F-1 visa students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) must remain vigilant about maintaining their legal status in the U.S. A recent notice from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) highlights the consequences of failing to report employment during OPT.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) monitors all international students through the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). OPT allows F-1 students to gain hands-on experience related to their major field of study. However, under federal regulation 8 CFR § 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(E), students are only allowed an aggregate of 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month OPT period.
If an OPT participant fails to update their SEVIS record with employer information, each day without reporting is counted as a day of unemployment. Exceeding the 90-day unemployment limit or not reporting employment can lead to severe consequences—including the termination of the SEVIS record and potential removal proceedings.
To avoid violations, students must promptly update their employment details through their Designated School Official (DSO) or directly via the SEVIS Portal. SEVP grants only 15 days from the date of the notice to correct the record before it is officially terminated.
F-1 students on OPT should be proactive and ensure continuous compliance with SEVP regulations. Timely reporting protects your immigration status and future opportunities in the U.S.
For assistance, contact your DSO or the SEVP Response Center.
Need Help? Contact NPZ Law Group Today.
At Nachman Phulwani Zimovcak (NPZ) Law Group, we understand the intricacies of immigration law as it relates to students. If you’ve received a failure-to-report notice or need guidance on OPT compliance, our experienced immigration attorneys can help.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.