With less free flowing money in hand, companies would be more than willing to hire individuals with unpaid internships. Try to look for such jobs on career website. This can be a stepping stone for a full-time job. Many hospitals, research organizations and non-profit organizations are always looking for volunteers to join their team. Once they have openings, you could be the first one to be considered for full-time jobs. Many Software Engineers and Architects could also work for a firm as an independent contractors on 1099. Entrepreneurs could start their own business (obviously if they have some funds). In addition, see tips on finding job after graduation.
F.A.Qs
What are the limits on periods of unemployment?
- Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment.
- Students who have OPT extended due to the cap gap provisions continue to be subject to the 90-day limitation on unemployment.
- Students who receive a 17-month STEM OPT extension are given an additional 30 days of unemployment for a total of 120 days over their entire post-completion OPT period.
What type of employment is allowed on 12-month OPT?
All OPT employment must be directly related to the student's major field of study and commensurate with the degree level. The following types of paid and unpaid experiences are considered valid OPT activities according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and should be reported to the ISSO.
• Paid employment. Students may work part time (at least 20 hours per week when on post-completion OPT) or full-time.
• Multiple employers. Students may work for more than ne employer, but all employment must be related to the student's degree program and for 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.
• Work for hire. This is also commonly referred to as 1099 independent contractors 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 student's 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 serve as volunteers, unpaid interns, researchers, community service workers, etc, where this does not violate any labor laws. These students must be able to provide evidence from the organization that the student performed services at least 20 hours per week during the period of post-completion OPT.
Is a student who splits OPT between two degrees at the same level limited to a total of 90 days of unemployment?
- No, the student is not limited to a total of 90 days of unemployment in this case. For each new period of post-completion OPT, the student will have the full 90-day period of unemployment.
What counts as time unemployed?
- Each day during the period when OPT authorization begins and ends that the student does not have qualifying employment counts as a day of unemployment. The only exception is that periods of up to 10 days between the end of one job and the beginning of the next job will not be included in the calculation for time spent unemployed.
How does travel outside the
- If the student whose approved period of OPT has started travels outside of the United States while unemployed, the time spent outside the United States will count as unemployment against the 90/120-day limits.
- If a student travels while employed (either during a period of leave authorized by an employer or as part of their employment), the time spent outside the
How do students show employment is directly related to their degree program?
- SEVP recommends that students maintain evidence that they held a particular position, proof of the duration of that position, the job title, contact information for the student’s supervisor or manager, and a description of the work.
- If it is not clear from the job description that the work is related to the student’s degree, SEVP highly recommends that the student obtain a signed letter from the employer’s hiring official, supervisor, or manager stating how the student’s degree is related to the work performed.
Does 60-days grace period exist even after the end of 90 day unemployment period?
- Yes, like any other non-immigrant visa, you will have 60 days grace period to file for change of status
Please post comments for further questions and I will add them to the list.
Please see DHS Updated F.A.Q on 90–day unemployment rule for OPT students
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