Can I apply for a second 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 you apply for OPT 2 times?

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).

How many times can I request an OPT?

You can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level, (i.e., you may have 12 months of OPT at the bachelor's level and another 12 months of OPT at the master's level). Your DSO will provide you with a new Form I-20 that shows the DSO recommendation for this employment.

How do I get another OPT?

No OPT is available for a second master's degree if 12-month OPT was used for the first master's. Options include splitting OPT between degrees or obtaining a STEM extension for certain fields. Not having OPT for a second master's may limit legal work opportunities, and finding H1B sponsorship can be challenging.

Can we reapply for OPT?

If you receive notice of the denial before your 60 day grace period expires, you may reapply for OPT but will need to resubmit all application materials again, including a new OPT Recommendation from OIA as well as another $410 filing fee. The 2nd application will also be subject to the same standard processing times.

Why You Should NOT Apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) in 2024 - The REAL Truth About OPT!!

What can I do if my OPT expires?

What happens if I keep working after my 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 to do after 3 years of OPT?

Options After OPT/Ending OPT

You are allowed a 60-day grace period following your OPT expiration date to leave the United States, change your visa status, or transfer your F-1 record to a new school or program. In some cases, you may want to pursue these options before the end of your OPT.

What happens after 3 year OPT?

Introduction: Work Authorization Post-OPT

During that short time, you must either leave the U.S. or obtain an alternative form of work authorization. There are several visa and green card options available to international workers looking to stay in the U.S. after their OPT expires.

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.

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.

How long can you stay without OPT?

How long can I stay in the U.S. after my Post-Completion OPT end date? There is a 60-day grace period following the end of the OPT period.

How long is OPT allowed?

Twelve months of Regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. (For example a student may have 12 months for a bachelor's degree and another 12 months for a master's degree.) Pre-Completion OPT: Any portion of OPT used before the student's Program End Date. It may be part-time or full-time.

Do I need a new I-20 after OPT approval?

After Approval

A new I-20 is not required to show STEM OPT approval. Keep your EAD Card in a safe place. ISS does not need a copy of your EAD. Read all the information on this page about the STEM OPT period.

Can I work more than 40 hours 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 I do my masters while on OPT?

You can apply for a new OPT period for each new degree level you complete — for instance, if you receive a Bachelor's degree, you can apply for OPT and work for a year, go back to graduate school, then when you complete your Master's or PhD, you can apply for OPT again and work for another year (many students actually ...

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.

Does OPT need sponsorship?

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

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 get green card after OPT?

Can I transition from Optional Practical Training (OPT) to a Green Card (permanent residency) in the United States? Yes, it is possible to transition from OPT to a Green Card (permanent residency) in the United States.

Is OPT permanent?

An OPT is a temporary working arrangement for foreign students that is valid for 12 months. A green card is an identification document as a permanent resident of the United States that has lifetime validity.

What happens if I apply for OPT but 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 happens if my F-1 visa expires while on OPT?

If you are approved for OPT/STEM while outside the United States, you will need to arrange for your EAD card to be sent to you in order to re-enter the United States. If your F-1 visa is expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.

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 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.