• Change of immigration status
• Final departure from the U.S. (if earlier than your STEM OPT end date)
• Request a new Form I-20

Limits on Periods of Unemployment

• You cannot exceed 90 days of unemployment between the start and end date of your post-completion OPT authorization (the dates on your EAD).
• If you exceed 90 days of unemployment, or if you fail to report your employment, the U.S. government will terminate your F-1 SEVIS record 90 days after your OPT start date. A terminated SEVIS record cancels OPT authorization and requires you to leave the U.S.
• If you received a 24-month STEM extension, you are allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment, for a total of 150 days.
• Each day (including weekends) that you do not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment. There is no grace period after 90/150 days of unemployment.
• To avoid violating status, Immigration recommends that prior to reaching the unemployment limit, you should prepare to transfer to another school, change education level, depart the U.S., or change to a different immigration status.

Employment Requirements

OPT authorizes employment/practical training that is related to your major area of study and commensurate with your level of education.

OPT does NOT authorize employment unrelated to your major area of study.

If you work in a job unrelated to your major area of study, or that does not meet the government's requirements for your type of OPT (12-month standard, 24-month STEM extension) you are in violation of your F-1 status. Immigration and Customs Enforcement can terminate a student's F-1 SEVIS record if a student works in a position unrelated to their studies. A terminated SEVIS record cancels OPT authorization and invalidates F-1 status in the U.S.

It is your responsibility to evaluate how a job relates to your major area of study. Your DSOs CANNOT review job descriptions to assess if they are related to your studies. However, your DSO will update your SEVIS record with the job information you provide.