Celebrate Small Business Week and Learn about the STEM OPT Extension
May 4, 2016
This week, the U.S. Small Business Administration hosts National Small Business Week to recognize the critical contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners in the United States, who “create 21st century jobs, drive innovation and increase America’s global competitiveness.”
The areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) provide exponential growth opportunities for U.S. entrepreneurs and small businesses, and beginning on May 10, 2016, these companies may elect to participate in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) enhanced STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension program.
The new STEM OPT extension gives international students who pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in the U.S. the chance to supplement their classroom education with practical on-the-job training with U.S. employers for up to 24 months after graduation.
To participate as an employer in the STEM OPT extension program, a small business must:
- Enroll in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program.
- Complete, sign and adhere to the Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.”
- Comply with DHS reporting requirements and site visits.
To get started, visit the following employer-specific resources on Study in the States:
For more information about STEM OPT for employers and to learn how this extension enhances the economic, scientific and technological competitiveness of all participants, visit the More Resources section of the STEM OPT Hub.
This week, the U.S. Small Business Administration hosts National Small Business Week to recognize the critical contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners in the United States, who “create 21st century jobs, drive innovation and increase America’s global competitiveness.”
The areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) provide exponential growth opportunities for U.S. entrepreneurs and small businesses, and beginning on May 10, 2016, these companies may elect to participate in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) enhanced STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension program.
The new STEM OPT extension gives international students who pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in the U.S. the chance to supplement their classroom education with practical on-the-job training with U.S. employers for up to 24 months after graduation.
To participate as an employer in the STEM OPT extension program, a small business must:
- Enroll in the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program.
- Complete, sign and adhere to the Form I-983, “Training Plan for STEM OPT Students.”
- Comply with DHS reporting requirements and site visits.
To get started, visit the following employer-specific resources on Study in the States:
For more information about STEM OPT for employers and to learn how this extension enhances the economic, scientific and technological competitiveness of all participants, visit the More Resources section of the STEM OPT Hub.