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.

Can I renew my student visa while on OPT?

Can I renew my F-1 student visa while on post-completion OPT or the STEM OPT Extension? Yes. Students who are on OPT may apply for an F-1 student visa.

Can you get a visa while on OPT?

Since OPT is a F-1 benefit, an F-1 visa is necessary if you are returning to resume OPT employment. To apply for a new F-1 visa, you should go to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, preferably in your home country.

Am I still considered an F-1 student while on OPT?

Yes, but it can be very difficult to apply for an F-1 visa stamp while you are on OPT. If your visa stamp is expired, or will soon expire, keep this in mind. Please feel free to discuss your plans with an international student advisor at OIA before you travel.

Can I start a new degree program while working on OPT?

OPT Quick Facts:

You may not pursue a new course of full-time study while on OPT. The application is approved by United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS), but OPT must first be recommended by OIA.

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

Can I have two jobs while in 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 get a masters while on OPT?

A student who is authorized for 12 months of OPT during/after a Bachelor's degree program, who moves on to do a Master's degree, will be eligible to pursue 12 new months of OPT during/after completion of the Master's degree; and this would continue to progressively higher degree levels.

Can you renew your F-1 visa while on OPT?

Generally, it can be more difficult to renew your F-1 visa stamp while on OPT. OIA would not recommend attempting to renew your F-1 visa stamp while on OPT if you are not currently employed. Please feel free to contact an advisor at the Office of International Affairs if you have questions.

Can I apply for F-1 visa after OPT?

Yes. Students who are on OPT may apply for an F-1 student visa. You will need a valid EAD as well as evidence that you already have a job or will have a job in the U.S. in your major field of study, along with the other required visa renewal documents.

What is the 90 day rule for OPT?

The 90 days start counting from your approved OPT/EAD start date (not the recommended start date nor the program end date on your I-20) and are cumulative. If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status.

Do I need visa sponsorship if I have OPT?

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 5 month rule for F-1 visa?

The 5-month rule applies when an F-1 student quits attending school without getting a valid early withdrawal. This regulation states that if an F-1 student misses more than five months of classes, their F-1 status may have been compromised.

What visa can you get after OPT?

There are two types of extensions available after completion of the initial OPT period: (1) a 24-Month extension for those in certain STEM fields (2) an “H-1B Cap-Gap Extension” which extends work authorization through to the start of your cap-subject H-1B visa.

What if my visa expires while on OPT?

Your F-1 status will end. 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 if my F-1 visa expired while on OPT?

OPT is a benefit of the F-1 status. Therefore, students traveling while on OPT and have an expired F-1 visa are required to apply for a new F-1 visa before attempting to re-enter the U.S.. Procedures and requirements for visas can vary between countries and are often subject to change.

How many times can a student apply for OPT?

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 do I stay in USA after OPT expires?

Can I get sponsored after OPT?

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.

How long can I stay after my OPT expires?

F-1 visa holders on Optional Practical Training (OPT) are eligible for a 60-day grace period after their OPT employment authorization document (EAD card) expires.

Can I travel abroad 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.

Can I renew my F-1 visa without interview?

Applicants renewing a visa in the same classification within 48 months of the prior visa's expiration may also be eligible for interview waiver. In the process of applying for the visa, there is a section on the DS-160 where you can establish whether you are eligible for the interview waiver.

How many times can OPT be renewed?

DHS grants STEM OPT extensions to eligible F-1 students who are currently in a period of post-completion OPT once per degree level (i.e., bachelor's, master's or doctorate). A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career.

Can I get F-1 visa twice?

If you receive a student visa denial, it means your application was incomplete or you did something wrong. But, all is not lost; you can reapply. There's no limit to the number of times you can apply for a student visa. However, you should not be submitting the same exact application each time.

Can you do PhD while on OPT?

Yes you can definitely apply for a PhD while on OPT, but the PhD application by itself doesn't grant any status, so to stay legally in the short term you still need to keep your OPT (or some other non immigrant status) valid.

Can I do PhD while working on OPT?

If you do not complete your degree on the timeline expected, you may continue to work full-time on OPT while completing your dissertation. You must complete degree requirements by the end of your OPT period. We recommend waiting to begin Post-OPT employment until your dissertation is near completion.