Periodically throughout your approved STEM-OPT Extension, you are required to report to the ISO your current contact information and employment information. This occurs every 6, 12, 18, and 24 months while you are on STEM OPT.
Students will receive an email from SEVP asking to report their current employment information and address to their DSO. This can be done in the Terra Dotta System. Please mark your calendar in advance. Do not rely on email reminders!
You may submit your STEM reporting and STEM evaluations up to 30 days prior to the due date. If you submit the STEM Report Participation past the required due date, this can have a negative impact on your F-1 status.
When you are ready to submit your request, please login to the Terra Dotta System and navigate to the Request Center to find the STEM Report Participation request. We recommend that students access Terra Dotta through a desktop/laptop device, as mobile compatibility is limited.
Prior to submitting I-765 application for STEM OPT Extension to USCIS: Submit the STEM Extension Request in Terra Dotta, along with form I-983 completed by you and your employer
DURING STEM OPT PERIOD:
- 6 months after STEM OPT Start Date: Submit the STEM Report Participation Request in Terra Dotta. No documentation is required with the submission.
- 12 months after STEM OPT start date: Submit the STEM Report Participation Request in Terra Dotta, along with form I-983 with the 12-month self-evaluation completed (top of page 5).
- 18 months after STEM OPT Start Date: Submit the STEM Report Participation Request in Terra Dotta. No documentation is required with the submission.
- 24 months after STEM OPT start date: Submit the STEM Report Participation Request in Terra Dotta, along with form I-983 with the final evaluation completed (bottom of page 5).
CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT DETAILS:
- Changes in employment details (same employer): Submit the OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update request in Terra Dotta, along with an updated I-983.
- Ending employment: Submit the OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update request in Terra Dotta, along with an updated I-983 with the final evaluation completed.
- Starting with a new employer: Submit the OPT/STEM OPT Employment Update request in Terra Dotta, along with a new I-983 for the new employer.
NOTE: Employment updates or change of employers does not mean you restart your reporting and evaluations. Reporting and evaluations are dues based on the STEM OPT start date, not the employment start date.
All communication while on STEM OPT is sent to student's HU email address.
**If you cannot access your account, please do not submit a ticket to the DSO. If you have an issue with your credentials, please submit your request to IT Help Desk (not a DSO). Only IT can assist in accessing your account: IT Help desk: https://ithelp.harrisburgu.edu/support/home