Maintaining F-1 Status on OPT
When pursuing Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must maintain valid visa status.
For full details on this, and to find the necessary reporting forms, please see the Forms & Resources section of our website and look for the information under Student Employment Authorization Forms and Resources.
Please review the following PDF for more information about reporting requirements and the SEVP portal:
After you receive your EAC_Post Completion OPT reporting requirements.
Maintaining F-1 Status
While in an active period of OPT, you must maintain your F-1 status. Maintaining your F-1 status while on OPT includes the following:
- Report any change in address, official name, email, or phone number within 10 days of the change.
- Report any change in employment within 10 days of the change.
- Do not have more than 90 days of unemployment. Unemployment is counted during the validity period of your work authorization (from-to dates on the EAD card). NOTE: If you have not reported employment to ISSS/SEVP, even if you are employed, you will accrue unemployment.
- Be in a job that is directly related to your program of study.
- Be employed at least 20 hours per week. This may include the following:
- Paid employment
- Multiple employers
- (Independent) contracting
- Self-employed business owner (must show business license and evidence of engaging in business)
- Employment agency
- Unpaid or volunteer employment
- Have a valid I-20 travel signature (see page two of your I-20). NOTE: Signatures are valid for 6 months once OPT is approved.
It is your responsibility to keep your SEVIS record updated while on OPT.
In addition to reporting your employment for the purposes of updating SEVIS, ISSS recommends that you keep all documentation associated with your employment for your personal records.
Travel
For international travel while on OPT, bring the following documents for reentry to the U.S.:
- I-20 with OPT recommendation and valid travel signature (the signature should be fewer than 6 months old at time of reentry)
- Valid passport (must be valid for another 6 months or more at time of reentry)
- Valid F-1 visa (if applicable)
- EAD card
- Evidence of employment (hire letter, pay stub, or other letter from employer)
- Evidence of ability to support yourself financially (bank statement/letter, hire letter with salary stated, pay stub, or a combination of any of these)
- Most recent I-94 record
If you need an updated travel signature on your I-20, please fill out the Updated I-20 Request form on our Forms & Resources page.
Updated on 2/27/2025