Question 1

What is the unemployment limit for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT students?

Accepted Answer

Under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(E), F-1 students on initial 12-month OPT are allowed a maximum of 90 cumulative days of unemployment. Students granted a 24-month STEM OPT extension receive an additional 60 days, allowing a cumulative total of 150 days.

Question 2

Does unpaid or volunteer work count as employment during initial 12-month OPT?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For initial 12-month OPT, unpaid volunteer work or self-employment (at least 20 hours per week) in a field related to your degree stops the unemployment clock. However, STEM OPT extensions require paid employment with an E-Verify registered employer.

Question 3

What is the SEVP Portal 10-day reporting rule?

Accepted Answer

Under SEVP regulations, F-1 OPT students must report any changes in employment, employer address, or job termination within 10 calendar days to their Designated School Official (DSO) or directly via the SEVP Portal.

OPT Phase	Max Unemployment Days	Qualifying Employment Types
Initial 12-Month OPT	90 Days Cumulative	Paid employment, self-employment, contract (1099), or unpaid volunteer (20+ hrs/wk).
24-Month STEM OPT	150 Days Cumulative (90 + 60)	Paid employment ONLY with E-Verify employer (Form I-983 Training Plan required).
SEVP 10-Day Rule	Mandatory Reporting	All job changes or status changes must be reported within 10 calendar days.

OPT 90-Day Unemployment Calculator

Unemployment Days Calculator

OPT Employment Rules Summary

Student & Work Tools