Work authorization for Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT Extension are benefits of the F-1 student visa status. Instead of pursuing a degree, students with approved work authorization are expected to pursue a job, internship, or other practical training that is directly related to their field of study. During this time, the student must maintain their F-1 status by following the guidelines and requirements below.
Your Responsibilities to Maintain Status
- Keep a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students must have the EAD card in hand and the start date on EAD must have arrived before you begin any employment. The only exception is for students with pending STEM OPT or H-1B applications.
- Report changes to ISSP. Students continue to be sponsored by UCSC while they are on Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT. You are required to report the following in iGlobal within 10 days of the change:
- New employment (start date, additional employers, etc.)
- Change in employment (edit existing employer hours or address, report end date, etc.)
- Change of residential/mailing address
- Change of legal name
- In iGlobal, choose F1 employment from the menu on the left and then select the appropriate option.
- STEM OPT only – Submit Participation Reports.: In addition to the reporting requirements above, students with STEM OPT authorization must submit participation reports to ISSP every 6 months (based on EAD approval dates), even if there are no changes to report. During the 12-month and 24-month mark, and whenever a job ends, an I-983 evaluation is due to ISSP.
- Inform ISSP if you are transferring to a new degree program. We will need to discuss a SEVIS transfer and its effect on your OPT.
- Inform ISSP if you have changed status. An International Student Advisor advisor will complete or terminate your F-1 SEVIS record as appropriate, based on your change of status.
Traveling on OPT
You may travel internationally while on OPT or STEM OPT. I-20 travel signatures (requested via iGlobal) are only valid for 6 months during the OPT and STEM OPT authorization periods.
To reenter the U.S. after you have applied for Post-Completion OPT, carry the following documents with you:
- Before your OPT is approved and after your I-20 program end date:
- OPT I-20 with a valid travel signature
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa (Canadian and Bermuda citizens exempt)
- OPT application receipt notice (I-797A)
- Proof of funding
- Strongly recommended: job offer letter or other proof of seeking employment
- After your OPT has been approved:
- OPT I-20 with a valid travel signature
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa (Canadian and Bermuda citizens exempt)
- Valid EAD card
- Proof of funding
- Job offer letter or employment verification letter (recommended).
Please consult with an International Student Advisor if you have questions.
Departure/Grace Period
If you have maintained status successfully throughout your work authorization period, you may remain in the U.S. for up to 60 days after the expiration date of your EAD. You cannot be employed during this period. If you travel internationally during this period, you cannot return to the U.S. in F-1 status.
Limits of Unemployment
Students on Post-Completion OPT may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment. Students who receive the 24-month STEM OPT Extension are given an additional 60 days of unemployment. Any unused unemployment dates from the Post-Completion OPT period roll over to the STEM OPT period for a total of 150 days over their entire 36-month OPT period. Unemployment begins to accrue from the start date on your EAD card, relative to the employment dates reported in your SEVIS record.
Students are considered employed if they are working on OPT or STEM OPT with a valid EAD card in a field directly related to their major (as listed on the I-20), and working at least 20 hours per week. Post Completion OPT allows both paid and unpaid work. However, STEM OPT authorization allows paid work only from an E-Verified employer, with a bona fide employer-employee relationship.
Employment Related to Degree
How do I show that employment is directly related to my degree?
When reporting employment in iGlobal, you must explain how your job is directly related to your degree. When determining if a position is directly related or not, you may refer to our F-1 / J-1 Employment Related to Degree Guidelines document for more details.
We suggest you collect evidence that supports your job (and justifies how it is directly related) for your own records, including the following examples:
- Job description (including job title and description of duties)
- Duration of position
- Contact information of supervisor or manager
- Signed letter from hiring official and/or faculty instructor(s) stating how employment is directly related to degree
Studying While on OPT
Because your primary purpose is to pursue practical training in your field of study in the form of a job or internship, any further study while on OPT must be incidental. This means you cannot be studying full-time and you cannot be seeking a new degree or certificate during this period of OPT. If you enroll in such a program, your OPT will automatically be terminated.
If you have applied for Post-Completion OPT and recently learned you have not finished your degree (additional enrollment at UCSC is required to complete your degree), please contact an International Student Advisor advisor to discuss your options.