OPT 90-Day Unemployment Tracker
Enter your EAD start date and see exactly how many cumulative unemployment days you've used — and how many remain before USCIS automatically terminates your OPT.
At a glance
F-1 OPT holders may accumulate up to 90 cumulative days of unemployment during standard OPT. The clock runs from your EAD start date. At 90 days, USCIS automatically terminates OPT — no notice is sent. STEM OPT raises this to 150 cumulative days. Days from standard OPT carry over. Source: ICE SEVIS, DHS Study in the States.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as unemployment under OPT?
Any day you are not working at least 20 hours per week for a qualifying employer counts toward your 90-day cumulative limit. This includes days before your first job, gaps between jobs, and part-time work below 20 hours/week. Interviewing, volunteering, and unpaid internships do not count as qualifying employment.
Do interview days count against the 90-day clock?
No. Interviewing and active job searching do not count as qualifying employment. Every day you spend searching without an active employment arrangement counts toward the 90-day clock — which is why filing early and job-searching immediately is critical.
What happens if I hit 90 days of unemployment?
Your OPT is automatically terminated by USCIS — without notice or warning. You enter a 60-day grace period to depart the US, change status, or transfer schools. This cannot be reversed once triggered. Contact a licensed immigration attorney immediately if you're approaching 75–80 days.
Does STEM OPT have the same 90-day rule?
STEM OPT has a higher 150-day cumulative unemployment limit. However, any days counted during your standard OPT period carry over and count toward the 150-day STEM OPT limit — the clocks are cumulative across both periods.
Does the 90-day clock reset if I change employers?
No. The clock is cumulative across your entire OPT period and does not reset when you start a new job. The gap between your old job ending and your new one starting counts toward your total. Document every gap carefully.