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There are different types of employment for which students in OPT must keep a record while engaged in optional practical training. The employment must be directly related to the student’s degree program.
For students who qualify for the OPT STEM extension, please select STEM Extension for employment details.
There are four types of employment:
One Employer: Paid employment with one employer in your field of study. You can work part time or full time, but at least 20 hours per week.
Multiple employers: Paid employment with multiple employers in which all employment must be related to your degree program. For pre-completion Optional Practical Training, employment cannot exceed the allowed per week cumulative hours. For Post-Completion OPT, employment must be at least 20 hours per week.
Short-term multiple employers Musicians and other performing artists for example, may work for multiple short term employment (gigs). The student must maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration. If requested by the U.S. government, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing a list of all employment. Employment must be at least 20 hours per week.
Work for Hire: Individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by the U.S. government, student must be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company. Employment must be at least 20 hours per week.
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 engaged in 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: Volunteer or unpaid internships are acceptable where this does not violate labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. The students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.
