• Multiple employers. Students may work for
more than ne employer, but all employment must be related to
the student's degree program and for pre-completion OPT cannot
exceed the allowed per week cumulative hours.
• Short-term multiple employers
(performing artists). Students, such as musicians and
other performing artists may work for multiple short term employers
(gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the
dates and duration. If requested by DHS, students must be prepared
to provide evidence showing a list of all gigs.
• Work for hire. This
is also commonly referred to as 1099 independent contractors
where an individual performs a service based on a contractual
relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested
by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing
the duration of the contract periods and the name and address
of the contracting company.
• Self-employed
business owner. Students on OPT may start a business
and be self-employed. In this situation, the student must work
full time. The student must be able to prove that he or she
has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in
a business related to the student's degree program.
• Employment through an agency.
Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence
showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week
while employed by the agency.
