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.
- Do not engage in orientation, training, or the employment until you have received the EAD and approval notice AND reached the OPT start date confirmed on the EAD.
- The OPT start date may differ from you requested date - be aware!
- Report any change in employment within 10 days of the change. (Such as, but not limited to: Starting a job, ending a job, changing positions in the same company.)
- Do not exceed 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.
- Work in a job that is directly related to your program of study. OPT is a benefit of your F-1 status that permits up t o12 months of off-campus employment for the purpose of gaining practical experience in your chosen field of study. Consider how you will articulate this if asked to do so.
- 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.
- Do not allow your signature expire; if expired, the I-20 is no longer valid.
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
See Travel Information for International Students for a list of documents to carry while travelling.
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 4/15/2026