Tips for OPT Reporting Special Categories

Performing Artist

If you are a performing arts student with multiple short-term gigs (less than 10 days apart) please write "Multiple Short Term Gigs" in Company Name and put the start date of the first gig as "Employment Start Date." 

If you have more than a 10 day gap in between gigs you should report this as a loss of employment under the “Previous Employment Information” section of the E-Form - use "Multiple Short Term Gigs" as employer name and indicate the last date of the last gig worked.

Self-Employed on Contract

If self-employed on contract, write "Self-employed work for hire" in Company Name and include the start date of the contract in "Employment Start Date." You do not have to report multiple contract work unless they are more than 10 days apart. 

If there are more than 10 days between the end of one contract and the beginning of another contract or start of a new job, you should report the gap as a loss of employment under the “Previous Employment Information” section of the E-Form. Write "Self-employed work for hire" in company name and use the ending date of the last contract worked.

Self-Employed Business Owner

Write "Self-employed business owner" for company name. Indicate the date you went into business. If the business closes or you no longer work for the business full-time, you must report this as a loss of employment under the “Previous Employment Information” section of the E-Form.

Note: Self-employment may require acquiring business permits and licenses and the business owner is subject to all applicable business and self-employment tax obligations.