Can I work while my OPT is pending?

You can continue working & travel Your work authorization is automatically extended for up to 180 days while the 24-month STEM OPT extension application is pending. The USCIS receipt notice is documentation of the extended authorization.

Can I work on campus while waiting for OPT?

While your OPT Application is pending with USCIS, you are NOT eligible to do the following: Work on campus past the program end date on Page 1 of your OPT I-20. Work off campus past the CPT end date and program end date on Page 1 of your OPT I-20.

Can you work while on OPT?

Students can work over 20 hrs per week between required terms of study (full-time Pre-Completion OPT), and less then 20 hrs per week while classes are in session (part-time Pre-Completion OPT). Students who use part-time OPT, deduct days at half the rate.

When can I start working under 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.

Can I work with OPT approval notice?

Basics: Once USCIS approves the OPT, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. You cannot begin work until you have received the EAD. The EAD will explicitly state the dates you are authorized to work.

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Do I need to tell my employer I am on OPT?

If you're on OPT, the answer to that question is yes. If they never asked—or if they did ask and the answer wasn't yes: before accepting the offer, this is the time to tell them. The issue here is that H1B sponsorship is challenging for employers, and penalties for getting it wrong are substantial.

What if OPT status is pending?

Once an OPT request status changes to Pending, the student must write USCIS to withdraw the OPT application. The request must: Be sent to the USCIS Service Center processing the application. The address is on the USCIS-issued Receipt Notice sent to the student.

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.

Can I work 20 hours on OPT?

If you are authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT, you may work (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session. You may work full time when school is not in session. Post-completion OPT: You may apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing your studies.

Can I work 40 hours 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 work while waiting for OPT card?

Can I work while my STEM OPT application is pending? Yes, you can work after your first OPT period ends and while your STEM OPT application is pending up to 180 days provided USCIS receives your STEM OPT application by the expiration of the first OPT period.

Can you work 2 jobs during 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 work 2 full time jobs on OPT?

The short answer: Yes! You can work multiple jobs on OPT. You can accept multiple full-time jobs, part-time jobs, or a combination of both while on your OPT. One critical aspect of the post-completion OPT is that there's no cap on the total number of hours you work.

How many hours can I work during OPT?

To maintain F-1 status while on OPT, the F-1 student must work for a minimum of 20 hours per week in a job(s) that is related to their field of study. There are no “maximum” hours while on OPT.

How long does OPT take to get 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 can I stay unemployed 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.

Can I work 60 hours a week on OPT?

In other words, there is no limit to the number of hours allowed for working. But you need to comply with the requirement of working for the minimum number of hours to be considered as being employed. You should work at least 20 hours a week.

How do I end my OPT early?

Please log in to M-Passport, click on Requests > Departure Form, and submit the request telling us that you have decided to abandon your OPT and the date you plan to depart the U.S. We will end your SEVIS record effective the date you indicate you plan to leave the U.S. or the date you notify us, whichever is later.

How much is the OPT fee?

USCIS's OPT (I-765) application fee will increase to $470 for online filings starting April 1, 2024. Paper OPT filings will increase to $520.

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 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 extend my OPT?

You can request your STEM OPT Extension I-20 from ISS as early as 90 days before your current 12-month OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card expiration date. USCIS must receive your STEM OPT extension application before your current 12-month OPT EAD Card expiration date.

Can USCIS reject OPT?

Usually, USCIS gives a response window of 1-2 months. If you don't respond to the RFE within the timeline provided in the notice, your application will be denied. It is extremely rare for applications to be rejected. However, when they are, it is because the student is not eligible for OPT.

Can I be unemployed while STEM OPT is pending?

Yes, students on STEM OPT may be temporarily unemployed. Under standard post-completion OPT, you receive a 90 day allotment to be unemployed.

Can I work on OPT while h1b is pending?

Check your eligibility for the cap-gap extension.

30 or until you receive a decision on your H-1B visa petition. The cap-gap extension is designed to allow OPT students to continue working while their applications are pending because many F-1 OPT students will have their OPT EADs expire before the decision is reached.