2) OPT Management (The Most Fragile Phase)
Track unemployment days (your 90-day countdown)
You are allowed a total of 90 days of unemployment during your entire 12-month OPT period. Yes, weekends and holidays count. Yes, the time between jobs counts. Your clock starts on your EAD start date—even if the card hasn't arrived yet. Every time you start or end a job, you have 10 days to update the SEVP Portal. Here's a lifesaver: volunteering 20+ hours per week in a role related to your major stops the unemployment clock. Find a nonprofit in your field and offer to help while you job hunt.
As an F-1 student, your work life starts on campus. The great news? You don’t need to ask the government (USCIS) for permission to work these jobs. Your F-1 status automatically gives you this privilege.
- You can actually start working up to 30 days before your first day of classes.
- You can’t get a Social Security Number (SSN) until you have a job offer. Once you get that offer letter, take it to your DSO (International Student Advisor) to get a second letter, and then head to the Social Security office.
Free Resource: How to apply for SSN as international student
Resources
Record your progress
Mark this subsection complete to track your progress.