A routine internship plan has turned stressful for an F-1 student in the US due to confusion over F-1 OPT rules. You are seeing tighter visa scrutiny as employers and students clash over work start dates and legal limits.
Employer demand clashes with F-1 OPT rules
The student is enrolled in a thesis-based Master’s programme with a May 13 end date on the I-20. The employer wants work to begin on March 15. You can see how this demand directly conflicts with F-1 OPT rules.
OPT timelines under US immigration law
Under F-1 OPT rules, post-completion OPT can start only on or after the I-20 programme end date. You may apply for pre-completion OPT, but it allows limited hours. Full-time work before completion remains unauthorised.
Visa risks for students under pressure
SEVIS recognises only the official programme end date, not thesis progress. Starting work early violates F-1 OPT rules and counts as unauthorised employment. You protect your legal stay by refusing timelines that break immigration law.
