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Participating in Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (Post-OPT) is an opportunity for F-1 students to gain valuable professional experience in their field of study. Along with that opportunity comes an important responsibility: ensuring that all employment information reported to the ISSC, the SEVP Portal, and/or U.S. government agencies is complete, accurate, and truthful.

Federal agencies have recently increased scrutiny of reported OPT employment and announced investigations into suspected fraud involving employers and employment records. While the reporting requirements for Post-OPT have not changed, maintaining accurate records and reporting employment honestly is more important than ever. 

You are responsible for ensuring that all employment reported during Post-OPT is legitimate, directly related to your major field of study, and meets all applicable OPT requirements.
 

Providing false or misleading employment information—including inaccurate job duties, employer information, work location, hours worked, supervision, or supporting documentation—may result in serious immigration consequences. Federal agencies may take enforcement actions that include SEVIS termination, the denial of future immigration benefits, and/or the denial of entry to the U.S.

Fraud is not limited to fake companies or completely fabricated employment. It can also include providing inaccurate or misleading information about otherwise legitimate employment.
 

Examples include:

• Reporting employment that does not exist.
• Misrepresenting job duties to make a position appear related to your major.
• Reporting incorrect employment dates, work location, employer information, or hours worked.
  • Reminder: You cannot begin working until you have received your EAD card and the “valid from” date on the card has arrived.  If your EAD card arrives after your approved Post-OPT start date, any days between your start date and your first day of employment will count as unemployment days.
• Submitting altered or fraudulent documentation.
• Continuing to report employment after it has ended.
• Allowing someone else to submit false information on your behalf.
   

Even information that seems minor can have significant consequences if reviewed by a U.S. government agency.

Remember, reporting employment information is only one part of maintaining your F-1 status while on Post-OPT. You are responsible for ensuring that your employment is legitimate, meets OPT requirements, and is accurately reported. Things to consider:

• Reporting employment to the ISSC or entering it into the SEVP Portal does not confirm that the position meets Post-OPT requirements. You are responsible for ensuring that every po

  sition you report qualifies as valid OPT employment. 

   

• The ISSC can explain Post-OPT regulations, but we cannot determine whether a particular position ultimately qualifies as valid OPT employment. That determination may be made by U.S. government agencies such as USCIS, CBP, or the U.S. Department of State.
• Be cautious of arrangements that seem too good to be true. If an opportunity promises to help you avoid unemployment days without requiring legitimate work or encourages you to report inaccurate information, proceed with caution. Employment arrangements based on inaccurate reporting or misleading information may place your immigration status at risk. 
   

Most international students successfully complete Post-OPT while maintaining compliance with immigration regulations. You can help protect your F-1 status and future immigration benefits by:

• Reporting only legitimate employment that meets Post-OPT requirements.
• Ensuring all reported information is complete, accurate, and truthful.
• Keeping documentation such as offer letters, job descriptions, and other employment records.
• Reporting employment changes within the required 10-day timeframe.
• Seeking guidance if you are unsure about an employment opportunity or reporting requirement.
   

Your Post-OPT employment history may become part of future immigration applications, including applications for future visas or other immigration benefits. Taking the time now to report your employment accurately, maintain supporting documentation, and comply with Post-OPT requirements can help protect your immigration record now and in the future. 

Protecting your future starts with the decisions you make today. Report honestly, keep good records, and ask questions when unsure.