International students in the U.S. participating in the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program have been issued a 15-day notice by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requiring them to update their employment records or risk deportation.

The notice, sent on May 15, was directed at students who have reportedly exceeded 90 days of unemployment while on OPT without reporting a job. It warns that failure to comply could result in the termination of their Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) status and possible removal from the country.

"If your SEVIS record is not updated within 15 days of the date of this notice, SEVP [Student and Exchange Visitor Program] will set your SEVIS record to ?terminated? to reflect the lack of employer information and the potential that you may have violated your status either by failing to timely report OPT employment or by exceeding the permissible period of unemployment while on OPT," the notice states.

The OPT program allows international graduates to work in fields related to their studies, either during or after completing their academic programs. Under current regulations, students are permitted up to 90 days of unemployment within a 12-month OPT period. The program is often cited as a key reason international students choose to study in the U.S., offering valuable real-world work experience.

While the 90-day unemployment limit is not new, the tone and urgency of the latest notice have raised concerns within the international education sector, especially amid broader uncertainty surrounding U.S. student visa policies.

"To most it?s just a reminder that ? more than ever, given a hostile administration ? students need to comply with all rules and report OPT employment so they are not considered to have accrued ?unemployment time? that could result in a termination of their OPT and status," said Joann Ng Hartmann, senior impact officer at NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Although the rule is widely known, experts say it is uncommon for SEVIS records to be terminated solely due to reporting delays. The number of affected students remains unclear, but Inside Higher Ed confirmed at least 35 cases. One international student adviser, who requested anonymity, said 28 students at their institution had received the notice in the past day alone, with more likely to follow.

Asked for comment, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told The PIE News, "If a person's visa is revoked, I urge them to use the CBP Home app to self-deport. If you are in our country illegally, we will arrest, we will deport you, and you will never return. The safest option is self-deportation."

However, confusion remains over whether a SEVIS termination directly results in visa revocation or deportation, as SEVIS is managed by the DHS while visas fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. State Department.

According to NAFSA, international students, including those on OPT, contributed nearly US$44 billion to the U.S. economy during the 2023?2024 academic year. (VN Express)

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