Yes, a student on F1 OPT can work remotely as long as the work is related to their field of study and meets the requirements set forth by their OPT program.
If you want a detailed answer, read below
Yes, a student on F1 OPT can work remotely as long as the work is related to their field of study and meets the requirements set forth by their OPT program. According to the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), “A student may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to the student’s degree program and for pre-completion OPT, be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO).” It is important for the student to communicate with their DSO to ensure that their remote work meets the requirements set forth by their OPT program.
There are a few things that students on F1 OPT should keep in mind when considering remote work. First, the work must be related to their field of study. Second, they must have a valid Form I-20 with an OPT endorsement from their DSO. Third, they must report any changes in employment to their DSO within 10 days of the change.
Remote work has become increasingly popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic and many companies are offering remote positions. This can be a great option for students on F1 OPT who want to gain experience in their field of study while also having the flexibility to work from anywhere.
In conclusion, students on F1 OPT can work remotely as long as the work is related to their field of study and meets the requirements set forth by their OPT program. It is important for students to communicate with their DSO to ensure that their remote work is authorized and meets all requirements.
| Key Points |
|---|
| F1 OPT students can work remotely if the work is related to their field of study |
| A valid Form I-20 with an OPT endorsement from their DSO is required |
| Changes in employment must be reported to the DSO within 10 days |
| Remote work has become increasingly popular due to the COVID-19 pandemic |
As Mark C. Crowley, author of “Lead from the Heart,” said, “Changing environments require adaptability, and remote employees must embrace a new way of working that’s efficient and effective.” Therefore, remote work can be a great opportunity for F1 OPT students to develop their adaptability skills while also gaining valuable experience in their field.
See the answer to “Can a student on F1 OPT work remotely?” in this video
This video explains the limitations of a student’s F-1 visa status when it comes to working while in the US. Students are only allowed to work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week, and internships or practical training must be approved by their academic advisor. Freelancing work is considered illegitimate and carries a tax risk because students are required to disclose their earnings in USD deposited in a US bank account to the IRS during tax season. The speaker advises students to focus on their education, and in rare cases where they need to freelance, a pre-completion OPT can be taken, but it is still unlawful to work virtually through it for quick cash.
Other approaches of answering your query
According to SEVP guidance (pdf), "Students participating in OPT and STEM OPT may work remotely as long as they continue to comply with the regulatory requirements regarding practical training at 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii) and continue the training’s mentoring relationship, including completion of the Form I-983, ‘Training
According to the web search results, students on F1 OPT can work remotely. However, there are some restrictions. For example, the employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that provides the practical training experience to the student, utilizing its own personnel. For the green card, work from home is generally allowed in very narrowly defined situations.
Yes, you should be able to work "remotely" (I am not aware of anything that would disallow this). You can even be self employed under F1 OPT.
Can students on OPT CPT work remotely during the COVID times. ICE says yes. See from page 12 on of this FAQ released by the govt. https://www.ice.gov/doclib/coronavirus/covid19faq.pdf
You need a lot of help with this but your OPT work from home is fine unless you need a STEM extension. Work from home is generally allowed from home but not always. For the green card work from home is generally allowed in very narrowly defined situations.
An employer who permitted those under an OPT program to work remotely will no longer be able to do so. The employer that signs the Form I-983 must be the same entity that provides the practical training experience to the student, utilizing its own personnel,” according to the USCIS as of .
I’m sure you will be interested
Can you work remote while on OPT?
While remote work for STEM OPT Employers was allowed under COVID guidance, we are anticipating that the regulations will return to normal and require direct supervision/on-site work from your employer. If the COVID guidance expires, you will be required to have an in-person/on-site component to your employment.
Can a OPT student work from outside USA?
As an answer to this: Traveling while on OPT or OPT STEM Extension
In general, an F-1 student on post-completion OPT may travel outside the United States temporarily and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment for the remainder of the period authorized on his or her EAD card.
Can you work in your home country while on F1 visa?
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Can a F-1 student work online job for a company located in his her home country?
In reply to that: As an international student in the US on an F1 visa, it is possible to work/intern remotely from your home country for a US-based company as long as you have the proper authorization to do so.
Can F1 students work off-campus?
Answer to this: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT) F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief.
Can I participate in opt If I am a F1 student?
In reply to that: All OPT must be directly related to your major area of study. If you are an F-1 student, you may be eligible to participate in OPT in two different ways:
What is the difference between M1 and F1 visa?
As a response to this: The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training. F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
When can I apply for opt Employment Authorization?
The reply will be: Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
Can F1 students work off-campus?
Answer: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT) F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief.
Can I participate in opt If I am a F1 student?
All OPT must be directly related to your major area of study. If you are an F-1 student, you may be eligible to participate in OPT in two different ways:
Do students have to have an employer if OPT is requested?
The reply will be: Employment information must be updated in a timely manner. DSOs are expected to add, edit, or delete employer information in a timely manner. While students are not required to have an employer when OPT is requested in SEVIS, students authorized for post-completion OPT are expected to be employed.
What are the different types of Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Answer to this: This document discusses different types of optional practical training (OPT) including: required forms, processes, and updating SEVIS. What is Optional Practical Training? Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students.