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Reminder: All work on OPT must be related to your major
While you are on Post-Completion OPT, all employment must be directly related to your major (the degree program that you completed). This is a U.S. immigration requirement, not an employer rule.
Helpful tip:
Imagine you are speaking with a U.S. immigration officer and they ask:
“How does your job relate to your major?
You should be able to clearly explain how your job uses the knowledge and skills from your entire degree program, not just one or two classes. If the connection is hard to explain, the job may not meet the requirements for valid employment on OPT.
Work hours and multiple jobs:
- You must work at least 20 hours per week to meet OPT requirements.
- You may have more than one job at the same time, as long as:
- Each job is related to your major, and
- Your total work hours across all jobs are 20 hours per week or more.
Important: It is your responsibility to ensure that your employment meets OPT requirements, including the relationship to your major and the minimum hour requirement.