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Is F-1 visa the same as OPT?

Overview. OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing, a degree program in the United States.
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What is the difference between F-1 visa and OPT?

OPT is granted for a maximum of 12 months for most students, with an additional 24-month extension available for students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. On the other hand, F1-CPT does not have a predefined time limit.
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Is OPT still in F-1 status?

OPT is a benefit of your F-1 visa status and not a separate work visa or visa category. You continue to be in F-1 student visa status while you are on OPT and must abide by all F-1 regulations during your period of OPT.
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Am I still considered an F-1 student while on OPT?

Although your authorization to engage in optional practical training will end, as long as you comply with all requirements for maintaining your student status, your F-1 status will not be affected by USCIS terminating your EAD.
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Can I apply for F-1 visa 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. The process to apply for a visa while on OPT is very similar to when you were an enrolled student.
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Work on F-1 Visa: CPT and OPT

What is the OPT period for f1 visa?

The maximum amount of time granted to work in F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level plus a possible H-1B cap-gap extension OR a 24-Month extension for those who qualify (see questions on the 24-Month STEM Extension below).
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What happens if my f1 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.
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Can I stay in the US with an expired F-1 visa?

Please note that under current USCIS regulations, you may remain in the U.S. with an expired F-1 visa, as long, as your I-20 is valid and you are maintaining your student status (enrolled full-time).
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How do I keep F-1 status after OPT?

Maintaining Status - Post-Completion OPT
  1. Keep your Immigration Documents Safe and Valid.
  2. Keep Your Local Address and Contact Information Up To Date.
  3. Work At Least 20 Hours per Week in Degree Related Employment.
  4. Follow Volunteer Rules.
  5. Limit Any Study to Part Time.
  6. Do Not Exceed the Maximum Days of Unemployment.
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How many hours can an F-1 student work?

International students enrolled full time and in valid F-1 status can generally work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during when classes are in session, and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not.
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Do F-1 visas get rejected?

This is the most common reason why a visa officer may reject your F1 visa application, and the most important factor they look at during the interview. If the visa officer has the slightest thought that you have no intention of returning to your home country, that is grounds for rejection.
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Can you work on F-1 status?

Yes. However, the F-1 student's total work hours for all jobs cannot exceed 20 hours during the school term. The F-1 student may work full-time during those periods when school is not in session or during the student's annual break.
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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.
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Do F-1 students need sponsorship for OPT?

No employer sponsorship needed.

Students must be enrolled for one year before applying for OPT. OPT may be used before or after a student completes their degree. OPT acquired before degree completion is referred to as Pre-completion OPT. OPT acquired after degree completion is referred to as Post-completion OPT.
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Does F1 visa require sponsorship?

Does the hiring employer need to sponsor an international student? No, not initially. The most common type of student visa (F-1) allows for an initial 12 months of full-time work authorization. This is called Optional Practical Training (OPT) and is a direct benefit of the student's current F-1 visa status.
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Is F1 visa considered a permanent resident?

In general: F and J student visa holders are considered non-resident aliens during their first five calendar years in the U.S. J professors and researchers, are considered non-resident aliens during their first two calendar years in the U.S.
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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.
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Is it harder to get a job on OPT?

the competition for OPT students is tough but it is not impossible to sail through it. If they have the right guidance and effective strategies they can excel in their duration of stay in the USA. F1 visa-holding students are privileged to work at Optional Practical Training OPT.
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How long is F1 visa valid?

Validity of the F-1 visa

The F-1 visa is issued for up to 5 years. It is important to note that the visa is only valid in conjunction with a valid I-20 form. US residency status is for the duration of the period noted on the I-20 form.
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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.
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How long can F-1 students stay in the US after graduation?

F-1 student visa

They can stay in the US for up to 60 days after finishing their academic program unless they applied for and were accepted to carry on working for a while under the OPT Program. F-1 students must complete their studies by the termination date on their I-20 form.
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Can I extend my f1 visa in USA?

To renew your F-1 student visa you have to re-apply for the visa from your home country, or another country, at a US embassy or consulate (applying from your country is always preferable).
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How long can I stay in the US after my OPT expires?

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.
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Can I work remotely on OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work either before or after graduation in a job that's related to their major. According to USCIS, you can use OPT for remote work for a non-US company, but you can only work up to 20 hours per week during the academic semester.
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How many days can you stay after OPT ends?

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.
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