How to Prepare for Increase Site Visit: OPT & CPT Students

In recent months, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) have intensified site visits for international students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

Nearly 100,000 Indian students—many under STEM OPT—are reported to be under closer scrutiny. Indian students represent the largest group participating in STEM OPT, highlighting their significant presence in this category.

These surprise inspections — often conducted by Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers — aim to verify that students, employers, and schools comply with immigration and work-authorization rules. With tighter scrutiny under recent federal directives, both students and employers must be prepared.

**Attorney Richard Herman: “**USCIS has increased site visits for OPT and CPT students to ensure training opportunities comply with immigration rules and that employers are following proper reporting and supervision requirements.”

Recent Media Reports (Summer–Fall 2025): Uptick in Site Visits, OPT & CPT Exposure

Since the summer of 2025, a growing number of news outlets have documented unannounced site visits and compliance checks by USCIS/FDNS targeting F-1 students on OPT, with signals that CPT programs—especially those with weak curricular integration or remote supervision—may be next in line. Many of these inspections specifically target students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, with particular attention to science technology engineering roles. The press coverage highlights visits to student residences, work sites, and employer locations, and reveals patterns of document requests, SEVIS cross-checks, and follow-on enforcement actions.

Multiple late-2025 news reports detail surprise FDNS visits to student housing and workplaces, mainly in OPT/STEM contexts, but apply to CPT when training appears indistinguishable from unauthorized work. Post completion OPT students are also subject to these site visits, especially regarding their reporting and unemployment allowances. Students and institutions should expect document demands and SEVIS validation.

Key News Articles & Takeaways

Trump administration ramps up surprise site checks on OPT students

This article from the Economic Times reports an escalation of unannounced inspections targeting OPT students—especially those on STEM OPT—with officials reportedly visiting student residences, university housing, and employer worksites to verify compliance. Lawyers quoted in the article stress the need for thorough documentation and consistency with SEVIS records. It is crucial to maintain consistency across all records and applications to avoid compliance issues and protect your visa status. (See: “Trump administration ramps up surprise site checks on OPT students, nearly 1 lakh Indian students under close scrutiny”) ➡️ Economic Times ArticleThe Economic Times

Surprise site visits target OPT students in the U.S.

The NRI Pulse outlet describes reports from September 2025 of FDNS/USCIS agents conducting unannounced inspections at worksites and, in some cases, at the addresses listed by students. The article emphasizes that these visits are not removal operations but enforcement checks to validate if students follow the terms of their work authorization under STEM OPT. These enforcement checks are particularly focused on students participating in STEM Optional Practical Training, ensuring compliance with program requirements and regulations. (See: “Surprise Site Visits Target OPT Students in the US”) ➡️ NRI Pulse ArticleNriPulse

Trump cracks down on Indian students on OPT

According to Times of India, the federal government has intensified immigration enforcement measures that include more surprise site inspections by FDNS. Nearly 100,000 Indian students—many under STEM OPT—are reported to be under closer scrutiny. The article notes officers visiting housing and verifying work details. Additionally, students are required to report any material changes to their Form I-983 to their DSO to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Students must submit a modified form to their DSO whenever there are significant changes to their employment or training arrangements.

USCIS Site Visits Reported for STEM OPT & H-1B applicants

A recent blog post (October 2025) on a legal/immigration portal describes reports from the Upper Midwest (Minnesota and Dakotas) where USCIS officers conducted site visits at workplaces and residences, sometimes without prior notice. The article notes that these were not removal actions, but compliance checks, and underscores that students and employers should be ready with documents such as the I-983 training plan. Officers are also verifying that both students and employers are meeting all program requirements for STEM OPT and CPT during these visits. (See: “USCIS Site Visits Reported for STEM OPT and H-1B Applicants”) ➡️ VisaServe / NPZ Law Group PostVisaServe

Interpreting the Signals for CPT Risk

While most media coverage focuses on OPT, especially STEM OPT, the patterns reported are relevant to CPT oversight when CPT training begins to resemble employment more than curricular training. Key risk indicators mirrored in reporting include:

