Outline

Guidelines and Reporting Requirements During the OPT Period

April 16, 2024

Here are the top 5 guidelines for Reporting Requirements During the OPT.

  1. You are permitted to work solely within the period indicated on your EAD card, spanning from its initiation date to its expiration date.
  2. All employment must be relevant to your primary field of study.
  3. Any alterations to your employment status or address must be reported within 10 days of the change occurring.
  4. During your OPT, you are restricted to a maximum of 90 days of unemployment.
  5. The travel endorsement on page 2 of your I-20 remains valid for only 6 months during OPT.

Taking classes while on OPT

Time spent going to school should only be an incidental part of your stay in the United States. You must be maintaining the primary purpose of OPT. Beginning a full-time or degree-seeking program of study while on OPT is not allowed.

Should you opt to pursue full-time education again, you will be required to transfer your SEVIS Record and I-20 to the new institution.

OPT Tax Refund

While on OPT, you are obligated to adhere to all relevant federal, state, and local tax regulations and must file a tax return. Even if you are engaged in an unpaid internship, you are still required to file your tax return.

OPT Health Insurance

Guidelines and Reporting Requirements During the OPT Period

Once students finish a program of study, they are no longer eligible to enroll in a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). However, it is strongly advised to obtain health insurance due to the considerable expenses associated with healthcare in the United States. Find your opt health insurance plans

More Options See the list below.

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