Nearly 1 Lakh Indian Students on STEM-OPT Affected as USCIS and FDNS Conduct Unannounced Checks
The Trump administration has increased unannounced site inspections targeting foreign students working under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, particularly those on two-year STEM OPT extensions. Officers are visiting residences and student housing to ensure compliance with federal regulations, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
The fraud detection and national security (FDNS) unit of USCIS, along with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), verifies that students’ training plans under Form I-983 align with their academic fields and that F-1 visa requirements are maintained. STEM students receive an additional two-year OPT period, extending their work experience to three years. Students report sudden inspections at their residences and university housing, often requiring submission of additional documents.
Indian students form a significant portion of the OPT workforce, with nearly 97,556 participating under OPT, many in STEM fields, making them among the most affected by these inspections
Immigration attorneys note that while these inspections are legal, routine visits to student residences are not typically authorized unless explicitly listed on Form I-983. The surge in site checks, revived after a lull during the Biden administration, reflects a broader enforcement trend, alongside stricter H-1B scrutiny, proposed higher filing fees, and tighter F-1 rules.
Students and employers are advised to maintain accurate I-983 forms, update employment and residential changes promptly, and be prepared to answer questions regarding job duties, work location, and the relevance of the role to the degree. Non-compliance or inconsistencies can jeopardize OPT/STEM-OPT status, SEVIS records, and F-1 visa standing.
Requests for Evidence (RFEs) have also increased, often triggered by STEM extensions, remote work arrangements, or visa status transitions. Attorneys emphasize providing truthful information and timely updates to Designated School Officials (DSOs) and USCIS portals to avoid complications.
For Indian students—the largest group on STEM OPT in fields like technology and consulting—the heightened scrutiny underscores the need for meticulous documentation, consistent reporting, and strict compliance with federal OPT requirements.