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Can I work part-time on OPT?

Yes. USCIS states that on post-completion OPT 'you must work part time (at least 20 hours per week) or full time.' So part-time is allowed as long as you reach the 20-hour-per-week floor; if you have a variable schedule it should average at least 20 hours per week. Pre-completion OPT during the school term is instead capped at 20 hours per week or less.

Watch out

Working under 20 hours a week on post-completion OPT does not count as employment, so those days still accrue toward your 90-day unemployment limit.

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.

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