Am I still a student if I am on OPT?

OPT is part of F-1 status. Though you may no longer be a student, you are still in F-1 status. A 24-month extension of OPT is only possible for students who are completing a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in DHS-designated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.

Are you considered a student while on OPT?

While you are on OPT, it is important to remember that you are still in F-1 immigration status. Since you are no longer a student, you do not need to enroll full-time.

What status will I have while on OPT?

Your F-1 status continues through the OPT period. You must stop your employment when the end date on the EAD card is reached, but may remain in the U.S. for the 60-day grace period.

Can students on OPT take classes?

While on OPT you can only take courses that do not apply toward a degree program. Courses during OPT can only be part-time, and they must be recreational in nature. You may not begin study toward a new degree program.

Is OPT a student visa?

OPT is not a visa; rather, it is a type of employment benefit for F-1 students who are maintaining their visa status. In order to be eligible for OPT, students must first apply for an OPT recommendation I-20 from the ISSO.

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

How long can you stay in USA with OPT?

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.

Can I apply for new student visa while on OPT?

Even during OPT or STEM OPT, your immigration status in the US is still F-1. Therefore, you can still apply for a new F-1 visa if you need to while travelling abroad. You can use the basic instructions to schedule a visa appointment you may already be familiar with, or use the detailed directions here.

What happens to OPT if I don't graduate?

What happens if I apply for OPT but don't complete my degree as planned by the I-20 end date? If your OPT application is not yet processed by USCIS, you may withdraw it. If your OPT application has been approved by USCIS, you may work part- time only on approved EAD while finishing academic work.

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 go back to school after 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.

Can I do 2 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.

What happens after OPT ends?

Introduction: Work Authorization Post-OPT

After OPT or STEM OPT expires, international students only have a grace period of 60 days. During that short time, you must either leave the U.S. or obtain an alternative form of work authorization.

How long can I stay on OPT without a job?

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.

Do students on OPT get tax refund?

If you are working through the OPT program and have been in the U.S. for fewer than five years, check your paystubs to see if FICA taxes have been withheld. If they have, you can apply for a refund of the FICA taxes that have been withheld on your income tax return.

Do OPT students get paid less?

An Opt Student in your area makes on average $17 per hour, or $0.50 (30.147%) more than the national average hourly salary of $16.57.

What happens if you don't report OPT within 10 days?

If you miss the 10 day reporting deadline, employment updates must still be reported although the SEVP Portal will not allow OPT students to report employment that began more than 10 days in the past. As such, you will need an OIS advisor's assistance to submit your employment information for you.

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 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.

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 stay in the US while waiting for OPT?

You can also use your Receipt Number (found on your I-797C Receipt Notice) to track the status of your specific USCIS application. Note on the 60-day Grace Period: Students who have submitted an OPT Application with USCIS in a timely manner may remain in the U.S. after their grace period ends to await adjudication.

How many hours can I work on OPT?

Future Students

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 I quit PhD and apply for OPT?

If your program is a STEM program, you can get an OPT extension, usually 24 months. So, even if you leave a PhD and got a Master's, you can apply for the OPT.

Can you get a Green Card while on OPT?

Applying for a Green Card while on OPT does not impact OPT status, unless the applicant is approved for a Green Card. If approved for a Green Card, there will be adjustment of status from OPT status to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status.

Are you allowed to change jobs while on OPT?

Yes. An OPT change of employer is perfectly legal and does not violate any of the terms of your F-1 OPT visa. As with all things immigration, there's still stuff you need to do to make sure you're on the right side of the law.

Do you need sponsorship while on OPT?

While on OPT and STEM OPT, a student does not need sponsorship from the employer nor is any cost required by the employer.