* Download OPT Update Form and submit to:

SEVIS Coordinator, International Affairs

1) email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

2) fax: 541-346-1232

3) mail: 5209 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403

* Download OPT FAQs and Responsibilities

Maintaining F-1 Status

• You must maintain your F-1 status by being employed (part time or full time; paid or unpaid) 9 out of 12 months of your OPT period.

• You may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days unemployment during your OPT period.

• Your OPT work authorization begins when you receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and your OPT start date arrives.

• You must update your address and employment information with the office of International Affairs within 10 days of any change. Download OPT Update Form and email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• International travel during your OPT period is allowed only if you have proof of employment or practical training related to your major. You must have a valid F-1 visa to enter the U.S. each time your travel outside the U.S.

Unemployment Allowance

For post-completion OPT, F-1 status is dependent upon employment. Each day you are not working during your OPT period counts as a day of unemployment. You cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days (3 months.) This means you must be employed for 9 out of 12 months. Employment can be paid or unpaid; full-time or part-time. The only exception is that periods of up to 10 days between the end of one job and the beginning of the next job will not be included in the calculation for time spent unemployed. If you travel outside the U.S. while unemployed, the time spent outside the U.S. will count as unemployment against the 90 day limit.

Student Reporting Requirements

You must report any changes to the information listed below within 10 working days to International Affairs using the OPT Update Form (link provided above.)

• Your legal name and UO ID number

• SEVIS identification number (in top right-hand corner of I-20)

• Your residential address

• Your non-UO email address

• Employer name and address

• Employment start date for the current employer

• Employment end date for last employer (if more than 10 days of unemployment)

• Date of leaving the U.S. (if prior to the end date of your OPT)

Travel on OPT

Exiting and re-entering the U.S. while your OPT is either pending or approved can be complicated. If you are unsure of your travel plans and visa status, please schedule an appointment to speak with an International Student Advisor by calling (541) 346-3206. Following are some travel tips while on OPT:

If you have a job

You may re-enter the U.S. at any time before and during your OPT period provided you carry a valid F-1 visa, a valid OPT SEVIS I-20 (with current travel signature), a valid passport, your EAD card and a job offer letter.

If you do not have a job and you re-enter the U.S. before your OPT period begins

You may be allowed to re-enter the U.S. provided you have a valid F-1 visa, a valid OPT SEVIS I-20 (with current travel signature), a valid passport, your EAD card (or Notice of Action Receipt from USCIS) and evidence of job search.

If you do not have a job and you re-enter after your OPT period has begun

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol may NOT allow you to re-enter the U.S. In this case, you forfeit your OPT benefit and must return to your home country.

Request Reprint of SEVIS OPT I-20

To request a travel signature or reprint of your OPT SEVIS I-20, please go online OPT I-20 request form

Health Insurance on OPT

If you are using your OPT after completion of your degree, you will not be covered by UO health insurance. See OPT Health Insurance Options for information on health insurance options available to you whie you are on OPT.

After Your OPT Period Ends

Following your OPT expiration date, you have 60 days grace period to either depart the U.S., obtain a new SEVIS I-20 for a new academic program, or change your visa status. If you have questions, please contact an international student advisor at 541-346-3206.  

OPT Extensions for STEM Majors

If you are currently approved for OPT and your degree is related to the sciences, technology, engineering or mathematics fields, you may be eligible for a 17-month extension. For more detailed information, download OPT 17-Month Extension FAQs & Responsibilities