• Home and housing visits: News accounts of officers visiting student residences suggest that address validation is a part of the compliance script. For CPT students whose SEVIS records or employer address differs from where they actually reside or work, this is a red flag.
• Training vs. work overlap: Media requests for pay stubs, job descriptions, duties, and supervisors mirror what officers may ask in CPT investigations to assess whether training is “integral to curriculum.” Where CPT lacks clear curricular justification or shows significant overlap with real job tasks, the risk is amplified.
• SEVIS consistency and cross-checks: Many articles mention cross-validation of work or training details against SEVIS. CPT students must keep SEVIS data perfectly aligned with their internship/training plan, departmental records, and employer documentation to avoid mismatch triggers. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all information in the student’s training plan is accurate and up-to-date in SEVIS to maintain compliance and proper documentation.
• Follow-on enforcement (RFEs / NOIDs): Some reports mention that after visits, officers issue Requests for Evidence or additional requests. CPT programs should anticipate follow-up demands for proof of academic integration or oversight structure if a site visit occurs.

Quick Table: News Source vs. Relevance to CPT Oversight

What Are USCIS Site Visits and Why Are They Increasing?

USCIS conducts site visits under the Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP), a national initiative designed to detect fraud and confirm compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

STEM OPT site visits are specifically designed to ensure that each STEM OPT employer is fulfilling their obligations under the program, including maintaining a bona fide employer-employee relationship, providing the required training, and complying with all reporting and oversight requirements.

FDNS officers visit workplaces and schools to verify the legitimacy of employment relationships, ensure that the student’s job matches the role described in their I-20, and confirm compliance with SEVIS records.

Why site visits are increasing:

• The Trump administration’s renewed enforcement focus (2025–2026) emphasizes fraud detection in F-1 visa programs.
• DHS data systems now cross-match employer tax and location records with SEVIS data.
• Remote work and STEM OPT extensions have led to increased scrutiny of training sites.

In such cases, enforcement actions may include follow-up investigations or requests for additional documentation.

**Immigration Attorney Richard Herman: “**The rise in USCIS site visits stems from increased data sharing, fraud detection goals, and expanded oversight of F-1 work programs like OPT and CPT.”

Learn more about the Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP and its compliance objectives.

Who Conducts Site Visits for OPT and CPT Students?

These visits are generally conducted by FDNS officers, who are part of USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate.

They may coordinate with:

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) — particularly the Student and Exchange Visitor Program** (SEVP)**.
• Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) — when potential fraud is suspected.
• Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) — for internal audits or investigations.

Employers and schools should inform front desk personnel about the possibility of site visits so they can properly direct officers to the appropriate contacts and verify their credentials.

The goal is to ensure that all parties — student, employer, and school — are meeting reporting, documentation, and supervision requirements under federal law.

For official compliance guidance, see ICE SEVP Practical Training Guidance.

How Site Visits Work — Step-by-Step Overview

A typical OPT or CPT site visit follows a structured pattern:

1. Arrival and Identification: ICE officers or DHS representatives will arrive at the worksite, identify themselves, and explain the purpose of their visit. It is standard protocol to request and exchange a business card with the visiting officer to establish official communication.
2. Interview and Inspection: Officers may interview the student, employer, and other staff. They may ask to speak with supervisory personnel to confirm the student’s training and verify that the employer has sufficient resources to provide proper supervision and training. The officers will review documentation, training plans, and may inspect the work environment.

1. Triggering Factors

Site visits may be random or targeted. Common triggers include:

• Mismatched employer and SEVIS data.
• Unusual work arrangements or multiple students at one address. Officers may check whether OPT students are similarly situated to U.S. workers in terms of job duties and responsibilities.
• Tips, complaints, or data anomalies from other agencies.

2. Arrival and Identification

FDNS officers arrive unannounced at the student’s worksite or school. They identify themselves and present credentials.

