After graduating with a master’s degree in electrical engineering, I have been working on my first year of optional practical training (OPT) in the IT field. …

… After I applied for a 24-month OPT extension, based on my STEM degree, the USCIS issued a request for evidence (RFE) asking for proof that my first-year OPT employment directly related to my degree. What should I do?

Answer

To show that the OPT employment is directly related to the degree on which it is based, SEVP recommends that the student obtain a letter from her/his manager at each OPT job, describing the duties performed and stating how the work is related to the degree. In some cases, it is advisable to obtain an expert opinion letter from a professor in the student’s field of study, explaining how the academic program prepared the student for the work performed. (03.Jun.2016)

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