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Optional Practical Training (OPT)

  • Overview

    Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization that allows students in F-1 status to gain practical work experience and training in a field directly related to their major area of study before (Pre-Completion) or after (Post-Completion) completion of their academic program.

    Unlike Curricular Practical Training (CPT), OPT does not have to be required for your program. This means that it does not need to be paired with an internship course, but it still must be related to your major area of study.

    Students are allowed a maximum of 12 months of OPT, which may be completed all at once, or in several different intervals (e.g., three months each summer).

    Employment authorization is given in the form of a small, plastic card called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This card will show your photo, signature, and the terms in which employment is authorized. It will also specify the time period during which you are eligible for employment.

    You may not begin working on OPT until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and it is within the dates listed on your EAD.

    Eligibility

    You are eligible for either pre-completion or post-completion OPT if the following apply to you:

    • You must have been maintained F-1 status for at least one academic year in the U.S.
    • You must currently be in F-1 status.
    • You must be in good academic standing, maintaining a sufficient GPA and be making normal progress toward finishing your degree.
    • You must not have used more than 12 months of OPT in the past at your current degree level.

    How Long Does OPT Last?

    You are eligible for a maximum of 12 months of OPT for each degree level you complete. If you are studying within certain fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension, for a total of 36 months.

  • Pre-Completion OPT


    Pre-Completion OPT

    Pre-completion optional practical training (OPT) is employment that allows students in F-1 status to gain practical experience and training in a field directly related to their major area of study before completion of their academic program.

    Employment authorization is given in the form of a card called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and authorization is granted from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

    Eligibility
    How many hours can I work per week?

    When to Apply

    If you have been a full-time student for MORE than one academic year in the U.S. and are currently in F-1 status, you may apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before you want your OPT to start.

    If you are in F-1 status and have been a full-time student for LESS than one academic year, you may apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before you will have completed one academic year. However, your OPT cannot begin until you have completed the full academic year.

    Your application to USCIS must be submitted within 30 days of your Form I-20 recommending Pre-Completion OPT being issued.

    How to Apply

    Step 1: Attend a Group Advising & Information Session
    Step 2: Undergraduates - Complete the Major/Minor Review Form
    Step 3: Submit the Pre-Completion OPT Request in accessVIS
    Step 4: Routed to Major Advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator/ Director for review
    Step 5: VIS issues I-20 Recommending OPT
    Step 6: Prepare & Submit your I-765 Application to USCIS

    Approval & Reporting Requirements

    Once you have been approved by USCIS and receive your EAD card in the mail, please log in to accessVIS and complete the Employment Authorization Document e-form, under the Pre-Completion OPT checklist, uploading a copy of your EAD.

    The approval dates on your EAD card may be different than what you requested based on USCIS processing.

    You may not work until you receive your EAD card and you may only work within the dates specified on your EAD (this includes any type of volunteering, training, internship, orientation etc.).

    Once you have secured employment, please log in to accessVIS and complete the Add or Update OPT Employment e-form under the Pre-Completion OPT checklist, providing your employment details and the offer letter.

    Employment Requirements

    Work done while on pre-completion OPT must be directly related to your major area of study. Unlike curricular practical training (CPT), the work done for pre-completion OPT does not have to be required for your program. This means that it does not need to be paired with an internship course.

    Any employment that you engage in while authorized for OPT that is not directly related to your major could be considered a status violation.

    You can only work within dates specified on the EAD, the hours you are authorized for, either part-time (≤ 20 hours a week), or full-time (≥ 21 hours a week).

    SEVP recommends that you maintain evidence for each job documenting the position held, proof of the duration of that position, the job title, contact information fo your supervisor or manager, and a description of the work. If it is not clear from the job description that the work is related to your degree, SEVP recommends that you obtain a signed letter from your hiring official, supervisor, or manager stating how the your degree is related to the work performed.

  • Post-Completion OPT


    Post-Completion OPT

    Post-completion optional practical training (OPT) is employment that allows students in F-1 status to gain practical experience and training in a field directly related to their major area of study after completion of the program.

    Employment authorization is given in the form of a card called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and authorization is granted from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

    Eligibility
    Do I need a job to apply for OPT?
    What is my immigration status while on OPT?
    How many hours can I work per week?

    When to Apply

    • You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before and up to 60 days after your expected completion date
    • USCIS must receive your application no more than 60 days after your expected completion date.
    • In addition, USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of when VIS issues you an I-20 recommending OPT.
    • You must be physically present in the United States at the time USCIS receives your OPT application.

