How does F-1 OPT work?

F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training) allows eligible international students to gain temporary work experience in the U.S. directly related to their major for up to 12 months (extendable for STEM), working for multiple employers or self-employed, as long as they maintain F-1 status, report to their DSO, and stay within 90 days of unemployment, requiring a DSO recommendation, USCIS application, and an approved Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.

How long is F-1 OPT valid for?

Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion).

What is the 30 60 90 rule for OPT?

The OPT 90 days unemployment are calculated in the aggregate, meaning that an F-1 student with valid OPT work authorization who has accrued 30 days of unemployment may only be unemployed for an additional 60 days before violating his or her immigration status regarding OPT unemployment 90 days.

How many hours can I work on F-1 OPT?

However, all employment must be 20 or more hours per week to qualify as “full time” and must always be related to the field of study. Similarly, there is no maximum number of hours per week that a student can work on OPT (unless you count 168 hours–the number of hours in a week–as a maximum).

How long can I stay in the U.S. after OPT?

16. How long can I stay in the United States after my EAD end date? The 60-day grace period to “prepare for departure” (or transfer F-1 status for further study) is only available if you did not exceed 90 days of OPT unemployment or 150 days of STEM OPT unemployment.

Good News for EB-3 & Family-Based! February 2026 Breakdown

Will F-1 students get a Green Card?

If you are an international student who lives and studies in the United States, and you hold an F1 Visa, you may be able to apply for a Green Card and become a lawful permanent resident if you wish to remain in the US after your studies.

What is the 5 month rule for OPT?

Following the absence of longer than 5 consecutive months, upon a new entry to the U.S. in F-1 student status, a student would need to be enrolled full-time for a new “one full academic year” (a combination of a Fall + Spring semester) before they would regain eligibility for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) and, ...

What happens if I lose my job on 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.

What is the 90 day rule for an F1 visa?

F1 Student Visas

F1 visa holders need to attend school and keep their student status. Unauthorized work within the initial 90 days may result in cancellation of the visa.

Can I take a course while on OPT?

Studying while on OPT is generally prohibited. Enrolling full-time, taking classes at a higher educational level, or taking courses at another institution will terminate your employment authorization, even if the dates on your EAD are still valid. Any study while on OPT must be incidental.

Does OPT lead to a green card?

Yes, Optional Practical Training (OPT) doesn't directly lead to a green card, but it serves as a crucial bridge, allowing time to pursue employment-based (like EB-2/EB-3 with an employer sponsor), family-based (marriage or relative), or National Interest Waiver (NIW) green card pathways, often by securing an employer who will sponsor you, especially for STEM OPT extension, or through other qualifying relationships or extraordinary ability. 

Which visa gives 10 years in the USA?

Both B-1 and B-2 US visitor visa are valid for up to 10 years. However, an individual will be permitted to stay in the country for a short period of time, a maximum of 6 months.

Can I work two jobs on OPT?

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 travel while on OPT?

If your OPT has been approved, and you have your EAD card, you can travel internationally. You can re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status before the start date or after the start date of your EAD card. Proof of Employment During OPT: Job Offer Letter.

How much does OPT cost?

You will need to include a check or money order for $520 USD payable to 'U.S. Department of Homeland Security' with your OPT package. If you are using a check, it should be linked to a U.S. bank account.

What happens to OPT if I fail to graduate on time?

Consequences of Delayed Graduation

If you apply for post-OPT and fail to graduate on the date indicated in your application, you risk violating your visa status and could forfeit your OPT benefit.

Will F-1 students get a green card?

To adjust your status from an F-1 student visa holder to a green card holder, you may: self-petition for an EB-1 visa, receive the sponsorship of your employer, adjust your status to a dual-intent visa, become an investor, or marry your love interest who happens to be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

How to beat the 90-day rule?

Part 2: Staying in the Schengen Area Past 90 Days

1. Take advantage of the Bilateral Agreement. ...
2. Get a Working Holiday Visa. ...
3. Get a Long-Term Visa. ...
4. Get a Student Visa. ...
5. Get a Freelancer/Digital Nomad/Remote Worker Visa. ...
6. Get Married.

Can I visit the US twice in 6 months?

A maximum of 6 months may be obtained for any B-1 / B-2 entry, with the possibility for extensions within the U.S. in qualifying cases. The exact duration varies per visa holder. The B1 / B2 visa is a multiple-entry visa, which means you can use it to enter the U.S. more than once.

Can I work unpaid during OPT?

Employment must be within the student's field for which OPT was authorized (listed on the I-20). At least 20 hours/week (for standard post-completion OPT). Employment may be paid or unpaid as long as the unpaid work does not violate labor laws.

Does OPT ever get rejected?

Many students make the mistake of not submitting their application on time and get rejected. Rejected OPT applications often result from incomplete or inaccurate application materials. This frequently occurs because students are unaware of the detailed application requirements.

How long can you be unemployed under OPT?

The rule is clear: You cannot exceed 90 days of unemployment on regular OPT and an additional 60 days on STEM OPT- 150 days total. If you're unemployed on both OPT and STEM OPT, those days add up. For example, if you were unemployed for 30 days on OPT and then 120 days on STEM OPT, you'd hit the limit.

Are F-1 students considered residents after 5 years?

Generally, foreign students in F-1, J-1, or M-1 nonimmigrant status who have been in the United States more than 5 calendar years become resident aliens for U.S. tax purpose if they meet the “Substantial Presence Test” and are liable for Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Can I renew my F1 visa while on OPT?

While it may sound daunting, this can absolutely be done, and many students have successfully renewed their visa during their OPT or STEM OPT periods.

How many classes can an F-1 student miss?

Full-time study is at least 18 hours of instruction per week for ESL programs, or a minimum of 12 units of study per quarter for academic programs. Dropping below required hours or units without permission is a violation of your F-1 status, which may lead to academic dismissal and termination of your Form I-20.