F-1 OPT Employees Policy

Summary

This policy explains the University’s rules and process for F-1 students and employees using Optional Practical Training (OPT), including eligibility, authorization, and related extensions. It mainly serves to clarify when OPT employment is allowed at UNC-Chapel Hill and what steps students must follow.

Body

University Policy

Title

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Policy on F-1 OPT Employees sponsored by institutions other than UNC-Chapel Hill

Introduction

Purpose

This policy explains the University’s rules and process for UNC-Chapel Hill employees on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) who are sponsored by institutions other than UNC-CH.

Scope

This policy applies to UNC-Chapel Hill employees on F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) who are sponsored by institutions other than UNC-CH.

Policy

Policy Statement

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status that permits off-campus employment directly related to the student’s field of study after the student’s program completion date.  UNC employees covered under this policy who have questions about their F-1 status should communicate directly with the Designated School Official at the SEVP-certified school that sponsors their F-1 status.

All University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) employees who are in F-1 status on Optional Practical Training (OPT), must check-in with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS).

Contact Information

Primary Contact

Name: International Student and Scholar Services

Telephone: 919-962-5661

Email: ISSS@unc.edu

Details

Details

Article ID: 162453
Created
Tue 5/19/26 11:19 AM
Modified
Tue 7/21/26 3:37 PM
Responsible Unit
School, Department, or other organizational unit issuing this document.
Provost's Office - Global Affairs
Issuing Officer
Name of the document Issuing Officer. This is the individual whose organizational authority covers the policy scope and who is primarily responsible for the policy.
Next Review
Date on which the next document review is due.
01/31/2028 12:00 AM
Last Review
Date on which the most recent document review was completed.
07/16/2026 12:00 AM