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After OPT Approval

Limits on Periods of Unemployment

While on post-completion OPT you may have no more than 90 days of unemployment. If you received a 17-month STEM extension, you are allowed an additional 30 days of unemployment for a total of 120 days. If you are likely to accrue more than the allowed number of days of unemployment, you should make plans to go home, return to school for another degree, or change to a different immigration status.

For students currently approved for OPT, the limits on unemployment apply only after April 8, 2008, the effective date of the new rule. Time unemployed prior to April 8, 2008, will not be counted.

Reporting Requirements to ISS

Address changes and legal name changes must be reported to your ISS adviser by email within 10 days.

Employment information must also be reported to your ISS adviser. Email your adviser with the following information:

  • Name of employer
  • Start date of employment
  • Mailing address of employer
  • Change of employer, with end and start dates of employment
  • Decision to exit the U.S. and complete F-1 status prior to OPT expiration date

If you are currently approved for a STEM extension, these updates must be reported within 10 days of the change.

Employment Allowed While on OPT

You may accept any job that is related to your field of study and commensurate with your level of education.

Multiple employers are fine as long as all employment is related to your degree program. This includes multiple short-term positions for musicians and other  performing arts students.

Self-employment is allowed. You must work full time and prove that you have the proper business licenses and are actively engaged in work related to your academic program.

Volunteer or unpaid intern positions are acceptable types of training. Your position must be at least 20 hours per week if you have post-completion OPT approval.

STEM extension-approved students must work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verify employer in a position directly related to your STEM degree.

Money Matters

You will need a Social Security number in order to receive payment from your employer. Click here for information on how to obtain a Social Security number.

In general, as an F-1 student you will be exempt from Social Security (FICA) taxes for your first five years in the U.S., as long as you continue to declare nonresident status for tax purposes. Unless you qualify under a tax treaty between the U.S. and your home government, your earnings as an F-1 student will be subject to applicable federal, state and local taxes, and employers are required to withhold those taxes from your paychecks. For more information on taxes, consult the Internal Revenue Service.

Health Insurance

Medical insurance is an extremely important consideration while you are on OPT. If you are not insured through your employer, you should purchase an individual plan. For more information about plan options, visit our health insurance page.

Travel and OPT

If your pre-completion OPT application is pending or approved you may travel, because you are primarily still a full-time student.

If your post-completion OPT application is pending, you may travel and re-enter the U.S.

If your post-completion OPT has been approved and your EAD issued, you may not re-enter the U.S. unless you have evidence of employment. You should carry the following documents with you:

  • I-20 signed for travel by an international student adviser within the last 6 months
  • EAD card
  • Valid passport
  • Unexpired F-1 visa (unless returning from a short trip to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean)
  • Evidence of employment in your field of study (letter of employment, written job offer)

Once the approved period of OPT has begun, time spent outside the U.S. will count as unemployment against the 90/120-day limits.

Travel while employed either during a period of leave authorized by an employer or as part of your employment will not count as unemployment.

Study While on OPT

While approved for OPT you may take recreational courses, but if you begin a new degree program, your OPT is automatically terminated.  Exchange students are not eligible to take courses at the UW while on post-completion OPT.