Responsibilities on Post-Completion OPT

How to Maintain F-1 Status while on Post-Completion OPT

General Information

While on OPT, you are still on F-1 status and OIS still oversees your SEVIS record.
F-1 regulations require you to report employment to DHS within 10 days of the change. You can report this information through your SEVP Portal. Regulations allow you to change employers during the period of authorized practical training as long as the new employment continues to be directly related to your field of study.
You should not be unemployed for more than 90 days during post-completion OPT
OIS does not automatically issue I-20s for approved OPT. If you would like an updated I-20, please make an online request. You should update your I-20 travel signature every six months while on OPT.
Keep evidence of employment for your records. For each employment, try to keep offer letters, pay stubs, letter describing the nature of the work and how it related to the degree program, etc.

If you are not employed

During Post–Completion OPT, your F-1 status is dependent on employment. During the 12 months of standard post-completion OPT, a student may not be unemployed for an aggregate of more than 90 days.
Access your SEVP Portal to report employment and stop the 90-day unemployment clock.
If your OPT is nearing the 90-day unemployment limit, contact OIS for guidance.
- If you are unsure about how many unemployment days you have accrued, you can reach out to ois@fordham.edu

If you are employed

You may work only within the dates that you have been authorized on your EAD.
You are required to report employment information within 10 days of change and you can report such information through the SEVP Portal:

- Change of address and phone number.
- Name and address of employer.
- Change of name and/ or address of employer.
- Any interruption or change in employment.

What is the SEVP Portal

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal is a tool that lets students on OPT meet their legal reporting requirements. F-1s on OPT have direct access to this portal and can make real-time changes. This makes maintaining OPT responsibilities easier and more efficient. Once your OPT begins, you should receive an email from SEVP [do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov] with instructions to claim your SEVP portal account (check your Junk/Spam folder as well).

If you need OIS to assist in resetting the SEVP portal password, write to ois@fordham.edu
If you failed to report changes to the SEVP portal within 10 days, write to ois@fordham.edu

Other Reporting Requirements

Since you are still an F-1 non-immigrant while you are on OPT, you are still required to report the following information to OIS within 10 days of making the change:

Change of name (you must bring proof of your updated passport noting the change)
Change of address (which can also be reported via the SEVP portal)
Change in visa status
If you choose to depart the U.S. permanently

Types of employment allowed on Post- Completion OPT

You can only report employment through the SEVP Portal if you work for more than 20 hours per week. If you have multiple employment where the combined working hours are more than 20 hours per week, you can report through the SEVP Portal. You should update the SEVP Portal when your combined employment hours are no longer more than 20 hours.
Employment on OPT must be related to your field of study.
Multiple Employers: You may work for more than one employer as long as employment is related to your degree program and full time (more than 20 hours/week).
Work for Hire: Also known as 1099; service based on a contractual relationship. Try to keep documents showing the duration of the contract periods and the name/address of the contracting company.
Self-employment: While on OPT, you may start a business and be self-employed. Be ready to prove that you have appropriate business licenses and your business is related to your degree. Note: OIS cannot advise on “business licenses.”
Agency or consulting firm: Try to keep evidence showing that you worked an average of more than 20 hours/week.
Unpaid work/Volunteering: You may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern, so long as the employment doesn't violate any labor laws.

Travel While on Post-Completion OPT

If traveling outside the US, you should travel with the following documents:

Valid F-1 visa (except Canadians)
OPT I-20 with valid travel signature on page 2 of the I-20 (less than 6 months old)
Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months into the future)
Employment Authorization Card (Must not be expired)

Letter from Employer (recommended but not required)

Key Reminders

While OIS will continue to support you during OPT, all decisions and responsibilities regarding your F-1 status are yours.
Please feel free to consult with OIS at any time. Write to ois@fordham.edu or make an appointment with an advisor.
Since you have completed your program, you are no longer eligible to enroll in Fordham’s health insurance plan. You may want to look at health insurance providers such as ISO, PSI, etc.
You should get a link to create the SEVP portal once your OPT begins. If you do not have access to your SEVP Portal, please contact ois@fordham.edu
Report Your OPT Employer via the SEVP Portal within 10 Days of a given Change
Check your OPT employment in your SEVP Portal, and please make sure it is accurate, up-to-date and meets OPT reporting requirements.
If you haven’t applied for a Social Security number during I-765 application, you can apply once your OPT begins.
If you believe that you are over the 90 days of unemployment or do not fulfill the employment requirements for OPT, please consult with OIS, and an advisor can let you know your options based on your individual case accordingly.
Please remember: Time spent outside the United States, if not employed by a U.S. employer, is counted towards the 90-day period of unemployment.
OIS strongly encourages you to find a job on OPT so that you are not unemployed for more than 90 days.