Optional Practical Training (OPT)

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).
• You must report your practical training/employment to ISSS; an international student advisor will update your F-1 SEVIS record with your employment information.
• If you exceed 90 days of unemployment, or if you forget to report your employment/practical training to ISSS, 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.
• Each day (including weekends) that you do not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment. There is no grace period after 90 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.