Be aware of the 90 Day Unemployment Rule
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. Normally if you are employed less than 20 hours/week, you continue to accrue unemployment time.
- Students on post-completion OPT are eligible to accrue up to 90 days of unemployment (including weekends). The 90 days start counting from the start date on OPT/EAD card (not the recommended start date nor the program end date on your I-20) and are cumulative.
- If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status. You are expected to leave the U.S., transfer to another school, or change your visa status before the 90th day.
- If you accumulate 90 days of unemployment, SEVP will mail you a letter to your personal address. If you had gained employment during the 90 days and failed to report, you have 15 days from the date of the letter’s issuance to report your employment to SIUE using the OPT Reporting Form, or your record would be automatically terminated by SEVP. Students must leave the U.S. within 15 days of SEVIS record termination.