3. Interview and Inspection

They may:

• Interview the student, supervisor, or Designated School Official (DSO).
• Request copies of Form I-983, offer letters, or payroll records.
• Assess wages to ensure they are consistent with those paid to U.S. workers in similar roles.
• Take photos of the worksite.

4. Documentation Review

Officers verify that employment conditions match what was reported in SEVIS and on the I-20. Officers will also review the student’s training objectives and confirm that the practical training experience and training opportunity are structured, supervised, and aligned with the student’s academic field. This includes ensuring that the practical training opportunity is part of a formal, well-documented program and meets all program requirements.

Richard T. Herman, Esq.: “During a USCIS site visit, FDNS officers verify that the student’s employment matches the training plan and information in SEVIS.”

You can review official USCIS verification standards in the USCIS Policy Manual.

Common Triggers for OPT/CPT Site Visits

Site visits are rarely random. The following red flags often lead to an inspection:

• Mismatch between worksite and SEVIS address.
• Excessive numbers of OPT students registered under the same employer.
• Remote work inconsistencies, especially without clear supervision plans.
• Fraud indicators, such as shell companies or unverifiable job offers.
• Anonymous complaints submitted through DHS tip lines.
• Employer non-response to SEVP verification requests.
• New employer not enrolled in E-Verify when a STEM OPT student changes employers, as E-Verify participation is required for continued eligibility and lack of it can trigger a site visit.

USCIS often targets site visits when employment information, location data, or training plans appear inconsistent in SEVIS.

Rights and Responsibilities During a Site Visit

Students

• You must provide valid identification (passport, EAD card, or driver’s license).
• Remain calm and answer questions truthfully.
• You may request an interpreter if necessary.
• Do not provide unrelated documents or speculate about legal issues.

Employers

• Confirm the FDNS officer’s credentials.
• Cooperate professionally but avoid over-disclosure.
• Provide requested documents (offer letter, payroll, training plan).
• Assign a single point of contact for compliance inquiries.

DSOs

Under 8 CFR §214.2(f), DSOs must maintain accurate SEVIS records, promptly report material changes, and advise students on lawful employment. STEM OPT students are allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment during the extension period, totaling 150 days of allowable unemployment.

Preparing for a Site Visit — Student Checklist

Every student should be ready for a compliance inspection. Follow this preparation checklist:

• Keep your I-20, EAD card, and job offer letter accessible.
• Know your exact job title, duties, and supervisor’s name.
• Ensure your worksite address matches SEVIS.
• Understand your Form I-983 training plan (especially for STEM OPT).
• Keep records of hours, duties, and evaluations.
• Avoid sharing inconsistent or false information.

Richard Herman: “OPT and CPT students should review their I-20, EAD, and training plan to ensure all information matches SEVIS before a site visit.”

For official STEM OPT reporting instructions, visit ICE’s Form I-983 Guidance.

Preparing for a Site Visit — Employer Checklist

Employers who hire F-1 students should take proactive steps to stay compliant:

• Maintain a Public Access File for H-1B and OPT employees.
• Ensure job duties and pay match training plan descriptions.
• Train HR teams to recognize FDNS credentials.
• Keep copies of Form I-983 for all STEM OPT hires.
• Verify that all supervisors understand their obligations.
• Assign one authorized representative to meet FDNS officers.

Immigration Lawyer Richard Herman: “Employers should designate a single compliance officer and ensure all student training plans and addresses match SEVIS data.”

Employers can access guidance from NAFSA’s Site Visit Preparation Resources.

DSO and School Responsibilities

Designated School Officials are the first line of defense for compliance. STEM OPT students must submit an annual self-evaluation to their DSO describing the progress of their training experience.

• Maintain updated SEVIS records for all students in OPT/CPT.
• Report material changes in employment, hours, or address within 10 days.
• Train international advisors to handle FDNS inquiries.
• Establish a site visit protocol and contact chain.
• Review each student’s training plan (Form I-983) for completeness. When changing employers, a STEM OPT student must submit a new Form I-983 to their DSO within 10 days of starting the new job.

