When reporting employment to ISS, write 2 – 3 sentences and be clear about why this employment is suitable for Pre-completion OPT. Remember that the employment is considered training for your program of study.
ISS will email you if we do not see a direct connection.
Hours worked
When reporting employment, you will be asked if you have a full-time job or part-time.
Depending on your authorization, you may be limited to part-time employment (20 hours/week).
Types of employment
Regular paid employment.
Internships.
Volunteer or unpaid opportunities: You need to be able to provide evidence about how it is related to your major and have evidence of the number of hours you volunteered.
Payment by multiple short-term employers: Keep a list of all short-term employment, dates, and durations.
Work for hire: Employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. Have evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
Self-employed business owner: You can start a business and be self-employed. You must be able to prove that you have the proper business licenses and are actively engaged in a business related to your major.
Employment through an agency: You must be able to provide evidence showing how many hours you worked through the agency.
