Essential FAQs for Students Navigating F1-OPT and STEM OPT

As an international student, the option to apply for F1 OPT (Optional Practical Training) opens new possibilities to help continue your professional journey in the U.S. However, there are restrictions and pain points which can often make it a difficult journey to navigate.

At ISO, our team is made up of former and current international students, including many on OPT. Using our team's expertise, we aim to answer as many common OPT-related questions as we can below.

General Questions

Who is eligible for F1 OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is offered to international students with a valid F-1 visa status in the U.S. You can apply if:

• You have completed or will complete a degree program.
• Have been enrolled for at least one year.
• Plan to work in a field related to your major.

What is the duration of F1 OPT?

The F1-OPT period generally lasts 12 months and can start anywhere from the day after your program end date to 60 days after. Those in STEM fields can apply for up to an additional 24 months.

What’s the difference between pre-completion and post-completion F1 OPT?

Most of those on OPT are on post-completion OPT, allowing students to work full time after graduation. Pre-completion OPT is a different program allowing students to work part-time during their studies. Those who chose pre-completion OPT cannot apply for post-completion OPT.

OPT Application Questions

When can I apply for F1 OPT?

You can apply for OPT 90 days prior to your program end date at the earliest and no later than 60 days after your program end date.

What’s the first step of applying for F1 OPT?

You will need to contact your Designated School Official (DSO) to inform them of your intention to apply for F1-OPT. They will then endorse your I-20 and notify SEVIS.

You then will need to file an I-765 form to USCIS.

What is the I-765 form?

The I-765 form is an application for employment authorization in the U.S. If approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that allows you to work in the U.S. temporarily.

How much does the OPT application cost?

It costs $410 to submit your I-765 form to USCIS.

Do you need a job offer to apply for F1 OPT?

No – you do not need to have accepted a job to initiate your OPT application.

How long does the F1 OPT application process take?

The application typically takes 3-5 months from when you submit your I-765 to USCIS. You can stay in the U.S. after your I-20 end date while your OPT is pending, but it is recommended to apply as soon as possible to avoid this issue.

What do I need to report to my DSO to maintain my F1 OPT?

During your OPT, you must maintain contact with your DSO and report any changes in employment to them. Must report:

• Employer details (name, location, etc.)
• Job title/description.
• Employment start date.
• If you become unemployed and date of termination.
• Change of residential address.

You must work at least 20 hours a week in a position related to your field of study to maintain OPT long-term.

When will I receive my EAD card?

Once your EAD card is approved, make sure to verify all the details for accuracy, including:

• Spelling of name and date of birth.
• Start and end date of your OPT.
• USCIS number.

If there are any errors, contact USCIS Customer Service immediately to request corrections.

Your employment authorization is valid from the start date listed on your EAD card. You cannot legally work until this date.

STEM OPT Questions

How do I know if I can apply for STEM OPT?

To be eligible for STEM OPT, you must:

• Receive degree in a STEM field according to the STEM Designated Degree Program List.
• Be employed to a company who utilizes the E-Verify government system, and
• Be approved for your initial OPT with STEM designation

When can I apply for STEM OPT?

You can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension up to 90 days prior to your OPT end date and no later than 60 days after.

What happens if my OPT expires while applying for STEM OPT?

If your OPT expires while your STEM OPT extension, you are “automatically extended” for 180 days after your OPT expires (as long as you applied for STEM OPT before your OPT end date).

Employment/Pay Questions

Can I volunteer and/or intern instead of full pay job during OPT?

Yes – you can accept an unpaid position to maintain your OPT as long as you work at least 20 hours in a position related to your field of study.

How long can I be unemployed on F1 OPT?

You can stay unemployed up to 90 days on OPT. You get an additional 60 days specifically for the STEM OPT period if you apply for that.

Can I work for more than one employer on OPT?

Yes – but both employers must be in your field of study and you must work at least 20 hours a week combined.

Can I change employers during my OPT?

Yes – you can change employers as many times as you wish during OPT. The new employment must still be directly related to your field of stay for a minimum of 20 hours per week.

If you change employers, you must also update the employer’s information through the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) within 10 days – it is a requirement to maintain your F1 status.

For those on STEM OPT Extension, you will also need to submit a new Form I-983: Training Plan for STEM OPT students to your DSO. This form outlines how the job aligns with your degree and how the employer will provide mentoring and training.

Do I need to pay taxes while on OPT?

Yes – anyone who earns income in the U.S. is required to pay a federal income tax and file a tax return as a non-resident alien. You may also need to pay a state tax depending on your state.

Can I apply for a Social Security Number (SSN) while on OPT?

Yes – and it will be required if you want to work full-time in the U.S. while making income. You can apply for an SSN after getting approved for OPT by visiting the nearest SSA office and bringing in your passport, visa, I-20, and EAD card. You can also apply while on F1 if you have a job during that period.

Can I get paid before I receive the Employment Authorization Document?

No – you cannot begin working or getting paid prior to getting your EAD card, even your proposed employment start date is prior to getting it. Working before getting your EAD can jeopardize your F1 status.

Can I apply to a new school while on OPT?

Yes – you can choose to do so but once your new I-20 is approved and you begin classes, your OPT will terminate and you can no longer work full-time.

Can I apply for multiple OPT periods if I pursue additional degrees?

You can apply for OPT once per education level (ie. undergrad, graduate/master’s, doctorate). You cannot get approved for OPT twice at the same education level, even if at different schools/programs.

Travel/Post-OPT Questions

Am I allowed to travel outside the U.S. on F1 OPT?

Yes – you are able to, but make sure to have your valid passport, F-1 visa, signed I-20, and EAD card to re-enter. It is not recommended to travel outside the U.S. if your OPT is pending approval as it will make it difficult to get back in.

How long can I stay in U.S. after my F1 OPT expires?

There is a 60-day grace period for those after the OPT end date in which you can stay in the U.S. You can attempt to apply for a new status and/or apply to a new school during this time.

How can I apply for H1B from F1 OPT?

To apply for H1B from F1 OPT, you will need your employer to submit an H-1B petition to USCIS during the H-1B lottery period in March. If selected, you can then work on applying for your H-1B visa from there.

Do I need to purchase a health insurance while on F1-OPT?

While it is not required, it is strongly recommended to have a health insurance plan even if you are not employed. Most employers will offer insurance options, but if you need a plan, you can enroll in one of ISO's OPTima plans. Short-term options available as low as $39/month to help you throughout your full OPT/STEM OPT period.