Hiring an F-1 student on OPT (Optional Practical Training) is actually very simple for employers. There are no special filings with USCIS for the employer — the responsibility is mostly on the student. Here’s what you need to do as an employer:

✅ How to Hire an F-1 Student on OPT

1. Confirm the Student’s OPT Authorization

Ask the student for:

Required documents

EAD card (Employment Authorization Document) – shows their name, photo, and authorized work dates
I-20 with OPT endorsement on page 2
I-94 record (optional but useful)

👉 You CANNOT let them start working before the EAD start date.

✅ 2. Verify Eligibility & Complete I-9

For the I-9 form:

They use the EAD card as a List A document
You record the document number and expiration date
Reverify on or before the EAD expiration date (unless they move to STEM OPT extension)

Employers do not sponsor OPT and don’t file anything with USCIS.

✅ 3. Make Sure the Job Is Related to the Student’s Major

The job must be directly related to the student’s field of study.

✔ Example: IT major → IT support, networking, cybersecurity
✘ Not allowed: IT major → restaurant server

The student will write the explanation in SEVIS, not the employer.

✅ 4. Pay and Treat Them Like a Regular Employee

There is:

No minimum salary required (but it must meet labor laws)
No sponsorship obligation
No special reporting for the employer during regular 12-month OPT

✅ 5. If They Are on STEM OPT (24-month extension)

If they qualify for STEM OPT, additional employer requirements apply:

Employer must:

Be E-Verify enrolled
Complete and sign Form I-983 Training Plan with the student
Provide training and evaluation every 12 months
Inform the school DSO of any termination within 5 business days

❗ Important Employer Notes

You NEVER sponsor or file anything for regular OPT
You CAN hire independent contractors on regular OPT, but not on STEM OPT
OPT workers can work part-time or full-time
They can switch employers anytime during OPT