Q: Can I take classes while I'm on OPT? While engaged in post-completion OPT,
students are eligible to engage in coursework as long as it is incidental to their OPT employment
(limited to part-time enrollment.) OPT is effectively cancelled by official SEVIS transfer to another school or change in academic level.
Can I do an online degree while on OPT?
There is no problem with studying online while working on OPT, as
long as you fulfill your OPT full-time work requirements
.
Can I study while on OPT?
Because your primary purpose is to pursue employment/an internship/practical training,
any study while on OPT must be incidental
. This means you cannot be studying full-time and you cannot be obtaining a new degree or certificate. If you enroll in such a program, your OPT will automatically terminate.
Are you a full time student on OPT?
If you are authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT, you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session.
You may work full time when school is not in session
. … If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time.
Can I do master's while on OPT?
The USCIS places
a 12 month limit per degree level on OPT
, but there is no stipulation that the whole 12 months must be used at once. This means that if visa holders do not use their entire 12 month period during their first Master's degree, however many months they have not used can be applied to the second Masters.
Can I go to school part time while on OPT?
If you are authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT, you may work part time
(20 hours or less per week) while school is in session
. You may work full time when school is not in session. … If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time.
Can I stay in US while waiting for OPT?
Students may remain lawfully in the
U.S. beyond the end of the 60-day grace period
if their OPT application is pending at USCIS.
Can I apply for green card while on OPT?
F-1 visa
OPT participants have a few options to adjust their statuses so that they can become lawful permanent residents of the U.S. If you are an F-1 visa holder who participates in OPT, you might be able to apply for a green card. … Transitioning to a green card can allow you to permanently live and work in the U.S.
Can you work more than 40 hours on OPT?
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 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.
Do we get OPT after PhD?
You must not have used OPT at a higher degree level
. For example, if you complete a Phd, then use OPT, and then complete a Master's-level program, you will not be eligible for OPT for the Master's level. … You are eligible for 12 months OPT per education level.
How long can I be 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.
Can I go back to school after OPT?
Beginning a full-time or degree-seeking program of study while
on OPT is not allowed
. If you decide to go back to school full-time, you will need to transfer your SEVIS Record and I-20 to the new school.
Can I apply for OPT with an expired F-1 visa?
If your F-1 visa has expired, and OPT or OPT STEM Extension application is pending,
you will NOT be able to apply
for a new F-1 visa until the application is approved and you have the EAD.
Can OPT be denied?
Normally, if your OPT/STEM OPT Extension is rejected, you
must file a completely new application with USCIS
. If the application is rejected after your filing deadline (the end of the 60-day grace period for OPT; end of the OPT EAD for STEM OPT) refiling would normally be denied.
