OPT 90-Day Unemployment Rule

F-1 students on post-completion OPT are limited to a cumulative maximum of 90 days of unemployment. Days without qualifying employment count toward this limit. Exceeding 90 days is a violation of F-1 status. Qualifying employment includes W-2 employment, self-employment, contracted work, and unpaid internships (20+ hours/week) directly related to the major. STEM OPT students receive an additional 60 days (150 total).