    The sooner you apply, the more flexibility you have with a start date that best fits your plans. VIS recommends applying early, but if you are uncertain about completing any remaining degree requirements, it is best to wait until you are certain that you will successfully complete that remaining requirement(s) before applying.

    If you are a graduate student completing a thesis or dissertation, your completion date would be the date your academic advisor indicates you will finish all requirements for your program. This date doesn't have to match the end of semester date, but in many cases it will. Graduate students do have the option of applying for Post-Completion OPT with thesis/dissertation remaining. If you have any questions on your completion date, be sure to contact us.

    Choosing Your Start Date

    Post-completion OPT may start any time within 60 days after your degree completion date, and must end within 14 months of degree completion date.

    You are eligible for 12 months of OPT per academic level of study. The end date will automatically be set as 12 months after your chosen start date, unless you have less than 12 months of OPT remaining.

    Requested start dates are never guaranteed. If USCIS can't process your application by your chosen start date, a later start date may be issued on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

    Once your I-765 application has been submitted to USCIS, it is impossible to change your requested start date. If you have not filed your application with USCIS, contact your VIS advisor to see if your requested start date can be changed.

    Choosing a requested start date is a personal decision, and you should carefully consider factors such as job offers, application processing times, and potential travel plans before making your final choice.

    For more assistance on choosing a start date, click here or contact your International Student Advisor for assistance.

    Processing times

    VIS processing for all OPT I-20 requests is 5-7 business days.

    USCIS processing typically takes about 3-6 months.

    To check current processing times, go to USCIS I-765 processing times and select:

    • “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”,
    • “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and
    • “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center”

    Expediting your application through Premium Processing is an option for Post-Completion OPT.

    How to Apply

    Step 1: Attend an OPT Group Advising & Information Session
    Step 2: Undergraduates - complete the Major/Minor Review Form
    Step 3: Submit the Post-Completion OPT Request in accessVIS
    Step 4: Routed to Major Advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator/ Director for review
    Step 5: Complete the I-765 Tutorial
    Step 6: VIS issues I-20 Recommending OPT
    Step 7: Prepare & Submit your I-765 Application to USCIS

    Students applying for Post-Completion OPT will be assessed a $100 International Student Fee, payable through SOLAR.  This is a SUNY approved fee effective since Fall 2012 that is assessed based on the issuance of your I-20 recommending OPT regardless of whether you use the OPT authorization or not.  Failure to submit timely payment of this fee could result in the Bursar reporting your information to a collection agency.

    Approval & Reporting Requirements

    Once you have been approved by USCIS and receive your EAD card in the mail, please log in to accessVIS and complete the Employment Authorization Document e-form, under the Post-Completion OPT checklist, uploading a copy of your EAD.

    The approval dates on your EAD card may be different than what you requested based on USCIS processing.

    You may not work until you receive your EAD card and you may only work within the dates specified on your EAD (this includes any type of volunteering, training, internship, orientation etc.).

    Once you have secured employment, please log in to accessVIS and complete the Add or Update OPT Employment e-form under the Post-Completion OPT checklist, providing your employment details and the offer letter. Any changes to your employment should be reported within the Add or Update OPT Employment e-form in accessVIS.

    Click here to learn more on how to maintain your F-1 status while your Post-Completion OPT is pending or approved.

  • I-765 Application & Status


    Form I-765 Application & Status

    F-1 students may file the Form I-765 online, or by using the paper based application. VIS stronly recommends completing the I-765 application online, and the instructions below only explain the online application process. If you choose to submit a paper-based application, follow the USCIS instructions here. The instructions below are provided as a service solely to the international students of Stony Brook University who are applying for OPT.

    These directions are meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. USCIS ultimately provides the decision on your OPT application. It is your responsibility, as the applicant, to ensure that your application is accurate and complete before you submit it to the US government. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. Stony Brook University in no event shall be held liable for any delay, denial, or mistake on your OPT application.

    The Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman created a tip sheet on how F-1 students seeking Optional Practical Training (OPT) can avoid Form I-765 delays. Click here to review before beginning your Form I-765.

