All OPT employment, including Post-completion OPT, must be in a job that is related to the student’s degree program. The following information comes from policy guidance published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Note that policy guidance is subject to change.
For students who are not on the STEM extension of OPT, this employment may include:
- 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. Students on Post-completion OPT must work at least 20 hours per week or full time.
- Multiple employers: Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to the student’s degree program. Students on Pre-completion OPT cannot exceed the allowed per week cumulative hours.
- Short-term multiple employers (performing artists): Students, such as musicians and other performing artists, may work for multiple short-term employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration. If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing a list of all gigs. Remember that the student’s degree program must be in the performance area (music, theater, etc.)
- Work for hire: This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
- Self-employed business owner: Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. In this situation, the student must work full time. The student must be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to the his/her degree program.
- Employment through an agency: Students on Post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.
- Unpaid employment: Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for students on Post-completion OPT. These students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment. Not-for-profit agencies and religious organizations are good choices for unpaid employment.
Special employment rules for 24-Month Extensions of OPT: Students authorized on a 24-month extension of OPT must have paid employment and work at least 20 hours per week for an E-Verify employer in a position directly related to the student's STEM degree. Students on a 24-month extension of OPT may work multiple jobs, but all the employers must be enrolled in E-Verify.
