NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Atlanta, GA, September 30, 2025: A growing number of international students in the U.S., particularly those from India enrolled in Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs, are reporting surprise site visits by federal officials — part of a stepped-up compliance initiative targeting student work authorization under the F-1 visa category.
According to immigration attorneys and multiple media reports, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have intensified unannounced inspections at worksites employing STEM-OPT students. These checks aim to verify that employers are adhering to the terms outlined in Form I-983 — the training plan required under the STEM-OPT extension.
Officials from the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) Directorate are authorized to visit workplaces to confirm job duties, supervision, and alignment between the filed training plan and actual work performed. Recent reports, however, indicate that some officers are also reaching out to students directly and, in a few cases, visiting their listed addresses — a development that has raised concern among students and universities alike.
Indian Students in the Spotlight
Indian nationals make up one of the largest groups in the U.S. pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields — disciplines that qualify for the 24-month OPT extension. Estimates suggest that around 100,000 Indian students are currently participating in the program, though no official figures confirm that all are subject to active inspection.
Immigration lawyers caution that any mismatch between reported information and actual employment circumstances could trigger a Request for Evidence (RFE) or jeopardize visa status. “Students must ensure accuracy in Form I-983, promptly report employment changes, and maintain documentation that proves active work under proper supervision,” immigration attorney Swatilina Barik noted in a recent advisory.
Compliance and Risk
Under current DHS rules, employers hosting STEM-OPT students must cooperate with compliance reviews and provide documentation upon request. Failure to do so may not only impact the student’s visa status but also limit an employer’s eligibility to hire future OPT participants.
Experts say heightened scrutiny could also make some employers hesitant to hire OPT candidates, particularly for remote roles or startups where structured supervision may be harder to document.
“OPT has long served as one of the main bridges for international STEM graduates to enter the U.S. workforce,” said global mobility specialist Allison Kranz. “Any perception of noncompliance could have ripple effects on future hiring and international student enrollment.”
What Students Can Do
Attorneys recommend that students:
- Review and update Form I-983 with accurate employer details and job descriptions.
- Report any job changes or location updates to their Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days.
- Keep copies of pay stubs, offer letters, training plans, and proof of supervision.
While the government has not issued a formal statement confirming a nationwide enforcement campaign, multiple sources indicate that unannounced checks are on the rise, particularly for STEM-OPT students.
For now, international students are advised to remain vigilant, document their compliance, and consult their DSO or immigration attorney if contacted by federal officials.
