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View The SEVP Portal: Overview Video for instructions on how to use the portal to fulfill reporting requirements while on OPT.
- Please note that reporting requirements for STEM OPT do not apply to students on Post-completion OPT.
- It's a good idea to make a note of any questions or concerns so that you can review them in your OPT advising appointment.
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Take the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Orientation Quiz.
This is required before International Programs will issue an I-20 with OPT recommendation.
Step 2
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Maintaining Status while on OPT
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| title | Reporting Requirements and the SEVP Portal |
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| title | Click here to review reporting requirements. |
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You will use the SEVP Portal to fulfill your legal reporting requirements while on OPT. - Updates must be made within 10 days of the change occurring.
- Students receive an email directly from SEVP with instructions to activate the portal account.
- The SEVP portal will email you on the start date listed on your EAD card.
- If you do not receive an email, email a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to international@uwf.edu.
It is your responsibility to complete reporting requirements. - The SEVP Portal Help page has step-by-step instructions and instructional videos to learn to navigate the portal.
- Please note that reporting requirements for STEM OPT do not apply to students on Post-completion OPT.
In the portal, you can update: - Physical home address.
- Mailing address.
- Telephone number.
- Employment information. The employer address should be the address the student reports to for work.
If no employer information is entered into SEVIS after 90 days, ICE will cancel your OPT and terminate your status. To update your legal name or email address, contact your international student advisor or email international@uwf.edu. - SEVP will send email to the address listed in your portal account.
- Be sure to check your email regularly.
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| title | Travel Best Practices for and Maintaining F-1 Students on OPTStatus |
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The travel signature on your I-20 is valid for six months. For travel, you must have the following to re-enter the US: - a valid passport and visa
- Form I-20 with travel signature (within 6 months of re-entry to the US)
- EAD card
- job offer letter/letter from your employer that you are on approved leave
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| title | Applying for OPT and Travel |
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Travel outside of the US while your OPT request is pending is not recommended. If you travel outside the US after your OPT is approved and you do not have a job or a job offer, you may not reenter the US as an F-1 student and your OPT will end. |
Unemployment and Unpaid Work
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| title | Click here for important information on Unemployment and Unpaid Work while You are on OPT |
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You can accrue up to 90 days of unemployment while on approved OPT. - Days of unemployment are counted from the start date on the EAD card.
- If you accrue over 90 days of unemployment, you will violate your F-1 status if you do not take action to maintain legal status.
- For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, SEVP considers students who are
working in their OPT opportunities fewer than 20 hours a week as engaged in OPT.
You can work without pay where this does not violate any labor laws. This is considered employment. - You must work (where this does not violate any labor laws) full time, more than 20 hours per week, in your major area of study.
- You must report employment information for unpaid positions.
- You should be able to provide evidence from your employer to document that you have maintained legal status.
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