Working while on OPT:

• You may start working only AFTER you receive the physical EAD and you are within the authorized dates on the EAD. 
• You are not permitted to work in between your I-20 program end date and the start date of your EAD. This includes ALL EMPLOYMENT, including on-campus work. 
• All OPT employment must be related to your program of study.
• F-1 Students on Post-Completion OPT must work at least 20 hours per week.

Limits on Unemployment: 

• There is a maximum period of 90 days of unemployment that can be accrued from the start date of your EAD. To avoid accruing unemployment time, you must report all employment undertaken while on OPT to the HIO.   
• Please use the Post-Completion OPT reporting form to report OPT employment.

Mandatory Reporting Requirements: 

You must report the following changes within 10 days through the HIO’s Post-Completion OPT Reporting Form:

• New OPT Employment
• Ending OPT Employment
• Changes to your OPT Employer’s Name or Address
• Change of U.S. Residential Address
• If you choose to depart the U.S. permanently before the end date of your OPT EAD OR you obtain another visa status or permanent residency you must notify the HIO using the Post-Completion OPT Reporting Form.

Travel While on Post-Completion OPT:

Travel signatures on your Form I-20 are valid for 6 months while on OPT rather than 12 months. You may request an updated travel signature in one of the following ways:

1. Request an I-20 reprint when submitting the F-1 Post-Completion OPT Reporting Form

2. Submit Travel Signature Request form

Review the Travel Considerations While on OPT handout and/or watch this video.

Information about renewing your F-1 visa can be found here.

The HIO provides general guidance on your OPT/STEM OPT application based on information obtained from reliable sources and reflecting our years of experience in working with students. We make every attempt to ensure that we provide you with the most up to date information available. Any advice provided to you by our office (as well as the information in this packet) does not constitute legal advice, however. The OPT/STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible; the application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case. The HIO does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. The HIO is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.