(UNITED STATES) Federal officers are making unannounced visits to F‑1 students across the United States 🇺🇸, with a special focus on those in OPT and STEM OPT. The step‑up in FDNS inspections—carried out by the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate along with ICE—seeks to verify real employment, confirm training plans, and spot document issues tied to student work authorization.
Officers are showing up at homes, offices, and remote‑work sites, asking students and employers to produce paperwork on the spot. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, reports of site checks have climbed since 2024 and remain active in 2025, especially in sectors where STEM OPT is common.
What officers request and how checks work
During these visits, officers request:
- School transcripts
- Job offer letters and contracts
- Pay stubs and bank statements
- For STEM OPT: the training plan — the Form I-983 signed by both the student and the employer
Officials cross‑check what they collect against SEVIS records, employer details, and the original I‑983 to look for mismatches that could point to fraud or simple noncompliance.
Students describe the tone of inspections as firm but procedural. Officers may call ahead, but many visits are unannounced. Several campus international offices have told students to expect identity checks and basic questions about:
- Job duties and how they relate to the degree
- Supervisor names and contact details
- Work location and daily tasks
Why officers are knocking
Officials say the purpose is threefold:
- Confirm that jobs are real.
- Ensure training plans are followed.
- Stop misuse that harms students, employers, and the system.
Key rules for F‑1 students:
- The job must be real employment that matches the student’s major.
- For STEM OPT, the student and employer must follow the approved training plan and supervision commitments in the Form I‑983.
- Employers must be in good standing and meet program rules, including pay, hours, and training quality.
When officers find problems, the fallout can be swift. Possible outcomes include a Request for Evidence (RFE), SEVIS status termination, and revocation of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). In serious fraud cases, removal proceedings can follow.
Students with clean records and clear, degree‑related roles usually pass checks without issue. As one consultant put it, “Students who are in genuine employment and keep their records updated have little to fear.”
What students and employers should do
Immigration advisors recommend a calm, paper‑ready approach. Keep a folder—physical or digital—that you can access quickly if officers visit or email.
Recommended actions for students:
- Maintain thorough records:
- Keep copies of offer letters, contracts, pay slips, supervisor communications, and job descriptions.
- Save updated resumes that show duties tied to your degree.
- For STEM OPT:
- Follow your training plan. Ensure your actual work matches the goals and methods listed in the SEVIS.
- Keep the I‑983 signed and current.
- Report changes fast:
- Notify your DSO within required timelines when you change employers, locations, or duties.
- Update SEVIS as instructed by your school.
- Show degree relevance:
- Be ready to explain, in simple terms, how your daily work fits your field of study.
- A short paragraph from your supervisor helps.
- Be ready to respond:
- If you receive an email or letter asking for records, answer by the deadline with complete, consistent documents.
Employer responsibilities and tips:
- HR and managers should know the basics of OPT and STEM OPT and be prepared to confirm details.
- For STEM OPT, provide proper training, supervision, and evaluations under the I‑983.
- Assign a point person who can meet with officers and produce records quickly to prevent confusion and delays.
Practical checklist: documents to have handy
Keep a simple index of what you can show quickly.
- Identification:
- School records:
- Latest transcript; proof of degree if graduated
- Job proof:
- Offer letter, contract, pay stubs, W‑2 or 1099 if applicable, timesheets if used
- Supervision and training:
- Supervisor name and contact; Form I‑983 for STEM OPT; evaluation pages if due; brief training notes
Students working remote or hybrid should keep clear evidence of work location and supervision routines—such as regular check‑in schedules, mentoring notes, and task trackers—since officers are asking about how supervision works when the manager is offsite.
Enforcement context and open questions
- Site checks have risen most in tech, consulting, and data roles where STEM OPT is common.
- Some schools reported SEVIS terminations in 2025 that were later reversed, raising concerns about data sharing and error fixes across agencies.
- The increased checks are not tied to a formally announced new policy, but they draw on long‑standing authority for site visits and record reviews.
- Visits may be random or triggered by tips, data mismatches, or prior compliance issues. Officers can arrive without notice, especially when they suspect fraud.
- Failure to cooperate can lead to denial or loss of benefits. Students and employers should be polite, answer clearly, and provide records that match what was reported in SEVIS.
USCIS guidance on OPT and STEM OPT (eligibility, reporting, and requirements) is available here: USCIS OPT guidance.
Risk areas and timing reminders
- Students near the edge of the 90‑day unemployment limit on post‑completion OPT face higher risk if pay stubs or work logs are missing.
- Keep proof of job search efforts for any employment gaps.
- Those on STEM OPT should set calendar reminders for I‑983 evaluations and address any change in duties or location with a new or updated plan.
Key takeaway
The bottom line: FDNS inspections tied to OPT and STEM OPT are active and likely to continue. Students and employers who:
- keep strong records,
- report changes on time, and
- align duties with the degree field
are best positioned to pass any check with minimal disruption. If you receive a notice or visit that raises complex questions—or if records do not match what was reported—consult your DSO and, if needed, a qualified immigration attorney.
Officers say the goal is straightforward compliance. For many students, that means a short conversation and a quick document review. Preparation turns an unexpected knock into a routine check rather than a crisis.
This Article in a Nutshell
USCIS’s FDNS and ICE have intensified unannounced site inspections of F-1 students on OPT and STEM OPT since 2024, visiting residences, workplaces, and remote locations. Officers seek transcripts, offer letters, pay stubs, I-20, I-94, EAD cards, and Form I-983 for STEM OPT to verify real employment and compliance with training plans. Records are cross-checked against SEVIS and employer information to detect fraud or noncompliance. Consequences range from RFEs and SEVIS termination to EAD revocation and potential removal in serious cases. Advisors urge students and employers to maintain organized records, report changes promptly to DSOs, and ensure duties clearly relate to degrees to avoid disruptions.
