What is the most common STEM OPT RFE in 2025?

The leading RFE reason is an incomplete or unsigned Form I-983 training plan—especially missing employer or supervisor signatures.

Does a CIP code mismatch trigger denial?

Not automatically. Provide an academic letter mapping your coursework to the STEM CIP code and a copy of the DHS STEM list page to satisfy USCIS.

Are third-party placements allowed on STEM OPT?

Yes, but the staffing agency or end-client must meet supervision rules. All worksites must be listed on Form I-983 and supported by a detailed oversight plan.

USCIS Is Issuing More STEM OPT RFEs—Here Are the Top 5 (2025)

A Fall 2024 USCIS Q&A with NAFSA advisors confirmed a “significant increase” in STEM OPT Requests for Evidence (RFEs), chiefly over program codes and training-plan gaps. USCIS An RFE can delay your EAD 4–10 weeks—or lead to denial—so prevention is priceless.

Below are the five RFEs international students see most in 2025, plus bullet-proof fixes.

1 Missing or Unsigned Form I-983 Training Plan

Why it triggers an RFE
USCIS can’t verify that the employer meets supervision and learning-objective rules if any I-983 field—or a signature—is blank. USCIS

How to prevent it

Use the latest I-983 PDF (edition 03/31/2024).
Sign all four boxes (Student, Employer, Supervisor, DSO).
Dates on page 2 must fall within your requested STEM OPT period.

Quick fix if you’re already RFE’d: upload a fully executed I-983 with matching dates and an explanatory cover letter.

2 CIP Code Not on the DHS STEM List—or Doesn’t Match the Diploma

Why it triggers an RFE
USCIS now cross-matches the six-digit CIP code on your I-20 with the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and your diploma title. If the title looks “off major,” officers ask for proof. USCIS ICE

Prevention tips

Verify your I-20’s CIP code + major title before filing.
If the diploma title differs (e.g., “Analytics” vs “Data Science”), include a department letter mapping coursework to the STEM CIP.
Attach the full DHS STEM list page highlighting your code.

3 Third-Party or Remote Worksite Not Shown on I-983

Why it triggers an RFE
2023 ICE guidance bars staffing agencies from “place-and-forget” arrangements; remote sites require extra supervision proofs. ICE

Prevention tips

List every worksite address in Section 5 of the I-983.
Add a one-page addendum describing how the supervisor will provide daily oversight (video stand-ups, code reviews, etc.).
Provide the E-Verify number for the worksite company, not the agency.

4 Employment Dates Outside the 24-Month STEM Window

If the I-983 start date is more than 10 days after your initial OPT end-date—or your end-date exceeds the 24-month limit—USCIS flags it. USCIS

Fix: Align I-983 dates exactly with SEVIS recommendation dates; upload a corrected plan.

5 Missing or Mismatched E-Verify Number

E-Verify numbers must be 14 digits and match USCIS records. Typos or using a parent company’s ID leads to RFEs.

Avoid it: Confirm the number in the employer’s E-Verify portal, then list it in both the I-983 and Form I-765 Part 2, Item 28c.

RFE Response Timeline (Normal Rules Are Back)

LOA mailed by USCIS	Response due to USCIS
30 days for most I-765 RFEs	60 calendar days from notice date

COVID flexibilities ended March 2023; mail or upload your packet on time.

Sample RFE Response Packet

Cover letter (student name, SRC#, checklist of items enclosed).
Corrected Form I-983 (all pages).
Employer support letter (role duties, supervision plan, E-Verify #).
Academic letter (if CIP mismatch).
Highlighted STEM list page.
Copy of diploma & transcripts.
FedEx/UPS proof (keep for records).

Prevention Cheat-Sheet (Pin It!)

Use the latest I-983 edition and triple-check signatures.
Match every date to your SEVIS recommendation.
Verify the CIP code and add an academic letter if titles differ.
Include remote-work supervision details for any off-site address.
Validate the 14-digit E-Verify number.

Frequently asked questions

How common are STEM OPT RFEs in 2025?

Unofficial NAFSA polling shows ≈10 % of I-765 STEM cases receive RFEs—up from 6 % two years ago. USCIS

Will premium processing prevent an RFE?

No. Premium only speeds the clock; it doesn’t change evidence standards.

Can I keep working while the RFE is pending?

Yes—your initial OPT (or the 180-day STEM auto-extension) remains valid until USCIS makes a final decision.

References (curated by usaadmission.com)

USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Pt. F, Ch. 5 – Practical Training (updated Sept 2024). USCIS
USCIS–NAFSA “Current Issues” Q&A, Fall 2024 Conferences (PDF). USCIS
ICE – “SEVP Governing Regulations for Students and Schools” (updated Feb 2025). ICE
ICE – STEM Designated Degree Program List & CIP Code Guidance (updated Jan 2025). ICE
USCIS Policy Manual, Ch. 8 – RFEs and NOIDs (accessed 27 Apr 2025). USCIS

All citations link to official USCIS or ICE resources for maximum compliance confidence.