Does It Take to Change STEM OPT Employers?
The timing varies based on:
- Your university’s DSO process
- How quickly the employer completes the I-983
- Whether the employer is already enrolled in E-Verify
- Your employment dates
- Your individual STEM OPT status
Because of this, don’t wait until the last possible day.
Start the process as soon as you accept the new position.
Should You Change STEM OPT Employers?
Changing jobs can make sense when the new opportunity offers:
- Better compensation
- Stronger technical experience
- Better career growth
- More relevant work
- Better mentorship
- Improved working conditions
- Greater long-term career opportunities
- Potential future sponsorship
But don’t change jobs solely because the salary is higher without verifying that the new position qualifies for STEM OPT.
A slightly higher salary is not worth jeopardizing your immigration status.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can change jobs while on STEM OPT.
The key is understanding that STEM OPT follows specific employment and training requirements.
When you move to a new employer, you generally need to establish a new qualifying STEM OPT employment relationship, including a new Form I-983 and appropriate reporting through your DSO.
Before making the transition, verify that:
The employer is E-Verified → the position relates to your STEM degree → the job meets the minimum hours → the position is paid → the employer can provide legitimate training → the employer can complete Form I-983 → your DSO is properly notified.
Most importantly, do not resign first and figure out the immigration requirements afterward.
Plan the transition carefully, communicate with your DSO, and make sure the new position qualifies before you begin working.
That approach can allow you to use STEM OPT strategically while continuing to build your career in the United States.