On April 8, 2008, a new rule was published that affects F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) in three different areas.
*Expanded Definition of OPT: Traditionally, OPT has been defined as employment that is related to the student's degree major and appropriate for the degree level. That remains in place, however, the government has expanded the types of activity that qualify as OPT. OPT may be in any of these forms:
1. working for one or multiple employers (short or long term)
2. working on a contractual basis
3. working as a self-employed business owner on a full-time basis (with evidence of the proper business license)
4. working through an agency
5. volunteering or holding an unpaid internship (as long as the position does not violate any labor laws).
Post-completion OPT must be at least 20 hours of activity per week.
* Unemployment not to Exceed 90 days
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) has now placed limits on how long a student may be unemployed. For students already on post-completion OPT, the "unemployment clock" started ticking April 8, 2008. For all other students, the "unemployment clock" starts with the first day of your EAD.
Participate in an unpaid internship with WHOmentors.com, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt 509(a)(2) research organization, to maintain your status and avoid going out of status during specific breaks or periods of unemployment between employers.
Send inquiries to:
Rauhmel Fox, CEO
WHOmentors.com, Inc.
110 Pacific Avenue, Suite 250
San Francisco, California 94111-1900
Web site: http://www.WHOmentors.com
E-mail: Rauhmel@WHOmentors.com
Contact: http://www.WHOmentors.com/
or click: http://www.WHOmentors.com/
