Can I use my OPT later?

The 12 months of OPT must be used all at once, it cannot be broken up. OPT must be used directly after graduation; it cannot be saved for later.

Can I use my STEM OPT later?

If all or part of the 90 days are unused after the 12-month OPT, they may be used during the 24-month extension period as well (therefore a total of up to 150 days may be possible during the 24-month period).

Can you apply for OPT later?

Authorization for OPT is granted by USCIS and processing takes an average of 3-5 months. Therefore, it is important that you apply for the authorization well in advance of the date you wish to start working. You may apply up to 90 days before completion of studies and no later than 60 days after.

Can OPT only be used once?

OPT can only be used once per higher degree level. OPT must be used directly after graduation and cannot be preserved for a later time. Students cannot begin work on OPT until receipt of the EAD work card and the validity period of the card has begun.

How long is my OPT valid?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study. Looking for information about the 24-month STEM OPT Extension?

Can I Take Classes While Working on OPT (F1 Visa International Students)

What happens after your OPT expires?

If you plan to continue working in the U.S. after your OPT period, there are a variety of employer-sponsored work visas that may be available to you depending on your employer, the kind of work you engage in, your qualifications, and your citizenship.

What is the 90 day rule for OPT?

Students with a 12-month Post-Completion OPT authorization cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days. This is aggregate, meaning that if you have 40 days of unemployment, you would only be allowed to be unemployed for a remaining 50 days before you risk violating your immigration status.

Can I use OPT for part time?

Students can work over 20 hrs per week between required terms of study (full-time Pre-Completion OPT), and less then 20 hrs per week while classes are in session (part-time Pre-Completion OPT). Students who use part-time OPT, deduct days at half the rate.

How many times can I extend my OPT?

A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial (usually 12-month) period of post-completion OPT.

Can OPT be part time?

Paid employment: Students on Pre-completion OPT may work part time (20 hours a week or less) while school is in session. Students who wish to work full time on Pre-completion OPT may do so during vacation periods if they have full-time OPT authorization.

What happens if I lose my job on OPT?

Yes, students on STEM OPT may be temporarily unemployed. Under standard post-completion OPT, you receive a 90 day allotment to be unemployed. When you receive the STEM extension, you receive an additional 60 days to be unemployed giving you a total of 150 days of unemployment during your entire OPT time.

How long can I stay unemployed on OPT?

Federal law limits how long F-1 students on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) OPT can be unemployed. The limits are: Post-completion OPT: 90 days. STEM OPT: 150 days, which includes any days accrued while on post-completion OPT.

How much does OPT cost?

Who pays the OPT and STEM OPT filing fee? You pay the $410 OPT or STEM OPT application when you file the OPT or STEM OPT application with USCIS.

Can I use OPT twice?

Most students are eligible to apply for a total of 12 months of OPT at each higher degree level. OPT can only be used once per higher degree level even if you have multiple degrees per level (e.g. OPT based on a Bachelor's degree and then OPT based on a Master's degree or PhD).

Is it too late to apply for OPT after graduation?

May apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree, but no later than 60 days after you complete your degree.

Can OPT work two jobs?

You may work for multiple employers (including short-term gigs, self-employment, contract work, or work for hire). In order for your OPT employment to be considered active, you must be working 20 hours per week or more between all OPT jobs combined.

Can I extend my 1 year OPT?

You can request your STEM OPT Extension I-20 from ISS as early as 90 days before your current 12-month OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card expiration date.

What is the difference between stem OPT and OPT?

While in both cases your OPT activity must be related to your area of study, STEM OPT actually has additional requirements for employment and reporting that are not required for Post-Completion OPT. For example, STEM OPT participants are required to complete the form I-983 while they are on the STEM OPT extension.

What is the minimum salary for stem OPT?

There is no specific wage requirement for employment during STEM OPT, but the I-983 includes an attestation by the employer that compensation is commensurate with that provided to U.S. employees who provide similar duties and responsibilities.

Can I work 80 hours a week on OPT?

There is no maximum number of hours that can be worked while on STEM OPT, but because there is a minimum, it may be difficult to work for more than 2 employers. For example, if you work for two qualifying STEM OPT employers, at a minimum, you would need to be working 40 hours per week.

Can OPT be unpaid?

OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a benefit available to international students with F-1 visas who are enrolled in or have completed a degree program in the USA. This training can be put to use before the end of the semester during a vacation or leave term. OPT positions might be compensated or unpaid.

Is there a grace period for OPT?

The Grace Period: After completing your OPT, you are eligible for a 60-day grace period. During this time, you may travel within the U.S., transfer your SEVIS record to a new school, request a change of level if you are starting a new program at the UW, or apply to change status to another visa category.

What is the 5 month rule for OPT?

The five month rule refers to the termination of a student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) based on the student being away from classes or not in status for five months.

What is the 14 month rule for OPT?

14-month OPT Period

To allow F-1 students to complete the full 12-month period of OPT, (the 14-month requirement will begin from the date of approval of the Form I-765 for applications for post-completion OPT, instead of from the student's program end date.

Can I work 40 hours on OPT?

For pre-completion part-time OPT, you cannot work for more than 20 hours a week. For pre-completion full-time OPT, you can work for more than 20 hours a week but not more than 40 hours a week. You need not have a job offer in hand while applying for an EAD card for a pre-completion job.