CPT, OPT, STEM OPT and E-Verify: Employer and Student Compliance Guide

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As an international student working under CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training), it is essential that both students and employers follow proper employment verification procedures to remain compliant with U.S. immigration regulations.

One of the most important systems involved in this process is E-Verify, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

This guide explains the responsibilities of both parties and how to avoid common compliance risks.

✅ What Is E-Verify and Self Check?

E-Verify is an online system used by participating employers to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired workers.

Self Check (myE-Verify) is a free, voluntary service that allows individuals to verify their own employment eligibility before applying for a job.

Important:

Self Check does not change immigration status.
Employers cannot require employees to use Self Check.
Self Check does not replace Form I-9 or E-Verify.

🎓 Student Responsibilities (CPT, OPT & STEM OPT Holders)

If you are working under CPT or OPT, you must:

1️⃣ Maintain Valid Authorization

Ensure your CPT or OPT is properly approved.
Confirm that your I-20 (CPT) or EAD card (OPT) is valid and unexpired.
Never begin working before authorization is issued.

2️⃣ Provide Accurate Documentation

You must present valid documents for Form I-9, such as:

Passport
I-94
I-20 with CPT authorization or EAD card
Social Security Number (if available)

3️⃣ Use Self Check (Optional)

You may use myE-Verify Self Check to:

Verify your records
Identify data mismatches early
Correct errors with government agencies

This step is optional and voluntary.

4️⃣ Keep Records Updated

Report any changes in:

Name
Immigration status
Address
Work authorization
to your DSO and USCIS when required.

🏢 Employer Responsibilities (Hiring CPT & OPT Students)

Employers hiring international students must:

1️⃣ Complete Form I-9

Every employer must:

Complete Form I-9 for all new employees
Review original, unexpired documents in person
Retain records as required by law

2️⃣ Use E-Verify (If Enrolled)

If the company participates in E-Verify, it must:

Create an E-Verify case for every new hire
Enter information accurately
Follow mismatch resolution procedures

3️⃣ Avoid Pre-Screening

Employers may NOT:

Require proof of work authorization before hiring
Demand Self Check results
Discriminate based on immigration status

These actions may violate federal law.

4️⃣ Follow Tentative Nonconfirmation (TNC) Procedures

If E-Verify issues a mismatch:

The employer must notify the employee
Allow the employee to contest the result
Give time to resolve the issue

A mismatch does NOT mean the employee is unauthorized.

🔄 Step-by-Step: CPT/OPT + E-Verify Process

For Students

Obtain CPT/OPT authorization
Receive updated I-20 or EAD
Accept job offer
Complete Form I-9 Section 1
(Optional) Use Self Check
Begin work only after authorization date

For Employers

Hire student
Complete Form I-9 Section 2
Create E-Verify case
Monitor authorization validity
Follow compliance procedures

⚠️ Common Compliance Risks

Avoid these mistakes:

❌ Working before authorization
❌ Using expired documents
❌ Incorrect E-Verify data entry
❌ Ignoring TNC notices
❌ Requiring Self Check
❌ Failing to update SEVIS records

These errors may result in:

Status violations
Employment termination
Immigration consequences
Legal penalties for employers

🤝 How GRacademic Supports Students and Employers

At GRacademic, we provide full compliance guidance for CPT and OPT employment.

Our services include:

✔ Authorization review
✔ Employer compliance education
✔ I-9 and E-Verify guidance
✔ DSO coordination
✔ Risk prevention
✔ Documentation templates
✔ Status protection strategies

We work with both students and employers to ensure every step follows federal and institutional regulations.