OPT / STEM OPT

What to do first

Timeline and first steps for OPT:

• Apply 90 days before graduation (don't wait!)
• Get new I-20 recommending OPT from your DSO
• File I-765 with USCIS (online or paper)
• Track your case online
• Report employment to your school once you start working
• Start job search early - OPT approval takes 2-4 months

Do's & Don'ts

Rules for maintaining OPT status:

• DO: Start working within 90 days of OPT start date
• DO: Report employer changes within 10 days via SEVP portal
• DO: Apply for STEM extension 90 days before OPT expires
• DON'T: Accumulate more than 90 days unemployment (150 for STEM)
• DON'T: Work for non E-Verify employer on STEM OPT
• DON'T: Forget to update address changes

Red Flags / Scams

Avoid these OPT-related scams:

• Consultancies charging for fake job letters
• Companies offering to "maintain status" without real work
• Promises of guaranteed H1B sponsorship for payment
• Employers asking you to pay for your own STEM OPT filing

Layoff Survival

If you lose your job on OPT:

• Unemployment clock starts immediately
• Update SEVP portal within 10 days
• You have 90 days (150 on STEM) to find new employment
• Consider volunteering for related experience (unpaid allowed)
• Consult an immigration attorney if approaching limit

What to do first

Timeline and first steps for OPT: • Apply 90 days before graduation (don't wait!) • Get new I-20 recommending OPT from your DSO • File I-765 with USCIS (online or paper) • Track your case online • Report employment to your school once you start working • Start job search early - OPT approval takes 2-4 months

Do's & Don'ts

Rules for maintaining OPT status: • DO: Start working within 90 days of OPT start date • DO: Report employer changes within 10 days via SEVP portal • DO: Apply for STEM extension 90 days before OPT expires • DON'T: Accumulate more than 90 days unemployment (150 for STEM) • DON'T: Work for non E-Verify employer on STEM OPT • DON'T: Forget to update address changes

Red Flags / Scams

Avoid these OPT-related scams: • Consultancies charging for fake job letters • Companies offering to "maintain status" without real work • Promises of guaranteed H1B sponsorship for payment • Employers asking you to pay for your own STEM OPT filing

Layoff Survival

If you lose your job on OPT: • Unemployment clock starts immediately • Update SEVP portal within 10 days • You have 90 days (150 on STEM) to find new employment • Consider volunteering for related experience (unpaid allowed) • Consult an immigration attorney if approaching limit