F-1 students who are granted OPT STEM extension must work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verify-enrolled employer in a position directly related to the student’s STEM degree. They may work multiple jobs related to their STEM degree, provided that all the employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. They are also eligible for the following kinds of employment as long as all other eligibility requirements, including E-Verify registration, are met:
- Self-employment
- Employment as an independent contractor (1099 employment)
- Employment through an agency
- Employment by a consulting firm
F-1 students who are self-employed, they must set up a business and register with E-Verify. For those who are employed through an agency or consulting firm, the agency or consulting firm, not the company for whom the student is providing services, would need to be registered in E-Verify.
