F-1 Student Reporting Responsibilities and Instructions

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Introduction.  F-1 OPT regulations require you to report information to the GW International Services Office (ISO) on your post-completion OPT activities within 10 days of beginning your activities and within 10 days of any change in your activities.  This includes reporting specific address, employment, and unemployment information.  When you report this information to the ISO, we will send it to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) so that we can help you maintain lawful F-1 status while you are under GW visa/immigration sponsorship.  You can find a summary of your reporting responsibilities at Post-Completion OPT Reporting Responsibilities.   

Instructions.  The list below describes the situations of F-1 students who are authorized to be employed for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).  Please click on the item that best describes your situation and you will be directed to instructions on what you need to report to the GW International Services Office (ISO) and how you need to report that information.  If you do not find an item below that describes your situation, please send an e-mail message to iso-opt@gwu.edu and describe your situation.  We will then be in contact with you to help you fulfill your reporting responsibilities. 

1.       I am employed by one employer.

2.       I am employed by more than one employer.

3.       I am a performing artist working short-term jobs for different employers.

4.       I am self-employed.

5.       I am engaged in an unpaid internship.

6.       I am performing unpaid volunteer work.

7.       I am unemployed (and I am not engaged in an unpaid internship or volunteer activities).

8.     I am studying full-time or planning to study full-time.
 

9.       I am not in F-1 immigration status or will soon be in an immigration status other than F-1.

10.   I am not in the U.S.