The EAD is not employer specific, so
you may change employers at will
. However, employment must be directly related to the field of studies. Any employment outside your field of study is unauthorized and is a substantive violation of your status.
Can I work remotely on OPT in another country?
Yes, you can work remotely while on OPT
. There is no requirement you have to work in an office while on OPT. However, you need to make sure you are getting paid and can document that you are actually working.
Is it OK to travel during OPT?
*Travel While OPT or OPT STEM Extension is Pending
Travel during the OPT application process is allowed, but not recommended as it poses certain risks
. Keep in mind the following: You will need to have someone monitor your mail and let you know if you receive any communications from USCIS.
Can you switch jobs during STEM OPT?
Yes, you may change your employer after your STEM OPT has been authorized
. You must report any change of employer or employer address within 10 days. If you change your employer, you must update the ISSO through our Employment/Address Update Reporting Form.
Can I work for two companies on OPT?
You may work for multiple employers
(including short-term gigs, self-employment, contract work, or work for hire). In order for your OPT employment to be considered active, you must be working 20 hours per week or more between all OPT jobs combined.
Can I work for two employers on stem OPT?
You may work for more than one employer on STEM OPT
, but each employment occurrence must be related to your stem STEM field of study, and must be for at least 20 hours per week. Each separate STEM OPT employer must provide an I-983 Training Plan.
Can I travel while my OPT is pending?
IMPORTANT NOTE:
A student can travel outside the U.S. while an OPT application is pending as long as they re-enter the U.S. before their program completion date
.
What is the five month rule?
The five-month rule refers to
the termination of your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) due to you being away from classes or not in status for five months
.
Can I travel while my i 765 is pending?
It may take up to three months for USCIS to approve the I-131 and I-765 applications.
Nonimmigrants holding H or L status do not need advance parole authorization to travel outside the United States while their AOS application is pending
.
How long can you stay outside US on OPT?
The DSO travel signature on page 3 of the OPT or STEM OPT I-20 is valid for
up to 6 months
. If the signature has expired or will expire soon, you must apply for a new one by completing a “Green Sheet” request form and submitting it to ISO.
Can I work from India while on OPT?
There would be no issue (from a U.S. immigration standpoint) with you working from India while remaining on your OPT.
How long can I stay out of US on F-1 OPT?
It is important to know that with an F1 visa, you can be out of the US for
up to 5 months
. During those 5 months, your SEVIS record will reflect your absence.
What if I lose my job during OPT?
During the period of OPT authorization, a student should be working or actively seeking employment. If you decide to quit your job, or if you do not find a job,
keep the unemployment rules in mind
. Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment.
What if I lose my job during STEM OPT?
You must report to your DSO within 10 days if you lose your job or leave it before the STEM OPT period ends
. See below if you will apply for a 7-month extension of your STEM OPT.
Can I work 2 jobs on post-completion OPT?
Multiple post-completion OPT jobs can be carried out once you complete your studies in a college or a university.
You may work for more than one employer or job, but all employment must be related to your degree program
. The cumulative number of hours should be 20 or more in a week.
Can I work 80 hours on OPT?
There is no maximum number of hours that can be worked while on STEM OPT
, but because there is a minimum, it may be difficult to work for more than 2 employers. For example, if you work for two qualifying STEM OPT employers, at a minimum, you would need to be working 40 hours per week.
Can I get new i20 after OPT approval?
During your final quarter, after you submit your Post-Completion OPT application. You can travel and reenter the U.S. as a student during your final registration quarter.
You will use the new I-20 with the OPT recommendation printed on page 2, along with the other regular travel documents
.
Can I drive Uber on OPT?
Can I drive Uber on F1 visa or OPT/CPT?
You cannot drive Uber on an F1 visa or OPT
. Lyft is also a ride service and is driving is not an eligible CPT training work.
Can I work less than 20 hours on OPT?
If you are authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT,
you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session
. You may work full time when school is not in session.
Can I do unpaid work on stem OPT?
Employment during STEM OPT must be paid as outlined on the I-983 Training Plan.
Unpaid internships, volunteering, community service work, and unpaid research are not valid employment types on STEM OPT
.
Can I work for non e verified company on OPT?
No, working for a non eVerify employer is not a problem
.
Can I travel outside the US while waiting for OPT?
You may travel abroad and reenter while your I-765 OPT application is pending without your departure canceling your OPT application
. You must reenter the U.S. before the graduation date on your I-20. To reenter you must have the following documents: Valid passport.
As the list indicates, the TSA accepts a variety of forms of documentation for domestic flights. Notably for many foreign nationals,
permanent resident cards and employment authorization cards are both acceptable forms of documentation for domestic flights
.
Can I travel before my OPT start date?
Approved OPT Application
If your OPT has been approved, and you have your EAD card, you can travel internationally
. You can re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status before the start date or after the start date of your EAD card.
Can I stay in the US during sevis transfer?
You may stay in the U.S. in between programs/F-1 activities if the SEVIS record transfer procedures are correctly followed
. If the period between programs is longer than 5 months, your new school must issue a new initial I-20 with a new SEVIS number.
What happens if my F1 visa expires?
If your student visa expires before your program is over,
you may be eligible for an F-1 visa renewal
. To renew your F-1 student visa you have to re-apply for the visa from your home country, or another country, at a US embassy or consulate (applying from your country is always preferable).
How early can I get my F1 visa?
Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. An F1 student visa for the USA can be issued
up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date
. You will only be able to enter the US with an F1 visa 30 days before your start date.