    Important Reminders


    • Do not submit an online application if you have already filed by mail. Duplicate applications may be denied by USCIS.
    • You may only file Form I-765 online from within the U.S. You are not eligible to apply for OPT from outside the country.
    • Do not file the Form I-765 online until you have received your updated Form I-20 recommending OPT.
    • Once you submit your application, you cannot go back to edit or change information. Please contact your VIS advisor immediately if you believe you have provided incorrect or incomplete information when filing Form I-765. Failing to do so can result in Requests for Evidence (RFEs), processing delays, or the denial of your application by USCIS.
    • USCIS has the discretion to require biometrics appointments on a case-by-case basis.

    how to apply

    Step 1: Gather your Supporting Documents
    It is best to have digital versions of all required documents ready in a folder to drag and drop into the USCIS system. Make sure the files are clear and readable, not encrypted or password-protected, in English, and in one of the following accepted file formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF.

    To complete the I-765, you must have these documents:

    • Passport Style Photograph: Photos must be taken within the last 30 days and cannot have previously been used for a passport, visa, or other U.S. government-related application. See Department of State’s guidelines
    • Form I-94: Download your electronic I-94 from CBP's website.
    • Previously issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or Government ID (passport, F-1 visa, or birth certificate): Must show your picture, name, and date of birth.
    • I-20 Recommending OPT: Be sure you have signed and dated page 1 using blue ink. This is the OPT-recommended I-20 that you recently received from Stony Brook.
    • Any previously issued I-20s with CPT or OPT authorization: Provide copies of Form I-20s with CPT or OPT authorization ever issued to you (no larger than 6MB per file). You do not need to provide previously issued I-20s that do not show previous CPT or OPT authorizations.

    For Pre-Completion OPT ONLY, in addition to the documents listed above you must have:

    • Proof of Enrollment: An enrollment vertification can be obtain in SOLAR. Click here for instructions.

    Step 2: Create USCIS account
    Create a myUSCIS account. You will be required to provide a valid phone number or email where you can receive a verification code for two-factor authentication, which will be required every time you log in.

    Go to “File a Form” to get started and select I-765. Read through the information carefully.

    Your responses on the online I-765 will be automatically saved. If you log out, you may log back in and resume where you left off last time.

    Step 3: complete the I-765 application
    The categories below are divided as it appears on the left-hand side of the online I-765 application. Please read through the guidance carefully.

    Prior to starting your application, please remember the following:

    • Do NOT submit the I-765 until you receive Form I-20 recommending OPT from VIS. USCIS will deny your application if you do not include your Form I-20 recommending OPT when you submit Form I-765.
    • Your I-765 must be received by USCIS within 30 days of when your I-20 recommending OPT was issued.  For Post-Completion OPT only, USCIS ALSO must receive the I-765 by the end of your 60-day grace period.
    • USCIS uses Coordinated Universial Time (UTC), not Eastern Standard Time (EST), so keep this in mind when you are submitting the I-765 close to a deadline.
    Getting Started
    About You
    Evidence
    Additional Information
    Review and Submit
    Pay Filing Fees

    Step 4: Track & report your application status
    Upon submitting your application, your USCIS account will show the progress of your application and estimated timeframe for processing. Any changes to your application will be updated through your USCIS account. You can also utilize USCIS Case Status tracker to review updates to your case.

    I-797 Receipt Notice
    Report your receipt notice to VIS by submitting the I-797 Receipt Notice e-form under the Pre or Post-Completion OPT checklist in accessVIS. You can find your receipt notice in your USCIS account under My Cases and Documents. Additionally, USCIS will mail your receipt notice to the mailing address listed on your application. On the top left of the notice you will have a receipt number. You will need this receipt number to use the USCIS Case Status tracker, or to inquire about your case to USCIS.

    Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
    Upon approval from USCIS, provide a copy of your EAD to VIS by submitting the Employment Authorization Document e-form under the Pre or Post-Completion OPT checklist in accessVIS. The EAD will be mailed to the mailing address on your application. Please do not submit your I-797 Approval Notice.

    You may see your application shows approved under your case status information on your USCIS account, but production and shipping of your card may take an additional 2-3 weeks after approval notification.  Please remember, you cannot start working until you physically have the EAD in your hand and the start date has begun.

    Carefully review your EAD when it arrives in the mail. If you notice any incorrect information, refer to the EAD Corrections section below. Your start and end dates might differ from what you originally requested. If USCIS processes your application after your requested start date, they will assign a new one. For Post-Completion OPT, your EAD end date cannot be more than 14 months beyond your I-20 program end date.

    Request for Evidence (RFE)
    Withdrawing the I-765
    Case Inquiries
    Expediting the I-765
    Change of Address
    Delivery Issues
    EAD Corrections

    maintain your status while post-completion OPT

    Students on Post-Completion OPT are required to report any and all changes to employment, address, name, status, etc. within 10 days, work full-time (≥ 21 hours a week) and work at job(s) related to their degree.

