FAQ

Yes, but you need:

• Valid F-1 visa (or new visa if expired)
• Valid EAD card
• Valid I-20 with travel signature (less than 6 months old)
• Employment verification letter (recommended)

Important: If F-1 visa expired, you'll need to renew it at U.S. consulate. Having a job makes visa renewal easier.

Cap-gap extension automatically extends your F-1 status and OPT if:

• You have a pending or approved H-1B petition
• H-1B start date is October 1st
• Your OPT expires between April 1 and September 30

Benefits:

• OPT automatically extends until September 30
• You can continue working
• No need to file separate extension

Your DSO will update your I-20 to reflect cap-gap extension.

Yes, you can start a business on OPT if:

• Business is related to your degree
• You work full-time (20+ hours/week)
• You report self-employment to DSO
• You maintain proper records

Requirements:

• Register business (LLC, corporation, etc.)
• Get EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• Keep business records and tax documents
• Update DSO about business activities

OPT (Optional Practical Training):

• When: Before or after graduation (pre-completion or post-completion)
• Purpose: Practical training related to your field of study
• Duration: 12 months (or 36 months for STEM)
• Requires: EAD card from USCIS

Additional Information:

• When: During your studies, as part of curriculum
• Purpose: Internship or work that is part of your degree program
• Duration: Can be part-time or full-time, no fixed limit
• Requires: Authorization from DSO, usually CPT notation on I-20
• Important: Using 12+ months of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT

You must report employment changes within 10 days:

• Update SEVIS portal (preferred method)
• Notify your DSO via email or in person
• Provide employer information: Name, address, job title, start date

What to report:

• Starting new job
• Changing employers
• Ending employment
• Address changes
• Name changes

Failure to report can result in termination of OPT status.

No, you cannot extend regular OPT beyond 12 months unless:

• You qualify for STEM OPT extension (24 additional months)
• You have a cap-gap extension (until H-1B starts)

After 12 months of OPT:

• Change to H-1B (if selected)
• Change to another status
• Leave the U.S.
• Return to school for another degree

If OPT application is denied:

• Review denial notice for specific reason
• Common reasons: Late filing, missing documents, ineligible degree, SEVIS issues
• Options: File motion to reopen/reconsider, or reapply if still eligible
• Timeline: Must act quickly as OPT has strict deadlines

Prevention: File early, double-check all documents, work with DSO, ensure SEVIS is updated.

Yes, volunteering is allowed during OPT if:

• Volunteer work is related to your degree
• You work at least 20 hours/week (for full-time OPT)
• You report volunteer position to DSO
• No payment received (true volunteer work)

Benefits: Counts toward employment requirement, helps avoid unemployment days, builds experience.

Note: Unpaid internships may also qualify if they meet OPT requirements.

After OPT ends, you have a 60-day grace period to:

• Prepare to depart the U.S.
• Change to another status (H-1B, F-1, etc.)
• Transfer to another school

During grace period:

• Cannot work
• Can travel within U.S.
• Must leave before 60 days expire

Important: Grace period starts from OPT end date, not EAD expiration. Plan accordingly.

Yes, remote work is allowed on OPT if:

• Job is related to your degree
• You work full-time hours (20+ hours/week)
• You report remote employment to DSO
• You maintain proper employment records

Requirements:

• Update SEVIS with employer address (can be your home address for remote work)
• Keep employment verification and pay stubs
• Ensure job meets OPT requirements

STEM fields that qualify for OPT extension include:

• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, etc.
• Technology: Computer Science, Information Technology, etc.
• Engineering: All engineering disciplines
• Mathematics: Math, Statistics, etc.

Check DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List for complete list. Your degree must be on this list, and your employer must be E-Verify enrolled.

Yes, you can apply for H-1B while on OPT:

• Your employer files H-1B petition (typically in April)
• You can continue working on OPT while H-1B is pending
• If H-1B is approved and selected, you get cap-gap extension
• H-1B status begins October 1st

Important: Make sure your OPT is valid through October 1st, or you may need to leave and return with H-1B visa.

If you exceed 90 days of unemployment:

• Your F-1 status is terminated
• You must leave the U.S. immediately
• You may be barred from re-entry
• Future visa applications will be negatively affected

Prevention:

• Start job search early
• Consider volunteer work (counts as employment)
• Track unemployment days carefully
• Have backup plans

Yes, you can study part-time while on OPT, but:

• Must maintain full-time employment (20+ hours/week)
• Part-time study is allowed (online courses, evening classes)
• Cannot enroll in full-time degree program (would need new F-1 visa)

Options:

• Online courses and certifications
• Part-time master's programs
• Professional development courses

OPT processing time varies:

• Typical processing: 3-5 months
• Peak season (spring): Can take longer
• Premium processing: Not available for initial OPT

Timeline:

• DSO recommendation: 1-2 weeks
• USCIS receipt: 2-4 weeks after filing
• Approval: 3-5 months after receipt
• EAD card delivery: 1-2 weeks after approval

Apply early! File 90 days before program end date.