Can I apply for OPT on a previous degree?

Previously Obtained STEM Degrees If you are an F-1 student participating in a 12-month period of post-completion OPT based on a non-STEM degree, you may be eligible to use a prior STEM degree earned from a U.S. institution of higher education to apply for a STEM OPT extension.

Can I apply for OPT after a year of graduation?

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

Does OPT have to be related to degree?

All employment while on post-completion OPT must be related to your degree program.

Is STEM OPT based on prior degree?

To use a prior degree to qualify for the STEM OPT extension, the F-1 student must: Have received their most recent degree (which does not need to be STEM-related) from a currently accredited Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.

What happens if I apply for OPT but don't graduate PhD?

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.

OPT Online Application Guide

Can I use OPT after second Masters?

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).

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 STEM OPT be rejected?

What are common, avoidable reasons for STEM OPT Extension rejections or denials? Reason 1: USCIS received Form I-765 STEM OPT Extension application after OPT EAD end date. If USCIS receives the student's STEM OPT Extension application after their OPT EAD end, their STEM OPT Extension application will be denied.

What degrees qualify for STEM OPT?

All fields of study in the four core STEM areas of engineering, biological sciences, mathematics and physical sciences are included.

How many times can I apply for 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 long does it take to get OPT approved?

Typically your OPT application will take 90 to 120 days to be processed by USCIS, but for a more detailed timeline for an OPT application and approval see Optional Practical Training (OPT). You must have your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card before you can begin work.

How long does it take to get STEM OPT approval?

How long will it take for my application to be approved? Processing times vary greatly, but you should expect USCIS to take about 90-120 days to approve your STEM OPT Extension application.

Can I use OPT again if I complete a bachelors degree and use OPT and then complete a masters degree?

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.

What is the grace period for STEM OPT?

60-Day Grace Period

While travel within the U.S. is permitted during the grace period, departure from the country and reentry is not permitted during this time unless you have another valid visa status that allows you to enter the U.S. Once you depart the U.S., the grace period is concluded.

How long after graduation can you use OPT?

Your OPT start date must be within 60 days after your program end, as this is the latest date possible to select. If you do not start work on your OPT start date,you have up to 90 days within the 12-months of the card that you can be “unemployed” and still keep your status.

Is there a grace period for OPT after graduation?

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.

Do I need a new I 20 for STEM OPT?

ISPO will review your request and issue you an updated I-20 that will have the STEM OPT Extension recommendation on it. You will need to include a copy of this I-20 in your STEM OPT Extension application to USCIS.

Do STEM students get 3 years OPT?

Furthermore, the government will only grant STEM OPT to those who are in “Post-Completion” OPT. In other words, the program is for graduates, not current students. Combining Post-Completion OPT with the STEM extension allows you to stay in the US for three years after graduation on your F-1 student visa.

Who is eligible for OPT?

Who is eligible for OPT?  To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must: (1) have been in full-time student status for at least one academic year by the requested start date of your OPT, (2) be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application, and (3) have not used OPT at the same degree level previously.

Why do people get denied OPT?

The most common scenarios that cause rejections include: Submit your application too early or too late (outside of the application window) OIA's OPT recommendation was more than 30 days before the date USCIS received your application.

How much does stem OPT cost?

FILING FEE PAYMENT OF $410.00 (See USCIS guidelines for paying fees). TWO (2) PHOTOGRAPHS. These must meet the requirements outlined on page 20 of USCIS's Instructions for Form I-765. Students should write their full name and USCIS # (on EAD) on the back of each photograph.

Why does stem OPT get denied?

USCIS requires students who have less than one academic year (or two semesters) of student status to be ineligible for OPT. Changing SEVIS numbers or changing their i20 or school within one year of graduation increases the probability of OPT rejection.

How long can I stay unemployed on OPT?

Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment. 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.

What are my options if OPT is denied?

Some common options include a new F1 status via re-establish or reinstatement, or adjust to dependent status like F2 or H4, or applying for EB1, O1 or other employment-based status, or immigration status. An OPT denial decision is serious enough for you to talk with a reliable immigration lawyer.

Can I start 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.