The Trump administration is tightening immigration enforcement once again — this time by significantly increasing unannounced site inspections for foreign students working under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, especially those on the two-year STEM-OPT extensions. With over 3.3 lakh Indian students in the US and more than 97,500 enrolled in OPT, this policy shift directly impacts a large segment of the Indian student community.
Sudden Visits and Heightened Scrutiny
Reports from immigration attorneys and students reveal that officers from the Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit of US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are now making unannounced visits — including to residences and student housing — to verify compliance with visa regulations. These inspections aim to ensure that the student’s training plan under Form I-983 matches their academic field and that they continue to maintain valid F-1 status.
“I just received an inspection at my residence and was asked for additional documents,” said one student whose STEM-OPT was recently approved.
What Inspectors Are Looking For
During these visits, officers typically request documentation and ask detailed questions about:
- Job duties and how they relate to the student’s degree
- Work hours, salary, and training objectives
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) terms
- Attendance and academic background
Failure to cooperate, inconsistencies in answers, or mismatched documentation can jeopardize a student’s OPT status, SEVIS record, and even lead to F-1 visa revocation.
Legal Perspective: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
While site visits are legally permitted, attorneys note a sharp rise in frequency under the Trump administration.
- Ashwin Sharma, an immigration attorney, called the inspections “a revived tool” for stricter enforcement.
- Abhinav Tripathi pointed out that routine visits to homes are not normally authorized, except when the residence is explicitly listed as a training site on Form I-983.
Attorneys also report a surge in Requests for Evidence (RFEs) — especially for cases involving remote work, status changes, or criminal background issues.
Rising RFEs and Status Change Scrutiny
The government is also closely scrutinizing status changes, such as transitions from H-1B to F-1, or to B-2 (tourist) or H-4 (dependent) visas. RFEs now demand proof of genuine visitor intent or academic purpose, as well as detailed explanations of prior visa status and future plans.
What Students and Employers Should Do
Experts recommend several steps to stay compliant:
- Keep Form I-983 accurate and updated
- Promptly report any employment or address changes to USCIS and the Designated School Official (DSO)
- Maintain complete records — including ID, offer letters, pay slips, and transcripts
- Verify officer credentials during a visit and answer questions truthfully
Conclusion: Vigilance Is Key for OPT Holders
With site inspections, RFEs, and visa scrutiny intensifying, students — particularly those from India — must stay proactive and organized. As the Trump administration ramps up enforcement, accurate documentation, transparency, and timely updates are critical to maintaining status and continuing work under the OPT and STEM-OPT programs.
