NOT LEGAL OR IMMIGRATION COUNSEL: USA Student Guide is an independent educational publisher. We are not an immigration law firm, a Designated School Official (DSO), or an agency of the United States Government (such as USCIS, ICE, or DHS). The tools and guides on this site are provided strictly for general informational and personal planning purposes.
Official Immigration Authority
United States immigration regulations—specifically those governing F-1 nonimmigrant status, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension—are subject to strict administrative rules under 8 CFR § 214.2(f)(10).
Your definitive legal authority for your personal visa status is your university's Designated School Official (DSO) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) / U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Official accrued unemployment records are recorded in the SEVIS database and viewable via the SEVP Portal.
Accuracy of Calculations & Limitation of Liability
While our calculators use standard calendar arithmetic based on published SEVP directives, your actual legal standing depends on SEVIS data maintained by your DSO.
Never make travel arrangements, leave active employment, or allow an employment gap to persist without explicit written verification and reporting through your university’s International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) office. USA Student Guide and its contributors assume no liability for status terminations or administrative actions resulting from the use of tools on this site.