Great question! In the USA, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students (typically on an F-1 visa) to work in their field of study after graduation. During your OPT period, you are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment (for standard post-completion OPT).

Unpaid internships and OPT:

- If the unpaid internship is related to your field of study and meets all OPT requirements (i.e., you are working at least 20 hours per week and can provide documentation such as offer letters, job descriptions, and supervisor contacts), then it is considered “employment” for OPT purposes—even if it’s unpaid.
- As long as your unpaid internship qualifies, you are not counted as unemployed during that period. This means your unemployment days do not accumulate while you are engaged in a qualifying unpaid internship.

Important:
- You must report your employment (including unpaid internships) in the SEVP Portal or through your university’s designated school official (DSO).
- Make sure you keep documentation of your internship, including offer letters and a description of duties, in case you are ever asked to show proof by USCIS.

Summary:
Unpaid internships that are directly related to your field of study and meet OPT guidelines count as employment, so unemployment days do NOT accumulate during this period.

If you need any more details about OPT, CPT, or visa guidance, feel free to ask! Or, if you’d like personalized support with your US application or visa process, you can contact Pollster Education at +919324480791 or info@pollstereducation.com.