For comprehensive regulatory interpretation, consult SEVP Policy Guidance 1004-03 and NAFSA’s DSO Resources.

Potential Consequences of Failing a Site Visit

Students

• Loss of OPT/CPT authorization.
• SEVIS termination.
• Denial of future visa benefits.
• Possible status violation.

Employers

• DHS investigation or civil penalties.
• Loss of eligibility to host foreign trainees.
• Inclusion on fraud watchlists.

Schools

• Loss of SEVP certification.
• Increased audit frequency.
• Reputational damage among stakeholders.

Failing a USCIS site visit can lead to SEVIS termination, employer sanctions, and long-term compliance monitoring.

How to Respond After a Site Visit

If you experience a site visit, follow these steps immediately:

1. Document the Visit: Record the date, time, officer’s name, and topics discussed.
2. Notify Your DSO: Report the visit and share any requests for information.
3. Consult Legal Counsel: Contact an experienced immigration lawyer to review the case.
4. Prepare for RFEs or NOIDs: USCIS may follow up with a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID).

Always notify your DSO and consult an immigration lawyer after a USCIS site visit to ensure full compliance with follow-up actions.

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Legal and Policy Background

The USCIS Policy Manual outlines standards for employment verification and FDNS investigations.

Under current DHS leadership, Trump’s 2025–2026 directives emphasize employer accountability and student compliance in F-1 work programs.

This trend continues earlier initiatives such as:

• Operation OPTical Illusion (targeting fake employers).
• ICE audits on school reporting accuracy.

Review policy guidance in the USCIS Policy Manual and DHS OIG Reports.

Recent Trends and Data

Public reports suggest a significant increase in site visits since 2024, particularly among STEM OPT employers in California, Texas, New York, and Florida.

How an Immigration Lawyer Can Help

A qualified immigration attorney can:

• Review your training plan and SEVIS records.
• Represent you during or after a site visit.
• Prepare responses to RFEs, NOIDs, or compliance notices.
• Help employers establish audit-ready systems.

An immigration lawyer ensures your training plan, records, and SEVIS data remain consistent — protecting your status during audits or investigations.

If you need guidance, consult a trusted expert like Attorney Richard T. Herman, who has 30+ years of experience representing international students and employers.

FAQs: Understanding the Recent Increase in Site Visits for OPT and CPT Workers

What is a USCIS site visit for OPT and CPT students?
A USCIS site visit is an unannounced inspection conducted by Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) officers to verify whether F-1 students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are complying with U.S. immigration and work-authorization rules. Officers may visit the student’s workplace, employer office, or even residential address to confirm employment details and SEVIS data.

Why have USCIS and DHS increased site visits for OPT and CPT workers recently?
Since mid-2025, DHS and USCIS have prioritized fraud detection and SEVIS data accuracy, responding to reports of Day-1 CPT misuse, unreported remote work, and training plans inconsistent with curriculum. Recent policy initiatives under the Trump administration’s second term emphasize in-person verification and worksite compliance checks, especially for foreign students in STEM fields.

When did this new wave of site visits begin?
The uptick began around summer 2025, with a noticeable surge in August and September 2025. Media outlets reported FDNS home visits, workplace inspections, and document requests, particularly involving STEM OPT workers and CPT-heavy universities offering early or continuous employment programs.

Who conducts these site visits?
The visits are led by USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS). In some cases, FDNS coordinates with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). When larger patterns of fraud are suspected, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) may also become involved.

Which students are most likely to face a site visit?
Students in STEM OPT, Day-1 CPT, or programs with multiple students employed by the same company are at the highest risk. Those working remotely, or for smaller or newly formed employers, also face increased scrutiny because these arrangements often raise compliance questions.

