Can I have a side hustle on OPT?

You may work for multiple employers (including short-term gigs, self-employment, contract work, or work for hire) as long as your cumulative number of hours is within your authorized limit.

Can I do a second job on OPT?

The short answer: Yes! You can work multiple jobs on OPT. You can accept multiple full-time jobs, part-time jobs, or a combination of both while on your OPT. One critical aspect of the post-completion OPT is that there's no cap on the total number of hours you work.

Can I have a part-time job on OPT?

Paid employment: Students on Pre-completion OPT may work part time (20 hours a week or less) while school is in session. Students who wish to work full time on Pre-completion OPT may do so during vacation periods if they have full-time OPT authorization.

Can I do unpaid work on OPT?

Students on 12 month OPT may undertake unpaid employment, as long as the work 1) relates to the student's field of study and 2) does not violate any U.S. Department of Labor laws.

Can you work more than 40 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.

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Can I work 80 hours on OPT?

Similarly, there is no maximum number of hours per week that a student can work on OPT (unless you count 168 hours--the number of hours in a week--as a maximum). A student could work an 80 hour week, for example, split between two 40 hour per week jobs.

Is 20 hours considered full time on OPT?

Note: Working at least 20 hours per week on OPT is considered full-time employment by DHS.

How long can I stay unemployed on OPT?

Rules to follow while on OPT

All employment must be related to your major field of study. You must report all employment and address changes to BIO within 10 days of any change (see Reporting Requirements). You are limited to 90 days of unemployment during your OPT.

How many months can you be unemployed on OPT?

Federal law limits how long F-1 students on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT can be unemployed. The limits are: Post-completion OPT: 90 days. STEM OPT: 150 days, which includes any days accrued while on post-completion OPT.

Can I be self employed on OPT?

If you work for hire, keep documents showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company. You may start a business and be self-employed.

Should I tell my employer I am on OPT?

If you have work authorization (such as CPT/OPT) and do not need the employer to petition on your behalf now or in the future, you do not have to discuss your status. However, if you will need an employer to file for work authorization for you at some point then it is a good idea to bring it up before you come onboard.

What kind of jobs can I do on OPT?

Students on OPT can work anywhere in the United States in a paid or unpaid position, can work with multiple employers at one time, and can change employers as many times as they wish. However, all jobs need to be related to your degree of study. You need to report your employer through SEVP portal.

Can you work 20 hours a week on OPT?

If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you must work part time (at least 20 hours per week) or full time.

Can I be self employed on EAD?

An employment authorization card authorizes an alien to work for any employer at any time performing any type of job and also allows self employment. An employment authorization card or document ("EAD") allows an alien to work for any employer at any time during the validity period of the card.

What if I lose my job during OPT?

Students with a 12-month Post-Completion OPT authorization cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days. This is aggregate, meaning that if you have 40 days of unemployment, you would only be allowed to be unemployed for a remaining 50 days before you risk violating your immigration status.

What happens if you keep working after OPT?

If you plan to continue working in the U.S. after your OPT period, there are a variety of employer-sponsored work visas that may be available to you depending on your employer, the kind of work you engage in, your qualifications, and your citizenship.

What is the 90 days rule for OPT?

Unemployment Days: Your unemployment days start after your OPT start date on your EAD card. You get a total of 90 days of unemployment for the duration of post-completion OPT. While you are considered in valid F-1 status while unemployed, travel may be risky if you don't have a job offer or proof of employment.

How many jobs can I have while 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.

What is the minimum salary for stem OPT?

There is no specific wage requirement for employment during STEM OPT, but the I-983 includes an attestation by the employer that compensation is commensurate with that provided to U.S. employees who provide similar duties and responsibilities.

What happens if I exceed 90 days of unemployment on OPT?

You must report all periods of unemployment in the SEVP Portal. Exceeding 90 days of unemployment may result in the termination of your SEVIS record as your unemployment is monitored by SEVP. See SEVP Portal for OPT Reporting for more details.

What happens if you are unemployed for more than 90 days on OPT?

OPT Unemployment Limit

If you are unemployed for an aggregate of more than 90 days during your approved OPT period, your work permission will be terminated and your F-1 status ended. In this case, you will need to take immediate steps to settle your affairs and leave the United States or otherwise change your status.

Can I take classes while on OPT?

Per immigration regulations, students cannot be enrolled in certificate or degree seeking (in-person or online programs) while on OPT. Students may take classes that are avocational or recreational in nature and are incidental to their employment.

Can I start a business on OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 international students to work in the United States for up to twelve months. In many circumstances, F-1 visa holders with OPT (or STEM OPT) can launch and work for their startup.

Can I apply for green card while on OPT?

The processing time for a Green Card application while on OPT is generally around 12 months, but it could take longer, depending on the international student's country of citizenship, whether there is a large backlog of applications pending, and other factors.

How do I end my OPT early?

May I cancel my OPT application once I have applied? Yes, you may request that the OPT application be withdrawn. Email your IS Advisor as soon as possible if you need to withdraw the OPT application. Once your OPT application has been approved by USCIS, it cannot be withdrawn.