Q&A

Can you apply for unemployment on OPT?

Can you apply for unemployment on OPT?

F-1 regulations state that students who have been authorized for post-completion OPT must leave the U.S. before they accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment. No 60-day grace period is allowed. Days of unemployment will be counted from the start date indicated on the EAD card.

When to apply for an opt Employment Authorization?

Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

When does USCIS change the status of an opt request?

Through an interface with USCIS, the status of the OPT request in SEVIS changes to Pending. If USCIS needs more information, the student will receive a Request For Evidence, which states what information is needed and the deadline for submitting it. The student must respond by the deadline.

What does STEM OPT stand for in immigration?

STEM Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) is an extension of the U.S. DHS’s non-immigrant F-1 student visa. The STEM OPT allows those with a science, technology, engineering and/or math degree to extend their stay in the U.S. for up to 24 months after the student’s initial post-degree-completion OPT, which is for 12 months.

How does an employer hire a STEM OPT student?

Employers who hire STEM OPT students must follow specific reporting requirements and coordinate with a student’s Designated School Official (DSO). Students, employers and DSOs develop a formal training plan that encompasses the student’s term of employment.

Through an interface with USCIS, the status of the OPT request in SEVIS changes to Pending. If USCIS needs more information, the student will receive a Request For Evidence, which states what information is needed and the deadline for submitting it. The student must respond by the deadline.

Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

When to report a change in STEM OPT status?

While you are on an OPT STEM extension, both you and your employer have certain STEM OPT reporting obligations. 1 Report changes of status within 10 days. You must report your STEM OPT employment and any other changes of status within 10 days. Report the following: 2 Make sure your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.

How many days can you be unemployed on opt?

While on OPT, you may only be unemployed a total of 90 days. Begin to count days without employment from the start date on your EAD. You should include any days before you begin employment and any days between jobs. How do I prove my OPT job is in my field of study?