For the vast number of Indian students building their careers in the United States, the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program and its STEM extension are vital pathways. These programs provide crucial hands-on work experience after graduation. However, a common question arises: what happens if you need to change your job during this period?
While switching employers is permitted, it is a process governed by specific regulations. A single misstep in reporting or documentation can jeopardize your legal F-1 status, leading to the loss of work authorization and creating significant visa complications for the future. Understanding the distinct rules for regular OPT and the stricter STEM OPT is the first step to a smooth transition.
Navigating a Job Change on Regular OPT
Students on the standard 12-month OPT enjoy considerable freedom. You can work for any employer, provided the role is directly related to your major field of study. The key to a successful switch is timely communication.
You must report any change in employer to your university's Designated School Official (DSO) to ensure your SEVIS record is accurate. Most institutions have simplified this by offering online portals for updates.
One of the most critical rules involves unemployment. Students on regular OPT are allowed a maximum of 90 days without a job. Therefore, any gap between leaving one position and starting another must be carefully managed. It is also wise to maintain thorough documentation, including job offer letters, records of employment dates, and evidence linking the job to your academic discipline.
The Stricter Landscape of STEM OPT
The STEM OPT extension, which grants an additional 24 months of work authorization, comes with a more rigorous set of requirements. Not every company can hire you; the new employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify system.
Furthermore, both you and your new employer must collaboratively complete and sign Form I-983, a training plan that details how the position enhances your knowledge in your specific STEM field.
Reporting timelines are also tighter. You must inform your DSO about the employer change within 10 days, and the university will typically issue a new Form I-20 reflecting this update. The total allowable unemployment days increase to 150, but this cumulative limit includes any unused days from your initial OPT period. Meticulous record-keeping of your signed I-983, updated I-20, and employment verification letters is non-negotiable to avoid compliance violations.
Important Considerations for International Travel
If you are planning international travel during an employer transition, extra caution is essential. Before you travel, ensure you have a valid F-1 visa stamp, a recently updated I-20 with a valid travel signature, and a letter from your new employer confirming your job offer or current employment.
Consulting with your DSO before making travel plans is strongly recommended, as pending updates in the SEVIS system can cause unexpected issues when you re-enter the United States.
The bottom line is clear: on regular OPT, you can switch jobs with relative ease as long as the work is related to your studies and you respect the 90-day unemployment limit. For STEM OPT, the process demands more paperwork, strict adherence to reporting deadlines, and thorough compliance checks. In both cases, keeping your SEVIS records accurate and maintaining a personal file of all employment documents is the best strategy to protect your F-1 status and secure your American career dreams.
