Traveling On Opt? Explore Remote Work Opportunities

Students on OPT and STEM OPT can work remotely while travelling, as long as they comply with the regulatory requirements regarding practical training at 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii) and continue the training's mentoring relationship, including completion of the Form I-983, 'Training Plan for STEM OPT Students' for STEM OPT participants. However, it is important to note that international students who are employed outside the US do not need US work authorization (for OPT or CPT). Nonetheless, it is recommended that the employment offer letter mentions that the student will be working remotely from outside the US, and this information should be saved for immigration records.

Students on OPT may work remotely as long as they comply with F-1 requirements

It is important to note that international students who are employed outside the U.S. do not need U.S. work authorization (for OPT or CPT). However, it is recommended that the employment offer letter or additional employer emails mention that the student will be working remotely from outside the U.S. This documentation should be saved for immigration records, as it may be needed to explain the situation to immigration authorities.

Additionally, students on OPT must ensure that they have a valid address (not a PO box) that is kept up-to-date via USCIS. They should also be mindful of the unemployment limit, which is 90 days for the entire OPT period. If a student exceeds this limit, they must make plans to depart the U.S. immediately or change their status.

While working remotely, students on OPT must also ensure that their work is directly related to their field of study. They can work for multiple employers, as long as the job is directly related to their major. There is no limit to the number of hours they can work.

Students on STEM OPT can work remotely as long as they comply with regulatory requirements

Students on STEM OPT can work remotely, but only within the United States. International students conducting internships outside the US do not need US work authorization (for OPT or CPT). However, it is recommended that their employment offer letter mentions that they will be working remotely from outside the US. This information should be saved for their immigration records.

There are some additional considerations for students on STEM OPT who wish to work remotely. Firstly, they must have a valid contract with their employer and ensure that their work is related to their field of study. They must also maintain a valid address (not a PO Box) and keep it updated with USCIS. Additionally, they should log into the USCIS portal at least once every three months to keep their account active.

It is important to note that the rules regarding remote work and employment at third-party locations have changed in the past, and there may be some grey areas. Therefore, students on STEM OPT should carefully review the policies and decide on their own the risk they are willing to take.

Students on OPT/STEM OPT must update their address in the SEVP Portal

Students on OPT/STEM OPT must update their address in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal. This is to ensure they meet their legal reporting requirements. The SEVP is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Students on Post-OPT must report all address, telephone, and employer changes in the SEVP Portal within 10 days of the change. This is the only way to update this information, and it does not need to be updated through Bechtel International Center as well.

Students on STEM OPT must also report changes to their personal information using the SEVP Portal. However, they cannot use the Portal to add an employer or report any material changes to their employment. Instead, they must submit the Form I-983, 'Training Plan for STEM OPT Students', through Bechtel International Center using the STEM Employer Updates Form in Bechtel Connect.

To create an individual account in the SEVP Portal, students must have a valid primary email address in Axess, which is most likely their student email account. This will be the only email address to which the account information is sent, and it must be used to log in to the SEVP Portal account. If a student changes their primary email address when they already have an SEVP Portal account, their Portal account will be locked until they can validate the new email address through an email link sent by SEVP.

Students on OPT/STEM OPT must also remember to update their address via USCIS and keep it current.

Students on OPT/STEM OPT must have valid US work authorization to work in the US

Students on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT must have valid US work authorization to work in the US. This includes both pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT. OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study.

To be eligible for OPT, students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students. For pre-completion OPT, students can work 20 hours or less per week while school is in session and full time when school is not in session. For post-completion OPT, students must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full time.

Students with degrees in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT employment authorization. To qualify for the extension, students must have been granted OPT and be within the valid period of post-completion OPT, have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited and SEVP-certified institution, and meet other requirements.

According to SEVP guidance, students on OPT and STEM OPT may work remotely as long as they continue to comply with the regulatory requirements regarding practical training. The employer address listed in SEVIS should be the remote location, and students on STEM OPT should update the site address on Form I-983 to reflect the remote location.

Students on OPT/STEM OPT must have valid employment authorization for work outside the US

Students on F-1 visas can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT, which allows for temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. This can be done before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) or after (post-completion).

For students on OPT/STEM OPT, the rules are clear: they may work remotely as long as they continue to meet the regulatory requirements regarding practical training. This includes maintaining a mentoring relationship and, for STEM OPT students, completing Form I-983, 'Training Plan for STEM OPT Students'. The guidance also states that the employer's address listed in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) should be the remote location.

Students on OPT/STEM OPT who are working remotely outside the US must ensure they have valid employment authorization. While international students working outside the US do not need US work authorization, they are advised to have an employment offer letter or email that mentions their remote work location. This documentation is essential for their immigration records and can be used to explain their situation if any questions arise.

Additionally, if students on OPT/STEM OPT decide to return to the US and continue working, they must obtain valid US work authorization in advance. They should also ensure they have the proper employment authorization in the country where they are working if it is not their home country.

Frequently asked questions