    Click here to understand how to maintain your F-1 status while your OPT is pending or approved.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to upload all I-20s ever issued to me?
    What should I do if I don't have I-20s showing previous CPT or OPT authorizations?
    What type of payment is acceptable?
    Can I save a draft of the application?
    When do I get my receipt number and notice?
    Can I file my I-765 online while I am outside the U.S.?
    What can I use my USCIS online account for after I have submitted my application?
    Does requesting a Social Security Number (SSN) delay the processing of the Form I-765?
    When do I get my SSN if I applied for it through my I-765 application?

     

  • Workshops & Info Sessions


    Post-Completion OPT Group Advising & Information Sessions

    During the Post-Completion OPT Group Advising & Information Sessions, VIS advisors will offer a comprehensive overview of the 12-Month Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefit available to F-1 students. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and gain the necessary insights to successfully navigate the OPT application process. Attending these sessions is highly recommended for all F-1 students who aim to obtain work authorization after graduation.

    fall 2024 Sessions

    Date Time Location
    Wednesday, September 4th 12:30pm - 1:30pm Frey 104
    Friday, September 13th 3:00pm - 4:00 pm Zoom - Register here
    Friday, November 15th 3:00pm - 4:00pm Zoom - Register here
  • Premium Processing


    USCIS Premium Processing

    F-1 students can request “premium processing” for their Form I-765 when they apply for:

    • Pre-Completion OPT
    • Post-Completion OPT
    • STEM OPT extension

    Premium processing provides expedited processing on Form I-765 for an additional governmental fee. In exchange for the additional fee, USCIS guarantees that it will take some adjudicative action (approval, denial, request for evidence, notice of intent to deny) within 30 calendar days.  If your I-765 is approved, the 30 calendar days does not include the production and shipping of your card, which may take an additional 2-3 weeks after an approval notification.

    If the application requires the submission of additional evidence or a response to a notice of intent to deny, the 30 day premium processing time period will stop and reset. A new premium processing time period will begin when USCIS receives a response to the request for evidence or notice of intent to deny.

    How Expensive is Premium Processing?

    Premium processing for Form I-765 currently costs $1,685.

    How Do I Request Premium Processing?

    You may submit the form (Form I-907) online through your USCIS online account. The fee for the Form I-907 is an entirely different fee from the I-765 fee. You can submit Form I-907 along with your I-765, or you can request Premium Processing later through your USCIS account after submitting your I-765. Please note that if you choose to add Premium Processing after submitting your I-765, the 30-day period for USCIS to take adjudicative action begins only when you submit Form I-907, the Application for Premium Processing.

    Remember – you must receive your endorsed I-20 recommending OPT from VIS before you submit Form I-765 and Form I-907 to USCIS.

    Read the full I-907 Premium Processing Instructions

    Should I Request Premium Processing?

    Filing for premium processing with the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization is optional. Prior to paying the premium processing fee, VIS recommends that you consider the following:

    • USCIS I-765 processing times
    • The amount of time before your intended OPT employment start date
    • Whether you need your EAD for travel purposes after your I-20 end date

    To check processing times for any type of OPT application, go to USCIS I-765 processing times and select:

    • “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”,
    • “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and
    • “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center”
    Related Links
  • Maintain Status on Post-Completion OPT


    Maintaining F-1 Status while on Post-Completion OPT

    Below is a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your status while on pending or approved OPT.  If you have additional questions, please reach out to your International Student Advisor.

    Immigration Status on Pending or approved opt

    Your status (F-1) does not change while your I-765 is pending, or after your I-765 has been approved.

    i-765 application is pending
    As long as you have timely filed your application, which would be prior to the expiration of your 60-day grace period and within 30 days of your OPT I-20 being issued, you are considered in status and are not required to depart the U.S. while awaiting adjudication of your I-765. This holds true even if your 60-day grace period has passed.

    i-765 application is approved
    After your I-765 is approved and while you are on Post-Completion OPT, you will continue to be in F-1 status and you must meet all requirements listed below to maintain your status.

