Unemployment Limit
Travel on OPT
Requesting a New I-20
Updating Address and Employer Information
Studying on OPT
Health Insurance on OPT
After OPT Ends
OPT Extensions for STEM Majors (coming soon)
Cap Gap Information (coming soon)

Unemployment Limit

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.

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 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 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.

Requesting a New I-20 (including a new travel signature)

Please submit this form online OPT I-20 request form

Updating Address and Employer Information

Once your OPT begins, you are responsible for notifying the Office of International Affairs about any changes to your personal address (within 10 days of moving) or your employer information. Please copy and paste the following into an email and send it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any changes. The UO SEVIS Coordinator will then update your OPT SEVIS record. Please be sure to send us an email if you begin a new job, or if your job ends.

Family (Last) Name:
First Name:
UO ID#:
Birthdate:

Your current address (no PO boxes please):
Street and Number:
City:
State:
Zip:

Your Employer's Name and Address:
Employer Name:
Employment Start Date:
Employment End Date: [if known]
Street and Number:
City:
State:
Zip:

Studying While on OPT

If you have pre-completion OPT, you must maintain legal F-1 status by enrolling full-time. You can work part-time each term, and full-time on holiday breaks and summer vacation.

If you have post-completion OPT, you cannot study full-time during your OPT period because the main purpose of OPT is to gain practical experience in your field. However, taking a class or two while on OPT is OK as long as your studies are secondary to your work, and you are employed.

Transferring to another school or enrolling in another academic program automatically terminates your OPT benefit effective on the SEVIS transfer date.

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 obtain a new SEVIS I-20 for a new academic program or depart the U.S. 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.

OPT Extensions for STEM Majors

coming soon

Cap Gap Information – OPT Students Applying for H-1B Visa

coming soon