Are these site visits random or targeted?
Site visits may be random, but most are data-driven. USCIS uses SEVIS analytics to identify mismatches between reported addresses, employer names, and job duties. FDNS also follows up on tips, complaints, and suspicious patterns, including unusually high numbers of F-1 workers at a single location.

Do site visits only apply to OPT students, or do they include CPT as well?
Although most early coverage highlighted OPT inspections, CPT programs—especially Day-1 CPT schools—are now under close review. FDNS officers may ask for evidence showing that CPT training is integral to the curriculum, including course syllabi, academic advisor memos, and internship agreements.

What documents might officers request during a site visit?
Students should expect requests for:

• Form I-20 with OPT or CPT authorization
• Employment offer letter or training agreement
• EAD card (for OPT)
• Form I-983 training plan (for STEM OPT)
• Course syllabus, internship letter, or department memo (for CPT)
• Pay stubs, supervisor contact, and worksite address verification

Can USCIS visit a student’s home or dormitory?
Yes. Several reports since September 2025 confirm that officers have visited student housing or residential addresses listed in SEVIS to confirm the student’s presence and employment details. These visits are legal, but students should verify officer credentials before cooperating.

What happens during a site visit?
FDNS officers identify themselves, explain the purpose of the visit, and ask to speak with the student or supervisor. They may:

• Ask about job duties, work hours, and supervision
• Take photos of the worksite
• Review documentation
• Cross-check the work location against SEVIS records
  The interview is typically brief but may lead to follow-up document requests.

How can students prepare for a USCIS or FDNS site visit?
Students should:

• Keep all immigration and employment documents organized and updated
• Ensure job title and duties match SEVIS and training plan details
• Notify their DSO immediately if their job or address changes
• Be ready to verify supervisor name, job duties, and work hours
• Know where their training plan or internship documents are stored

What should CPT students do differently from OPT students to prepare?
CPT students must ensure that their training is integral to the curriculum. They should keep syllabi, course descriptions, internship agreements, and faculty endorsements showing that the work is tied to a course or academic requirement. Any gap between coursework and training activities could trigger compliance concerns.

Can a site visit result in visa revocation or SEVIS termination?
If serious discrepancies arise—such as false information, unauthorized employment, or unapproved remote work—officers may refer the case to SEVP for possible SEVIS termination. While most visits are fact-finding, failure to provide accurate data can lead to loss of F-1 status or denial of future benefits.

Are employers also subject to penalties?
Yes. Employers who provide false information, fail to supervise students properly, or knowingly host unauthorized employment may face civil fines, bar from future sponsorships, and inclusion in DHS watchlists. FDNS can recommend further investigation if employer practices appear fraudulent.

Do DSOs play a role in site visits?
Yes. Designated School Officials (DSOs) are often contacted by FDNS for verification of SEVIS records or clarification of a student’s training details. DSOs must maintain accurate and timely reporting under 8 CFR §214.2(f), and failure to update data can expose the school to SEVP audits.

Are site visits happening nationwide or only in specific states?
Reports since late summer 2025 show activity across multiple states, with California, Texas, Florida, and New York among the top locations. Officers have also been observed visiting student housing and workplaces in Midwestern states, suggesting the inspections are now nationwide.

What triggers a site visit for CPT students specifically?
CPT-related site visits are commonly triggered by:

• Day-1 CPT enrollment
• Multiple CPT students at the same employer
• Missing or vague curricular justification
• Repetitive CPT authorizations without academic progression
• Discrepancies between academic records and employment claims

Do site visits affect future visa applications or green card eligibility?
They can. Any negative finding, SEVIS termination, or unauthorized employment record can appear in DHS databases and affect future H-1B, O-1, or immigrant visa adjudications. Compliance today ensures smoother transitions later.

Are these visits new or part of an existing program?
Site visits fall under the existing Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP), but in 2025, USCIS expanded its use for student visa compliance. Previously focused on H-1B employers, FDNS now extends audits to F-1 training programs due to rising misuse reports.