    Reporting Requirements

    You must report the following information within 10 calendar days of when the change occurs:

    • Reporting Employment: Submit the Add or Update OPT Employment e-form in accessVIS under the Post-Completion OPT checklist within the Employment & Training section.  Be sure to report the following within 10 days of the change:
        • Employment for the first time
        • Update(s) to current employment information
        • Change of employment
        • Additional employment
        • Termination or interruption of employment
    • Change of Contact Information: Submit the Contact Information e-form in accessVIS under Biographical Information.
    • Change of Name: Submit the Immigration Document e-form in accessVIS, uploading proof of new legal name.
    • Change of Address: Update your Local (Off-Campus) Address in SOLAR.  You will have access to SOLAR after graduation, and after your netID has been deactivated.  Click here for instructions on how to change your address.

    If your SBU netID has been deactivated, which occurs 200 days (approximately 6 months) after you are no longer registered for classes (click here for more information), then you will need to use Limited Services to login to accessVIS.  Click the Limited Services Access link on the accessVIS homepage to login and retrieve your Limited Services Pin.

    SEVP Portal

    The SEVP Portal is an online portal for students on post-completion OPT to report the following directly to SEVP:

    • Change in your phone number
    • Change in your mailing and /or physical address
    • Change in your employment information

    The use of this portal is optional and does not impact your employment authorization.

    You have two options for reporting the information listed above: either through the SEVP Portal or via accessVIS. If you choose accessVIS, we will update your SEVIS record and notify SEVP of the changes. There is no need to report these changes twice.

    Please note that new I-20s cannot be issued through the SEVP Portal. If you need a new I-20, be sure to report through accessVIS.

    Since you must report changes within 10 days, if you are late to this reporting timeline the portal will not allow you to submit the update, and you must report it through accessVIS.

    Creating the SEVP Portal
    Email Address for SEVP Portal
    Unlocking SEVP Portal

    Failure to complete academic program

    Speak with your VIS Advisor before your I-20 program end date if you think there’s a possibility that you may not graduate.  If you do not complete your academic program requirements by your I-20 program end date and fail to request a timely program extension, your F-1 record will be terminated. While you may be eligible to regain your F-1 status, your eligibility for OPT may be in jeopardy so it is important you contact your VIS advisor for guidance.

    If your I-765 application has not been approved by USCIS and you know you will not graduate, contact VIS immediately, as there may be a chance we can withdraw your application with USCIS.

    If your I-765 application has been approved but you know you will not graduate, USCIS will not reverse their decision and you may lose eligibility time for Post-Completion OPT, or accrue unemployment days.

    Invalidating your opt

    Your pending I-765 and/or approved Post-Completion OPT authorization may be canceled or invalidated if you:

    • Start a new degree program
    • Transfer to another institution
    • Enter the U.S. is any status other than F-1
    • Change or end your status
    • Are unemployed for more than 90 days

    If any of these situations apply to you, please contact your VIS Advisor immediately to find out how to proceed.

    additional information

    Health Insurance
    Taxes
    Driver’s License

    Employment requirements

    You are not eligible for any type of employment, either on or off campus, until you receive your EAD and the authorized start date listed on your card has been reached.

    All employment during Post-Completion OPT must be full-time, which is defined as at least 21 hours per week, and every job you do must be directly related to your academic program and major, and appropriate to your degree level. Multiple jobs and employers while on OPT is allowed, as long as each job you do relates to your degree.

    Can I work if my EAD card has been approved by USCIS, but I have not received it yet?
    How do I know if my job is related to my degree?
    types of employment

    Regular paid employment in a position directly related to the student's program of study. Students may work for multiple employers, as long as it is directly related to the student's program of study.
    Multiple Short-term Employers: Students such as musicians and other performing artists, may work for multiple short term employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration.
    Work for Hire: This is commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by DHS, students should be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
    Self-Employed Business Owner: Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. The student should be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to his or her degree program.
    Employment Through an Agency: Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 21 hours per week while employed by the agency.
    Unpaid Employment: Students may engage unpaid employment/activity, provided it complies with labor laws. The work should involve at least 21 hours per week and be directly related to the student's program of study. Students should be able to furnish evidence from their employer, verifying the dates worked and the number of hours per week.

    evidence of employment

    Paid Employment
    Unpaid Employment

    Volunteering/working at sbu

    While authorized for Post-Completion OPT you are eligible to work on campus at Stony Brook as long as the work is at least 21 hours per week and directly related to your degree program.  You cannot begin this work, even if it is unpaid, until you receive your EAD and the start date has begun.

    Your work at Stony Brook may be paid or unpaid, where this practice does not violate any labor laws.     If the position you're performing is volunteer or unpaid, it should be intended as an unpaid role from the start. It is a violation of U.S. federal labor laws for an employer to permit you to work in an unpaid capacity in a position which is normally compensated for similar workers.

