SundayApply
All visa rules
No

Can I work in a field unrelated to my degree on OPT?

No. USCIS is explicit that 'all OPT must be directly related to your major area of study,' and SEVP guidance repeats that every OPT job must be related to the student's degree program. Time spent in an unrelated job does not count as valid OPT employment, so those days accrue toward your 90-day unemployment limit. SEVP recommends keeping a description of each job and how it connects to your degree in case DHS asks.

Watch out

The relationship need not be exact, but you should document how the role uses skills from your degree; working an unrelated job can be treated as a status violation, so check borderline cases with your DSO.

Source: USCIS, 'Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students' (Types of OPT)

Informational, not legal advice. Immigration rules change and individual cases differ. Confirm anything that affects your status with your school’s DSO or an immigration attorney before acting.

ShareWhatsAppLinkedInPost

More on working on opt

YesCan I freelance or do 1099 contract work on OPT?YesCan I work for multiple employers at the same time on OPT?It dependsDoes an unpaid internship or volunteering count as OPT employment?YesCan I be self-employed or start my own company on OPT?

Keep the rules that apply to you one click away.

SundayApply tracks your OPT and STEM deadlines and checks every employer’s E-Verify and sponsorship history before you apply.

Start free