OPT: Work in the US After Your F-1 Graduation
Optional Practical Training gives F-1 graduates 12 months to work in the US in their field. Apply too late and you lose work days. Misuse it and you lose your status. Here's everything you need to know.
OPT Application Timeline
Rules You Must Know
90-Day Unemployment Limit
You may not be unemployed for more than 90 days total during your 12-month OPT period. Days accumulate - 30 days unemployed here, 20 days there, and suddenly you're close to the limit. Track carefully.
Employment Must Be Related to Your Degree
Your job must be directly related to your field of study. A computer science graduate working as a barista while job-hunting is a status violation. Part-time positions (at least 20 hrs/week) count as valid employment.
Multiple Employers and Self-Employment
You can work for multiple employers simultaneously, as long as each position is degree-related and you're employed at least 20 hrs/week in aggregate. Self-employment and contract work are allowed with conditions.
Reporting Requirements
Update your employer, job title, and address in SEVIS through your DSO within 10 days of any change. This includes starting a new job, changing employers, and becoming unemployed.
Travel During OPT
You can travel abroad during OPT. To re-enter: valid passport, valid F-1 visa, valid EAD, an offer letter or employment evidence, and your I-20. Re-enter before your OPT end date.
Have a STEM Degree? You May Get 24 More Months.
If your degree is classified as STEM and your employer is E-Verify enrolled, you can extend your OPT by 24 months - for a total of 36 months of work authorization.
STEM OPT Extension GuideMonthly Visa & Scholarship Update
Visa rule changes, OPT deadlines, scholarship openings, and H-1B updates - delivered once a month. No spam.