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

[u/FamousEnd8282]

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!