The United States Department of Homeland Security DHS has issued a serious warning to F-1 visa students currently engaged in Optional Practical Training OPT. These students may face termination of their SEVIS records and possible deportation from the US for failing to report their employer information within the stipulated time.

Recently, Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE sent out formal notices to several F-1 students under the OPT programme. These letters were titled Student and Exchange Visitor Program Notice of Failure to Report Optional Practical Training Employer and Exceeding Permissible Period of Unemployment. The notices informed students that they may have crossed the 90-day unemployment limit allowed under OPT rules and failed to report any employer information in their SEVIS records.

The notices dated May 15 clarified that if employer details are not updated within 15 days — by May 31 — the Student and Exchange Visitor Program SEVP will terminate the student’s SEVIS record. Termination of this status equates to losing the F-1 visa status, rendering the individual unlawfully present in the US and potentially triggering deportation proceedings.

What is OPT

Optional Practical Training OPT is a temporary employment authorisation granted to international students on F-1 visas. It allows them to gain work-based learning experience in a field directly related to their major area of study. OPT is designed to bridge academic knowledge with real-world job experience and is often a critical phase for students planning a career in the US.

There are two types of OPT:

• Pre-completion OPT used before the completion of academic studies

• Post-completion OPT used after graduation

Students are allowed up to 12 months of OPT employment. However, any time spent on pre-completion OPT is subtracted from the available post-completion period.

Strict Rules Around Employment Reporting

To ensure that students are actively engaged in training and not misusing their stay, federal regulations impose a 90-day limit on unemployment during the 12-month post-completion OPT period. If a student fails to report employment or remains unemployed for more than 90 days, they are considered out of status.

The recent DHS notices clearly cite this rule. The agency found that several students had no employer data listed in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System SEVIS, which tracks all F-1 visa holders. This lack of data suggests the students were either unemployed for too long or had failed to properly report their job details.

The letter warns students that failure to update their SEVIS records within 15 days of the notice date will result in their SEVIS being marked as terminated. Once that happens, the student’s presence in the US becomes unauthorised, and they may face immediate removal proceedings or be banned from re-entry.

Students Urged to Take Immediate Action

DHS has advised students to work closely with their Designated School Officials DSOs to rectify their SEVIS records and ensure all employment information is accurate and up to date.

If students have been employed but did not report their job or had issues with updates in the system, they are urged to correct the records immediately. Those who have genuinely been unemployed for more than 90 days are in violation of their visa conditions and may need to depart the United States voluntarily to avoid severe immigration consequences.

What Should OPT Students Do

• Verify SEVIS updates by logging into the SEVIS portal to ensure employment information is accurate

• Communicate with DSOs if there are any discrepancies or missing data

• Avoid further violations as SEVIS termination leads to unlawful presence and immigration consequences

Why the Crackdown

The crackdown may be part of increased oversight and compliance measures by the US government amid concerns over visa fraud, fake job offers, and unauthorised work under the guise of OPT. Authorities are using data mismatches to flag students who may not be adhering to rules, especially in the STEM OPT extension category.

Students, especially those with STEM OPT extensions, must ensure:

• The job is directly related to their degree

• The employer is E-verified

• The Form I-983 training plan is properly filled and maintained

Long-Term Consequences of SEVIS Termination

If the SEVIS record is terminated:

• The F-1 student immediately loses lawful status in the US

• They may accrue unlawful presence, making future visa approvals difficult

• They could face a ban from entering the US for 3 or 10 years, depending on how long they remained unlawfully

For those wishing to resume OPT or F-1 status, options include:

• Departing and applying again for a new visa

• Filing for reinstatement through USCIS

• Transferring to a new academic programme that issues a new I-20

Conclusion

The warning issued to F-1 OPT students underscores the critical importance of compliance with immigration regulations in the US. With the threat of SEVIS record termination and deportation now real for hundreds of students, those currently in OPT or STEM OPT must act swiftly to avoid long-term consequences.

To remain in good standing, international students must:

• Ensure their employer data is up to date

• Avoid crossing the 90-day unemployment limit

• Stay in regular contact with their school’s DS

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