Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extension are valuable opportunities for F-1 international students to gain work experience in the U.S. related to their major field of study. However, maintaining your F-1 status during this period requires ongoing attention to specific rules and reporting requirements. Failing to meet these obligations can result in a loss of status and may impact your future immigration benefits.
Here’s what you need to know to stay in status while on OPT or STEM OPT:
Work in your Field of Study
While on OPT or STEM OPT, any employment you engage in must be directly related to your degree program. When reporting your employment, you must clearly explain how your job relates to your academic field. International Student Services advisors are not qualified to help you determine whether a job is related to your field of study. If you have such a concern or need help explaining the relevancy, ISS recommends you reach out to your academic advisor or department.
Keep Your Employment Information Updated
You must keep your employment information up-to-date. This includes the employer’s name and address, start and end dates, and a short description of how the job relates to your degree. Students on Post-completion OPT can report their employment details directly through the SEVP Portal. Students on STEM OPT must report employment information to ISS through the MyISSS portal.
Remember: you must report any changes in your employment details within 10 days of the change.
STEM OPT Validation Reports
Students on the 2-year STEM OPT Extension are required to submit a STEM OPT Validation report every 6 months. These reports just confirm that your employment details are up-to-date and sometimes include an evaluation (Page 5 of Form I-983). Students on STEM OPT can submit their validation report to ISS through the MyISSS portal.
Monitor Your Unemployment Days
F-1 students on OPT and STEM OPT must limit their unemployment to maintain status. Post-completion OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment, and the 24-month STEM OPT extension adds 60 more, for a total of 150 days. The SEVIS system tracks unemployment, and exceeding the limit can lead to termination of your SEVIS record. To avoid complications, track your employment closely and report new jobs or job endings immediately.
Final Tips
Once you’ve graduated and moved on to OPT and STEM OPT, it can be easy to forget about your immigration requirements. ISS will continue to reach out to you while on OPT and STEM OPT with important information about F-1 immigration regulations. We recommend that you update your email with us to a personal email by completing the Contact Information Update request in MyISSS. If you’re ever unsure about your obligations or status while on OPT, reach out to International Student Services either via email our advising. Staying informed and organized will help ensure you remain in good standing throughout your OPT or STEM OPT period and can make the most of your time gaining experience in the U.S.