Essential Reporting and Record-Keeping Requirements

10-Day Reporting Rule: You must report any changes to your personal address, employer information, employment status (start/end dates), or job details through your SEVP Portal or DSO within 10 days of the change.

STEM OPT Reporting Obligations: You must complete 6-month validations and submit annual self-evaluations at the 12- and 24-month marks (found on page 5 of Form I-983). Material changes (such as to your supervisor, duties, worksite, hours, or compensation) require a new I-983 to be submitted before the changes take effect.

Build Your Personal Compliance File: This file is crucial for future immigration applications like H-1B or green card sponsorship. Include: I-20s, I-765s, EADs; I-983s (with evaluations); offer letters; job descriptions plus your "related-to-major" memo; pay stubs and W-2s; proof of all SEVP reporting; copies of your Form I-9 if available; and any RFEs and responses.