Sunday, June 8, 2025
U.S. warns F-1 visa students on OPT to report employment or face SEVIS termination, visa loss, and possible deportation for breaching federal rules.
F-1 Students on OPT Face SEVIS Termination and Visa Loss for Reporting Failures
International students holding F-1 visas in the United States often enhance their academic learning through Optional Practical Training (OPT)—a valuable post-graduation opportunity that allows them to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. This program, administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), supports career development but is bound by strict compliance requirements.
One of the most essential conditions attached to OPT is the ninety-day unemployment restriction. Under this rule, F-1 students must not remain unemployed for more than ninety cumulative days throughout their twelve-month OPT period. The regulation exists to ensure students are actively participating in professional training and not remaining in the U.S. without purpose.
However, a significant number of students unknowingly breach this rule by failing to accurately or promptly report their employment to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Others may unknowingly accumulate days of unemployment beyond the legal limit. In both cases, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)—a division of DHS—may take enforcement action, including terminating SEVIS records. This can result in the immediate loss of legal status and even trigger removal proceedings from the country.
May 2025 Deadline Sparks Urgency Among OPT Participants
In a renewed enforcement effort, SEVP issued a wave of warning notices in mid-May 2025 to OPT participants suspected of failing to report valid employer information or of exceeding their allowable unemployment period. The formal notice, bearing the title “Failure to Report OPT Employment and Exceeding Allowed Unemployment Period,” instructed impacted students to update their employment details within fifteen days, setting May 31 as the final date for compliance.
If a student does not comply within this timeframe, their SEVIS record will be automatically terminated. Once that happens, they are no longer lawfully present in the U.S. and must either depart voluntarily, apply for reinstatement, or face possible intervention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Compliance Relies on Timely Action by Students and School Officials
The responsibility to maintain an accurate SEVIS record falls not only on the students themselves but also on Designated School Officials (DSOs)—staff members at U.S. educational institutions who oversee international student compliance. Students are required to report any form of employment (full-time, part-time, paid, or unpaid) as long as it relates to their degree program. They must also notify DSOs about any changes to employment location, job title, or employer.
For those who received warning letters, immediate communication with DSOs is essential. School officials can help correct discrepancies, submit updates, and verify that the student’s employment meets OPT requirements. Quick action can prevent status termination and help preserve eligibility for future immigration benefits.
Consequences Go Beyond SEVIS Deactivation
Losing active SEVIS status is more than a bureaucratic issue—it can severely impact a student’s immigration prospects. A terminated record can make an individual ineligible for re-entry, future student visas, or work authorization under programs like H-1B. In some cases, students may even face barriers to re-entering the U.S. if they accumulate unlawful presence following termination.
Such complications can disrupt academic and professional goals, forcing students to abandon internships, job offers, or graduate school opportunities. For those seeking long-term career pathways in the U.S., a single misstep on OPT could derail years of progress.
Staying Ahead of OPT Compliance Is Key
In an environment of heightened enforcement and digital integration across federal immigration systems, F-1 students must take extra care to remain compliant. Keeping employment records up to date, tracking unemployment days, and routinely checking in with DSOs can help students avoid costly errors.
Understanding the terms of OPT participation and acting promptly in response to any SEVP notices is critical to maintaining a valid visa. In a regulatory landscape where even minor lapses can carry major consequences, compliance is not a formality—it’s a necessity.
In May 2025, SEVP issued compliance notices to F-1 students on OPT for failing to report valid employment or surpassing the ninety-day unemployment limit. Without immediate correction, these students risk SEVIS termination, visa invalidation, and possible deportation. Prompt updates and coordination with DSOs are crucial to maintaining legal status and avoiding immigration penalties.
