While on OPT, students must still report to ISS and follow the regulations below.
Student Responsibilities while on OPT
While working on OPT, an F-1 student must:
- Send ISS a copy of their OPT EAD card to ISS using the OPT Reporting on-line form.
- Work in a paid or unpaid position for at least 20 hours per week.
- Not exceed more than 90 days of unemployment during their OPT period.
- Work in a position related to the degree and educational level OPT is based on.
- Keep records of their employment and/or volunteer history such as hours worked, dates, pay stubs if available, letters verifying employment/volunteer work, etc. to show that they maintained their F-1 OPT status when/if needed.
- Report to the Designated School Official (DSO) via the OPT Reporting form within 10 days of new information or change in information:
- Legal name change
- New/Change in residential or mailing address
- New/Changes in employer, giving employer name and address
- Loss of employment
- Departing the U.S. and forfeiting the remainder of your OPT period
If you have any questions regarding this information, please email iso@lsu.edu.