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OPT Reporting and requests

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Frequently asked questions about OPT

 

OPT reporting and requirements

All OPT jobs must be directly related to your major field of study. During post-completion OPT, you must work at least 20 hours per week to be considered fully employed. If you go more than 90 days unemployed, you will have violated your F-1 status and will need to plan ahead and depart from the U.S., choose another program or take other action to maintain your immigration status.

Types of employment

  • Paid employment: Full-time or part-time work that is directly related to your field of study.
  • Multiple employers: The total hours you work must be at least 20 hours each week, and all jobs must be directly related to your field.
  • Short-term jobs or gigs: Keep a detailed record of dates and employers for DHS, if requested.
  • Contract work (work for hire or 1099 jobs): You must keep records of your contracts and employer details.
  • Self-employer or own your own business: You can start a business if it’s related to your field and you work full time with proper licenses.
  • Agency employment: You must be able to prove that you work an average of 20 hours each week.
  • Unpaid/Volunteer work: You must work at least 20 hours each week and have documentation from your employer. It is important that these jobs follow labor laws.

Reporting employment changes

F-1 students on OPT must report any changes in employment as soon as possible. We strongly recommend submitting updates within 10 business days to avoid issues with your immigration status. 

To report changes, log in to the ISSS portal and go to the "Requests" section. Depending on your situation, choose the appropriate option: 

  • To update your current employer, select OPT Employer Update.
  • To add a new employer, select OPT Employer Update.
  • To report the end of a job, select OPT Employment End Date.

Please revisit the portal anytime your employment information changes and update accordingly.

 

STEM OPT reporting requirements

You must be employed in your STEM eligible field of study with an E-verified employer. The maximum period of unemployment is 150 days, which includes any days of unemployment during the initial 12 months of Post-Completion OPT.  

You are required to report STEM employment every 6 months from the start of your STEM OPT. Any change of employment or address during your STEM OPT period must be reported. We strongly recommend submitting updates within 10 business days to avoid issues with your immigration status. 

STEM validation report and progress evaluation

F-1 STEM OPT students are required to complete STEM employment reporting tasks after 6, 12, 18 and 24 months of STEM OPT have elapsed. 

To report 6-Month STEM validation reports, log in to the ISSS portal > Requests > STEM OPT Report Participation – 6, 12, 18 or 24 month reports and follow the instructions from there.

Travel on post-completion OPT

To re-enter the U.S., make sure you carry the following documents: 

  • Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date).
  • F-1 visa (not required for Canadian citizens).
  • I-20 with a travel signature (issued within the last 6 months).
  • Put in a Reprint I-20 request in the portal.
  • EAD card (issued by USCIS for OPT).
  • Job offer letter or proof of employment in your field of study.

Applying for a new F-1 while on OPT?

If you’re applying for a new F-1 visa while on OPT, you’ll need:

  • Your EAD card.
  • Employment documentation.
  • Standard visa application documents.

Ending OPT early 

Tell ISSS through a portal request if you decide to stop OPT or STEM OPT and leave before your card's end date. We'll end your SEVIS record. 

  •  Please log in to the ISSS portal.
  • Click on Requests > Departure Form.
  • Submit the request telling us that you have decided to abandon your OPT. Include the date you plan to depart the U.S. in your request.

ISSS will end your SEVIS record on the date you indicate that you plan to leave the U.S. or the date you notify us, whichever is later. In addition, remember to submit a "Final Evaluation for the end of your STEM OPT" within 10 days of your employment ending.