OPT unemployment rules: the 90-day limit

LiveRec EditorialUpdated

US federal rules as of October 30, 2026. Sources re-checked against official pages on October 30, 2026. Where a figure could not be confirmed, this page links the official source instead of stating it.

The OPT unemployment rules are short: on post-completion OPT you may have no more than 90 days of unemployment in total. With the STEM extension, the limit across initial OPT and STEM OPT is 150 days. Your status depends on employment, so track every day and report changes to your Designated School Official (DSO).

At a glance

AuthorisationMaximum unemployment
Post-completion OPT90 days in total
OPT plus STEM OPT150 days in total

What counts as a day of unemployment?

Days when you are not employed in a job that meets OPT rules. USCIS says post-completion OPT requires working at least 20 hours a week (part time) or full time. For how days are counted and what counts as employment, such as self-employment or unpaid work, read the SEVP practical training guidance and ask your DSO.

What must I report?

Changes of name or address and any interruption of employment to your DSO. On STEM OPT, report employment changes within 10 days.

What if I hit the limit?

Status can be lost. Speak to your DSO immediately. Do not wait.

How to plan

  • Start applying before the EAD arrives; you may not work until it does.
  • Keep a calendar of start and end dates.
  • Ask your employer to confirm employment dates in writing.

What do the official sources say?

SourceStatement
USCIS (OPT page and STEM OPT page)You may be unemployed for a limited number of days: up to 90 days for initial post-completion OPT only; an additional 60 days with the 24-month STEM extension, for a total of 150 days
ICE SEVP (SEVIS Help Hub)A student on post-completion OPT can be unemployed for a total of 90 days. A student whose record lacks employer information is considered unemployed
ICE SEVP (SEVIS Help Hub)SEVP officials can manually terminate a student who accrues 90 total days of unemployment

On the SEVP page, post-completion OPT is any portion of OPT used after the program end date, and it must be at least 20 hours per week or full time.

How does SEVIS count the days?

SEVP says students are not required to have an employer when OPT is requested, but those on post-completion OPT are expected to be employed. A record with no employer information counts as unemployed. SEVP also notes that all employer start and end dates must fall inside the actual OPT start and end dates, or the student will appear on its unemployment list as unemployed. The SEVIS Help Hub has an Unemployment Counter article for school officials that shows the allowed, used and remaining days.

Step by step: keeping the record right

  1. When you are hired, report the employer to your DSO, or enter it in the SEVP Portal if your school allows it.
  2. Report within 10 days any change in your name, address or employment information while on OPT. SEVP also lists "interruption of employment" as something to report.
  3. Ask your DSO to check your record against the unemployment counter after each job change.
  4. If you are applying for a STEM OPT extension, USCIS says you must file Form I-765 up to 90 days before your OPT expires and within 60 days of the DSO's recommendation. If you file on time, USCIS says it will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days while the application is pending.
  5. Keep your own calendar of start and end dates, with letters from employers.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting for a "perfect" job and letting days run before the first start date.
  • Starting a job with dates that fall outside your EAD dates, so it does not count as employment in SEVIS.
  • Not telling the DSO about a job ending, so the record shows the wrong dates.
  • Assuming the STEM extension gives a new 90 days. USCIS describes an additional 60 days, for a total of 150.

FAQ

Does the 90 days reset? USCIS describes a total of 90 days on initial OPT and 150 days across OPT and STEM OPT, not a reset. Ask your DSO.

Does the application wait count? Confirm with your DSO and the SEVP source.

Do I get 90 days again if I get the STEM extension? No. USCIS says an additional 60 days, for 150 total during the OPT period.

What if the counter looks wrong? Ask your DSO for a correction request. SEVP says DSOs can correct employment dates and OPT status in SEVIS.

Who decides if my work counts? Your DSO and SEVP. The work must relate directly to your major, and for post-completion OPT it must be at least 20 hours per week.

Next step: Read the full OPT guide.

Sources

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.