    As a policy you must report the position to VIS through accessVIS, and upload a letter of offer signed by the Department Chair or Dean on letterhead detailing the following:

    • Description of your specific duties
    • Dates of employment (begin and end dates)
    • Number of hours of work per week
    • Physical address of the employment (do not use P.O. Box)
    • Name of your supervisor

    Unemployment

    You are not permitted to accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during your while on Post-Completion OPT. The count is an aggregate number, meaning all periods of unemployment are added together.

    The unemployment period begins on the start date specified on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and continues accumulating until you report your qualifying employment in accessVIS. Each day (including weekends and holidays) during your authorized OPT period that you do not have qualifying employment counts towards the 90-day limit. For instance, working less than 21 hours per week is considered unemployment and contributes to the 90-day limit.

    When do my unemployment days start counting?
    Stopping the Unemployment Clock
    Exceeding the Unemployment Limit

    Remote WOrk & Absence from the U.s.

    OPT is strictly a U.S.-based work authorization. While remote work for U.S. employers is allowed, working remotely from within the U.S. for a non-U.S. employer (who does not have U.S. office location) is not permitted under OPT and does not meet OPT employment requirements.  OPT is not a way for students who are not engaging in training in the U.S. to maintain active F-1 status.

    If your employer has granted an approved leave for vacation or personal reasons, this time will not be counted as unemployment.

    F-1 students on OPT who are outside of the U.S. for more than 5 continuous months are considered to be in violation of their F-1 status. This could result in the termination of your F-1 SEVIS record.

    If you need to temporarily work remotely from outside the U.S. for your U.S. employer, you must return to the U.S. within 5 months of the departure. VIS recommends retaining evidence (i.e. email, letter, etc) from your employer that confirms their approval for you to work remotely from abroad.

    It is generally safest to refrain from working outside of the U.S. for long periods while authorized for OPT, unless the travel is for work-related purposes.

    If your employment does not require any physical presence in the U.S., then it is not appropriate employment for OPT.

    International Travel

    It is important to understand the risks of international travel while your I-765 is pending with USCIS, or after it has been approved.

    Travel with a pending i-765 application

    If you have filed your I-765 application and you will return to the U.S. after the end of your final semester and I-20 end date, then we do not recommend international travel until your OPT is approved, you have your EAD and a job offer.

    If you are currently enrolled and will return to the U.S. before the end of the semester, your re-entry will be based on your return as a current student. 

    Considerations for Travel with Pending I-765
    Documents to Carry for Travel with Pending I-765
    Travel after i-765 is approved 

    Students who have approved OPT are allowed to travel abroad, but it is recommended to only travel if you also have qualifying employment so you do not exceed your unemployment limit. It is important that you are prepared to present proper documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to demonstrate that you can resume employment upon returning to the U.S. Additionally, you should be prepared to answer questions regarding the specific nature of your OPT work and how it relates to your degree program.

    Note: If you exceed the limits on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to reenter the United States in F-1 status.

    Documents to Carry for Travel with Approved OPT
    Visa Renewal

    options after opt

    As long as you worked and did not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment while on OPT, you can stay in the U.S. for up to 60 days after completing your OPT.  Listed below is are your options during those 60 days, and what steps to take with VIS:

    • Prepare for your departure from the U.S.: Submit the Ending my F-1 Status e-form in accessVIS
    • Transfer to another institution: Submit the Transfer Out request in accessVIS
    • Change to a higher degree level with SBU: Submit the Change of Degree Level request in accessVIS
    • Change your status: Submit the Ending my F-1 Status e-form in accessVIS, upload proof of your new immigration status.

    24-month stem opt extension

    A 24-month STEM OPT extension may be available after the initial 12 months of Post-Completion OPT for students studying in designated STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and meet other employment criteria.

    Students who are eligible can apply as early as 90 days prior to the end date of their current Post Completion OPT authorization, but no later than the expiration of their current OPT.

    Click here to understand the eligibility criteria and application process for STEM OPT Extension.

    H-1B Cap Gap Extension

    If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf, you could be eligible for the cap-gap extension.  The cap-gap is the period after an F-1 student’s Post-Completion OPT has expired, but before their H-1B work authorization begins on October 1.

    The cap-gap extension automatically extends F-1 students’ immigration status and work authorization in order to bridge the gap between the end of their F-1 status and the start of their H-1B status ensuring the students’ employment and stay in the U.S. are not interrupted.

    Click here to learn more about the H1-B Cap Gap Extension.

Employment and Training
Employment and Training