How many times can you use 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 many times I can 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.

What is the lifetime limit for OPT?

Students in F-1 status, enrolled as a full-time student for at least one full academic year (Fall + Spring term) in their degree program, are eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization per degree level at a progressively highly degree level in a student's lifetime.

How long is OPT good for?

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. Looking for information about the 24-month STEM OPT Extension?

Can I 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!!

Can OPT be used twice?

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 OPT be done twice?

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.

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.

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 you apply for green card on OPT?

If you want to apply for a green card while you are in F-1 OPT visa status, you will need to apply early. Depending on your home country, there might be a lengthy wait. While the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act in July 2019, the Senate has not acted on this bill.

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.

What happens if my OPT is denied?

If your I-20 has not yet expired and your OPT application was rejected due to errors in the materials submitted, you can reapply for OPT. It is crucial to submit your new application within 30 days of the denial letter, ensuring that the materials are complete and meet the required standards.

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 renew my OPT after it expires?

You may apply for your OPT extension up to 90 days before your current OPT ends. You cannot apply once your 12-month OPT expires or during the 60-day grace period. Your complete OPT extension application must be received by USCIS before the expiration of your initial 12 months of OPT.

Can I travel 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.

Am I no longer eligible for OPT if I used more than 12 months of part time CPT?

Part-time CPT (20 hours or less per week) has no impact on subsequent eligibility for OPT, even if you work for more than a year.

What happens after your 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 is the 36 months of OPT?

The STEM OPT Extension allows graduates the opportunity to gain an additional 24-months of work experience, resulting in up to 36-months of total work eligibility in the United States following graduation from USC. All STEM OPT Extension applications are adjudicated (i.e. processed and approved) by USCIS.

How long can I stay unemployed on OPT?

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.

How long can F-1 students be out of status?

US Immigration law states that individuals in the US for more than 180 days without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 3 years. Individuals in the US for more than 1 year without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 10 years.

What is the minimum time for OPT?

Employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, paid or unpaid, to maintain legal F-1 OPT status. You should be able to provide evidence, acquired from your employer, to verify that you worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.

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 reapply if OPT is denied?

According to USCIS, OPT may be applied 90 days before, but no later than 60 days after degree completion, and no later than 30 days after the OPT authorized I-20 was issued. Therefore, you can refile OPT as long as you are qualified for OPT and your application could be received by USCIS within the required timeframe.

Is OPT hard to get?

Getting your Optional Practical Training approval can take a long time. That is why it's important to get your application in as soon as you possibly can. Most schools recommend you submit your application 90 days before you graduate, as that is the earliest allowable date you can apply.