What happens after a site visit is completed?
After a visit, FDNS submits a report to USCIS or SEVP. If data inconsistencies are found, the student or employer may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). In some cases, no further action occurs if all records align.

How do students confirm a visitor’s legitimacy?
Students should ask officers to present federal identification and note their name, badge number, and agency. Genuine FDNS or ICE officers will comply. If uncertain, contact your DSO or call the local USCIS office to confirm.

What role does remote work play in triggering inspections?
Remote work remains a leading trigger. USCIS requires documented supervision and clear reporting structures. Students working offsite must have updated SEVIS entries reflecting their actual work address, not just the employer’s headquarters.

Are Day-1 CPT programs being specifically targeted?
Yes. Reports indicate Day-1 CPT universities—those granting work authorization from the first semester—are under federal review. FDNS may request academic evidence showing the training’s curricular necessity. Programs lacking credible academic linkage face higher risk of audits or decertification.

What are students’ rights during a site visit?
Students have the right to:

• Request verification of officer identity
• Remain respectful but not self-incriminating
• Decline to answer speculative or unrelated questions
• Seek assistance from their DSO or attorney afterward
  They must, however, avoid obstructing or refusing a lawful visit.

What should students do after a site visit?
Immediately document what occurred, including officer names, questions asked, and documents reviewed. Then, inform the DSO and consider consulting an immigration attorney. If follow-up documents are requested, respond promptly and accurately.

Could site visits expand beyond STEM and CPT-heavy institutions?
Yes. Given the policy direction and resource expansion within FDNS, experts expect site visits to extend to non-STEM OPT, standard CPT, and even on-campus training programs where data anomalies exist.

How can employers and schools minimize risk?
By adopting strong record-keeping and reporting protocols, conducting internal audits, training HR and academic staff on SEVIS accuracy, and reviewing Form I-983/I-20 data periodically. Proactive compliance is the best defense.

Should students contact an attorney after receiving a site visit?
Yes. Consulting an immigration lawyer is advisable if officers requested additional documentation or if inconsistencies were found. Attorneys can assist in drafting responses and mitigating potential status issues.

Is this increase temporary or part of long-term enforcement?
Experts suggest it’s part of a long-term enforcement shift, not a short-term campaign. With growing attention to visa integrity and data verification, FDNS site visits are expected to remain a permanent feature of F-1 training oversight.

Need Guidance After a Site Visit? Speak With a Nationally Recognized Immigration Attorney

If you’ve experienced — or even just heard about — the recent wave of USCIS site visits targeting students and employers under OPT or CPT, you already know how confusing and stressful these inspections can be. Whether officers have shown up at your workplace, contacted your Designated School Official (DSO), or asked for documents you’re not sure how to provide, you need experienced legal guidance right now.

A surprise inspection doesn’t automatically mean you’ve done anything wrong — but how you respond can make all the difference. Small inconsistencies between SEVIS records, job descriptions, or training plans can trigger Requests for Evidence (RFEs), Notices of Intent to Deny (NOIDs), or even SEVIS termination. The right legal strategy can help you correct issues before they escalate, protect your immigration status, and maintain your eligibility for future benefits like H-1B, O-1, or permanent residence.

That’s where Attorney Richard T. Herman and the Herman Legal Group can help.

With over 30 years of immigration law experience, Richard Herman is one of America’s most trusted voices on student visas, employment compliance, and federal enforcement trends. He has represented thousands of international students, universities, and employers navigating FDNS site visits, ICE audits, and SEVP reporting challenges.

As co-author of the acclaimed book Immigrant, Inc. (available on Amazon), Herman is widely recognized as an evangelist for the economic and community benefits of welcoming immigrants. His mission is simple: to empower you with knowledge, strategy, and protection in an increasingly complex immigration environment.

If you’re concerned about a recent or upcoming USCIS site visit under OPT or CPT, don’t navigate it alone. Richard T. Herman — immigration lawyer for 30+ years and co-author of Immigrant, Inc. — helps students, schools, and employers respond strategically and protect their status.

