Opt how long can i stay after

For all jobs a student holds while on OPT, the U. Students on post-completion OPT may work for multiple employers and must work at least 20 hours per week. If a student has a variable schedule within a month, it should average out to at least 20 hours per week.

OPT employment less than 20 hours per week will count toward unemployment accrual. Paid employment: Students may work part-time, at least 20 hours per week, or full-time. Unpaid employment: Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns where this practice does not violate any labor laws.

The work should be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. A student should be able to provide evidence from their employer to verify they worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.

Students approved for post-completion OPT cannot accrue more than 90 days total of unemployment for the duration of their approved post-completion OPT period. Students who reach 90 days of unemployment are expected to leave the U.

Students must be engaged in at least 20 hours of employment or other OPT activity per week; periods with activity of less than 20 hours per week will be counted toward unemployment days. Beginning on the EAD start date, SEVIS will automatically begin counting unemployment days, including weekends, if no employment information is entered in your record.

Unemployment days are counted even if a student is outside of the U. It is strongly recommended that students keep detailed and accurate records of all OPT employment. These documents may include:. Documentation of employment on OPT is extremely important for individuals considering long-term employment in the U. In order to reenter the U. Please consult an immigration attorney or your employer before traveling in this circumstance. The law is intended for positions that are recognized by the sponsoring employer as "volunteer" or "unpaid internship" positions.

The position would need to fulfill the following requirements:. You are not permitted to be a full-time student or be enrolled in a degree program. In order to be enrolled in a degree program, either part-time or full-time, you will need to return to a student visa and your Post OPT will terminate. If you are accepted as a student during your Post OPT period, you will need to inform our office.

They will need to issue you a new Form I No, you may travel once your receive your OPT card. Please note that you may not begin working until your approved EAD start date, regardless of the requested date on your I Do you have travel plans? If you plan to travel, especially internationally, you may not want to select a start date during this time. If you have a job offer, discuss with your employer an appropriate start date based on when you have applied for your OPT consider the 2.

If you don't have a job offer, you should consider where you are in your job search and when jobs typically start in your field and make your best estimate of when you'd like to begin working. Days of unemployment only begin after the approved start date listed on your EAD. Weigh the pros and cons of an early vs. If you choose an earlier start date, you may be able to begin your employment earlier, BUT if you don't find a job, you will begin accruing unemployment days sooner. If you choose a later start date, your unemployment days will begin accruing later, BUT you'll have to wait longer to begin employment.

What if I applied for OPT but didn't actually complete my degree program? Can I work on or off campus while waiting for my EAD? Can I start working without pay while waiting for my EAD? You should also keep in mind the following: You will need to have someone monitor your mail and let you know if you receive any communications from USCIS.

If you receive a Request for Evidence, you will need to respond by a certain deadline. If you are denied for OPT while outside the United States, you will not be able to re-enter or reapply. If your F-1 visa is expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.

If you choose to travel while your application is pending, be sure that you are monitoring your mail. Communicate with BIO about your travel plans. When can I start working? What counts as "employment" on OPT? Students may work in a job related to their field of study at least 20 hours per week if work is less than full-time, it counts toward a student's 90 days of unemployment. Multiple employers.

Short-term multiple employers performing artists. Students such as musicians and other performing artists may work for multiple short term employers gigs. The student should maintain a list of all gigs, including the dates and duration. If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing a list of all gigs. Work for hire commonly referred to as " employment". This is a type of employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship.

If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company. Self-employed business owner. Students may start a business and be self-employed. In this situation, the student must work full-time at least 20 hours per week. Employment through an agency. Students must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.

Unpaid employment. Students on the initial month OPT may work as volunteers or unpaid interns , where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week. These students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.

Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment. If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status. You are expected to leave the U. See After OPT options below. Students who are granted a month extension are given an additional 60 days of unemployment for a total of days over their entire post-completion OPT and STEM periods. Approved vacation from a job does not count as "unemployment" if you are still considered an employee there.

Keep copies of your pay vouchers or pay stubs for all periods of employment. Maintain copies of your bank statements that show direct or corresponding deposits from your employer s.

Copies of you W-2 tax forms. If you engage in employment that is not paid while on OPT, we recommend you keep the following records:. Copies of company time and attendance records that document your daily tasks in detail for all employers during the unpaid internship or training. How are the 90 days of unemployment counted? Please submit your request at least 10 business days before you plan to leave the U.

How do I update my contact and employment information? Report in a timely manner within 10 days of any change. Your employer name should be the name of the company, institution, or entity employing you.

It should not be the name of your supervisor. You will use page 5 lower section of form I to complete the final evaluation. Report any change in your immigration status e. We recommend this for many reasons: It allows you to timely report your employment changes any changes in employment need to be reported within 10 days of the change It gives you control over your own employment record It allows for more consistency in how F-1 students report their employment while on post-completion OPT Log into your SEVP Portal account once your OPT is approved to report updates within 10 days of any change.

Accessing your account may depend on your situation. If you have already created an SEVP account but have been locked out, you can probably reset your account yourself. Use the Reset Password function to create a new password. If you have not been sent a link, you may request that we prompt SEVP to send you a link.

It may take a few days to get the link. How long can I remain in the U.