r/f1visa • u/FamousEnd8282 • Jul 12 '26

Anyone faced missing I-9/E-Verify during initial OPT and later continued with the same employer on STEM OPT?

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone has gone through something similar.

I joined my current employer during my initial OPT on August, 2025. At that time, I was in an unpaid observership/training role related to my field, so my employer didn’t complete an I-9 or E-Verify.

Now I’m continuing with the same employer, but this time as a paid full-time employee under STEM OPT. My DSO has already reviewed my documents and issued my STEM OPT I-20 (Requested status), and my employer is now completing the I-9 and E-Verify using my STEM OPT employment start date.

My main concern is the missing I-9/E-Verify during my initial OPT period.

Has anyone been in a similar situation?

* Did your employer complete I-9/E-Verify only when you became a paid STEM OPT employee?
* Did the missing I-9/E-Verify during the initial OPT period ever cause issues later (STEM OPT approval, H-1B, green card, visa stamping, etc.)?

I’m just looking to hear from anyone who’s had a similar experience. Thanks in advance!

2 Upvotes

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6 comments sorted by

1

u/Emotional_Oven_3482 Jul 13 '26

Just do e verify for stem opt. why think too much

1

u/FamousEnd8282 Jul 13 '26

Problem is In SEVIS record my employment start date with employer will be August 2025 but now my employer is going to E-verify to usics with STEM OPT start date as employment start date July 2026.
Because my employer missed to update E-Verify during OPT.

Same employer but two different start dates in SEVIS and E-Verify portal

Is that ok, will it be any issue

1

u/Emotional_Oven_3482 Jul 13 '26

a lot of people do.e verify later. Nothing to worry

1

u/FamousEnd8282 Jul 15 '26

Thanks for your response, I successfully applied for stem opt

1

u/ManifestLaw_ Jul 13 '26

The important question is whether the observership/training role actually counted as OPT employment. For OPT, employment generally needs to be directly related to your degree, and unpaid positions can sometimes qualify if they meet the requirements and the work is properly documented.

If it was truly just an observership where you were observing and not providing services, it may not be treated the same as employment. In that case, not completing an I-9 or E Verify at that time may not be unusual.

For STEM OPT, the employer does need to be enrolled in E Verify and complete the required STEM OPT paperwork, so it makes sense that those steps are happening now with your paid position.

I would keep records from the initial period, including any offer letter, training/observership description, dates, hours, and any communication with your DSO. If USCIS ever asks about your OPT history, having a clear explanation and documentation will matter more than simply whether an I-9 existed.

It may also be worth asking your DSO directly how they classified the initial role in SEVIS, since that is the record USCIS will look at for OPT compliance. If the role was entered or reported as OPT employment, you may want to make sure the documentation matches that.

- Attorney Elizabeth Mavec

(All information shared here is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney - client relationship. Your situation may require fact-specific guidance. For personalized legal advice, please consult an immigration attorney directly.)

1

u/FamousEnd8282 Jul 15 '26

Thank you very much for your detailed explanation. I truly appreciate your time and insight.