TLDR: Self employment is a form of employment. Stop your unemployment clock while maintaining your OPT benefits for 12 months through self employment (while continuing your job search if desired).

F1 students are permitted to extend their stay in the United States for 12 months through Optional Practical Training (OPT). The most common method to utilize OPT benefits is through employment, but not everyone receives a job offer due to factors such as the economy. Here are a few unconventional ways to utilize OPT benefits: 

• Research or academic opportunities 
• Volunteering 
• Self-employment 

At Strat Consultancy, we’re here to assist you with everything you need to remain compliant as a self-employed F1 student on OPT. Our comprehensive package covers you from initial compliance consultation to business incorporation to post business incorporation compliance support.

Check out our all in one package to stop your OPT unemployment clock to extend your job search by 12 months.