8.OPT KEY POINTS
Before applying for and while participating in OPT, remember:
WHEN YOU CAN START WORKING
OPT DURATION
You cannot begin working until: Your OPT is approved. You receive your EAD card. The start date listed on your EAD has arrived. Your employment must be directly related to your degree program. JOB RELEVANCE
OPT provides temporary work authorization for F-1 students. You may work for up to 12 months after completing your degree. NO JOB OFFER REQUIRED You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT. UNEMPLOYMENT LIMIT
You may not have more than 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT period. Keep track of your employment dates to make sure you stay within the limit.
TRAVEL SIGNATURE
Report changes to your employment, address, legal name, or immigration status within 10 days. Keep your information updated in the SEVP Portal and with the International Office. OPT is part of your F-1 status. It does not give you a new immigration status or a new visa. You must continue following F-1 requirements while on OPT. REPORT CHANGES WITHIN 10 DAYS Your I-20 travel signature should generally be less than 6 months old when traveling while on OPT. Contact the International Office before traveling if you are unsure whether your documents are ready. MAINTAIN F-1 STATUS KEEP YOUR RECORDS Keep copies of your EAD card, I-20s, employment information, and other OPT- related documents. Maintain accurate records throughout your OPT period.
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