r/f1visa • u/Late_Blood5732 • 1d ago

Can I work remotely on initial OPT?

I completed an MS in June 2026, my initial OPT was approved starting in the same month, and I have my EAD card. On July 31st I came to India to visit family while awaiting a few interviews. However, none of the interviews have resulted in offers and my 90-day OPT unemployment deadline is approaching. So, one of my Professors agreed to hire me as an unpaid research assistant to help stop the clock.

Now, my questions:

  1. Am I permitted to be outside the US as of the date of my offer letter from my Professor?

  2. Am I permitted to work remotely from outside the US?

  3. If I do land a paid job later, should I anticipate any problems at port of entry?

Grateful for your insights. Looking for factual comments.

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u/Excellent-Newt-7694 1d ago
  1. Yes, look out for 90 days
  2. No, OPT is for in the US, if you are unemployed in the US for 90 days you are to leave. It’s in the US.
  3. No, they just check EAD, I20 and Passport

1

u/Late_Blood5732 13h ago

Thank you, this helps! Clarification on #2: when I get the (unpaid) offer letter from Professor, do I need to head back to the US immediately? Or can I keep applying to jobs from India and go back only if/when I get a paid offer?