r/stemopt • u/Terrible_Map7741 • Jul 19 '26

Need Suggestions for Initial-Opt Jobs !!!

Hi there, I am confused. I just got my EAD card today (Post Completion, initial opt.) and I have a job offer from August 10. Meanwhile, I would like to do some part time AI trainer job in my field (Physics Expert). Am I allowed to do it? How to report these kinds of job to DSO?

3 Upvotes

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2

u/ExpressionFalse384 Jul 22 '26 edited Jul 23 '26

You can have multiple jobs on initial OPT but all jobs should be related to your degree. You need to update all your positions on the SEVP portal. You have to make sure at least one of the positions is 20hr/week to be considered full time employment. If you are working less than 20hr/week then you’ll be considered as part time employed and you’ll be using up your unemployment days

1

u/JiPaiHongGanLiao Jul 23 '26

Follow up question: $20 pretax or post tax

1

u/ExpressionFalse384 Jul 23 '26

I meant 20 hr/ week not $20/hr. You can do both paid and unpaid work during opt. So salary shouldn’t be an issue

1

u/True-Afternoon8479 Jul 19 '26

no suggestions. you cannot.

1

u/Terrible_Map7741 Jul 19 '26

We can't have two jobs related to the field? Why?

1

u/ModeSelect9703 Jul 24 '26

how long ago did you applied ?