OPT 2025 Rules & Enforcement: What International Students Must Know

In recent weeks, international students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States have received alarming letters from immigration authorities. News of visa terminations and deportation risks has triggered confusion and anxiety across the student community.

But let’s be clear:
The rules haven’t changed.
What has changed is the level of enforcement.

If you’re currently on OPT or planning to apply, here’s what you need to understand — and what you need to do to protect your status and peace of mind.

What’s Going On?

Over 240,000 international graduates are currently working in the U.S. through OPT, which allows them to gain real-world experience in a field related to their major for 12 to 36 months (depending on degree and eligibility for the STEM extension).

Recently, many of these students received notices from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) warning that their SEVIS records could be terminated due to missing employment information.

These letters typically provide a 15-day window to take corrective action, failing which students may face visa cancellation or removal proceedings.

Here’s the truth:

This isn’t about new rules — it’s about stricter enforcement of existing ones. Specifically, authorities are now closely monitoring real-time compliance with the OPT program via SEVIS and SEVP.

The 90-Day Rule Still Applies

The most important regulation you need to know hasn’t changed:

❗ F-1 students on post-completion OPT are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment.

• Exceeding 90 days without a valid job can lead to automatic SEVIS termination.
• Not reporting your job in SEVIS = recorded as unemployed, even if you’re working.
• This reporting gap is what’s triggering the current wave of ICE warning letters.

What You Need to Do — Today

1. Update Your SEVIS Record Immediately

As soon as you begin working:

• Use the SEVP Portal, or ask your Designated School Official (DSO) to update your record.
• Include your employer’s name, address, job title, and a short note on how your job relates to your field of study.

2. Track Your Unemployment Days

• You get 90 days of unemployment during OPT.
• Your DSO receives alerts — but you are responsible for tracking and staying within the limit.

3. Don’t Assume Your School is Doing It for You

• Many SEVIS terminations occur without the student being notified in advance.
• Always take the initiative to check and confirm your SEVIS updates.

Why Is Enforcement Tightening Now?

While there’s been no formal change in immigration law, the current U.S. administration is signaling stricter compliance checks across all visa categories.
Immigration attorneys are seeing a shift from the more lenient past — when reporting errors were rarely punished — to a system where even minor lapses can have serious consequences.

“ICE is verifying real-time compliance like never before. SEVIS terminations are now fast and firm.”
— Bohyun Song, Immigration Attorney

But Don’t Panic — OPT Still Matters

Despite these developments, OPT remains one of the most powerful benefits of studying in the U.S.

✅ It gives you practical, hands-on work experience.
✅ It boosts your employability and resume strength.
✅ It makes your U.S. education more valuable.

In 2023–24, international students contributed $44 billion to the U.S. economy — and OPT participants were a major part of that impact.

Final Word: Know the Rules. Follow the Rules. Stay Empowered.

Yes, enforcement is tighter. But don’t let fear stop your progress.

🔒 Stay informed
📝 Track your OPT days
📤 Report your employment on time
📞 Speak with your DSO regularly

There is no change to the 90-day unemployment rule.
You just need to respect it, record it, and report it.

Need Help or Have Questions?

Connect with:

• Your International Student Office
• A trusted immigration advisor
• Official resources:
  • SEVP OPT Overview
  • NAFSA OPT Policy Updates
  • SEVIS Help Hub

💬 Still unsure about your OPT status or upcoming application?
Get in touch with your DSO or visit www.imfs.co.in — we’re here to help you navigate OPT with clarity and confidence.