Can You Change Employers on OPT?

Rules for Changing Employers on OPT

Unlike H-1B status, which ties you to a specific employer, OPT provides significant flexibility in changing jobs. You are free to change employers at any time during your OPT period without needing prior approval from USCIS. The key requirement is that each new position must be directly related to your major field of study as listed on your I-20, and you must work at least 20 hours per week.

When you change employers, the most important step is reporting the change to your Designated School Official within 10 days of your start date at the new company. Your DSO will update your SEVIS record with the new employer information. Failure to report within this window can result in a SEVIS record that shows you as unemployed, which counts against your 90-day unemployment limit.

There is no gap restriction between employers on standard OPT, but any days between jobs when you are not employed count as unemployment days. If you are planning a transition, try to minimize the gap or arrange start dates to overlap if possible. Remember that exceeding 90 cumulative unemployment days (or 150 on STEM OPT) can result in loss of your F-1 status.

• No limit on the number of employer changes
• No USCIS approval required to switch jobs
• New job must be related to your field of study
• Report new employer to DSO within 10 days
• Days between jobs count as unemployment days

Changing Employers on STEM OPT

If you are on the STEM OPT extension, changing employers involves additional steps. Your new employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, which is a mandatory requirement for all STEM OPT employers. You will also need to complete a new I-983 Training Plan with your new employer, which outlines your learning objectives, mentorship plan, and how the position relates to your STEM degree.

Before starting with the new employer, you must report the change through the SEVP Portal and notify your DSO. Your DSO will need to update your SEVIS record and may issue a new I-20 reflecting the employer change. The I-983 must be signed by both you and your new employer's supervisor and submitted to your DSO.

It is important to complete these steps promptly. If there is a gap between STEM OPT employers, those days count against your 150-day unemployment limit. Additionally, working for a non-E-Verify employer on STEM OPT is a violation of your status, so verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting a position.

Best Practices for a Smooth Transition

To ensure a seamless employer change on OPT, follow a systematic approach. Before leaving your current position, confirm that your new role qualifies as related to your field of study. Obtain your offer letter and have the new employer's details ready—company name, address, EIN, your job title, start date, and whether the position is full-time or part-time.

Contact your DSO as soon as you have accepted the new position, ideally before your last day at the current employer. Provide all required information so your DSO can update SEVIS promptly. If you are on STEM OPT, begin working on the I-983 with your new employer immediately and verify their E-Verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool.

Keep copies of all offer letters, employment verification documents, and correspondence with your DSO. These records may be needed for future immigration applications, including H-1B petitions, green card processes, or even re-entry to the US after international travel.