Why choose Richard Herman and the Herman Legal Group?

• 30+ years of focused immigration practice, including F-1, OPT, CPT, H-1B, and STEM compliance.
• Deep experience with FDNS site visits, ICE audits, and RFE/NOID defense.
• Personalized strategy — every case is handled directly by an experienced attorney, not a call-center clerk.
• Multilingual legal support for international students and employers around the world.
• National reputation, trusted by media and policymakers alike for clear, practical immigration insight.

Whether you’re a student, employer, or DSO, don’t wait until after a problem arises. A short consultation now can prevent status violations, program suspensions, and costly denials later.

✅ Take control of your situation today.
Schedule a confidential consultation with Attorney Richard T. Herman to review your site visit experience, SEVIS record, and training plan before responding to USCIS.

👉 Book your appointment now: https://www.lawfirm4immigrants.com/book-consultation/

Authoritative Resources on OPT/CPT Site Visits

USCIS (Policy & FDNS Programs)

• Administrative Site Visit and Verification Program (ASVVP) — FDNS overview
  uscis.gov/about-us/…/administrative-site-visit-and-verification-program
• USCIS Policy Manual – Volume 10: Employment Authorization (EAD policy framework)
  uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-10
• USCIS Policy Manual – F/M Students: Practical Training (cross-reference)
  uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-f-chapter-5
• Evidence Guidance (RFEs/NOIDs) — how officers evaluate submissions
  uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-1-part-e-chapter-6
• USCIS Contact Center (verify an officer / general help)
  uscis.gov/contactcenter

ICE / SEVP (Program Rules, SEVIS, Training)

• SEVP Practical Training (official overview of CPT & OPT)
  ice.gov/sevis/practical-training
• SEVIS Help Hub (reporting, records, how-tos for DSOs)
  studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevis-help-hub
• F-1 CPT (how CPT must be curricular/integral)
  studyinthestates.dhs.gov/…/f-1-curricular-practical-training-cpt
• F-1 OPT (process, updates, SEVIS entries)
  studyinthestates.dhs.gov/…/f-1-optional-practical-training-opt
• Form I-983 (official STEM OPT training plan – PDF)
  ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983.pdf
• I-983 Instructions (employer/student obligations – PDF)
  ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983Instructions.pdf
• SEVP main program page
  ice.gov/sevis

DHS / Oversight

• DHS Office of Inspector General – Audits, Inspections & Evaluations
  oig.dhs.gov/reports/audits-inspections-and-evaluations
• DHS OIG Hotline (report concerns about conduct/fraud)
  oig.dhs.gov/hotline

Department of State (DOS)

• Student Visa (F/M) – official consular guidance
  travel.state.gov/…/student-visa.html
• Study & Exchange (F/M/J overview hub)
  travel.state.gov/…/study.exchange.html

Reporting & Verification Channels

• USCIS Benefit-Fraud Tip Form (benefit fraud/abuse reporting)
  uscis.gov/report-fraud/uscis-tip-form
• ICE HSI Tip Form (worksite/immigration violations)
  ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form
• ICE Tip Line (24/7)
  ice.gov/tipline

NAFSA (Public, Non-gated Pages Only)

• NAFSA – OPT program benefits (public brief)
  nafsa.org/OPT
• NAFSA – USCIS Policy Manual updates on F/M students (public brief)
  nafsa.org/…/uscis-policy-manual-guidance-f-and-m-students
• NAFSA CPT Regulatory Perspectives (note: some NAFSA content is member-only; this page may require login in the future)
  nafsa.org/…/regulatory-perspectives-curricular-practical-training-cpt

Accreditation/School Legitimacy (to vet CPT-heavy programs)

• CHEA – Search Institutions (recognized U.S. accreditors)
  chea.org/search-institutions
• U.S. Dept. of Education – DAPIP (accredited institutions & programs)
  ope.ed.gov/dapip
• Higher Learning Commission – Directory of Institutions
  hlcommission.org/directory-of-institutions