ETSU | Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International Enrollment and Services

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Students must attend an OPT Training Seminar before requesting an OPT I-20 for the application process. Our standard processing time for OPT is 10 business days (excluding holidays/closures). However, it is important to be aware of the OPT Application Time when planning to file for post-completion OPT (see When To Apply)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit available to international students who have maintained F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. OPT is a period when students can work in fields directly related to their studies. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT (USCIS OPT For F-1 Students).


OPT Training Fall 2024: ALL students applying for OPT Fall 2024 must attend an OPT training session. OPT training dates are available here.   You must use your ETSU email when signing up for the training. If you use a personal email address, they system will not allow you to log in to the training.


  OPT TRAINING SIGN UP

 

DO NOT file your I-765 application before receiving your new I-20 with the OPT recommendation from your ISA.  Filing your case without the new OPT I-20 will result in a denial of your OPT application.

  • Helpful Acronyms

    ISA: International Student Advisor

    USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

    OPT: Optional Practical Training

    STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics 

    EAD: Employment Authorization Document

    DSO: Designated School Official (this is your ISA)

    SEVIS: Student & Exchange Visitor Information System

    IES: International Enrollment and Services

Please note: The information provided in this post was accurate and up-to-date at the time of posting. Due to the dynamic nature of immigration policy, it is possible that the information or links provided may have changed over time. Users are advised to verify the accuracy and relevance of the content.

Types of OPT

  • Pre-Completion

    Pre-Completion OPT is authorization to gain practical experience during your degree program (before the program end date on your I-20). Pre-Completion OPT can be either part-time (less than 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).

    • Part-time or full-time: During your annual summer vacation if eligible and if you intend to register for the next term or session.
    • Part-time: While school is in session, provided that OPT does not exceed 20 hours per week and you maintain your full-time student status.
    • Not eligible for Cap-Gap
    • Not eligible for STEM extension

    Most students do not apply for pre-completion OPT and instead use Curricular Practical Training for internships, practicums, and field experiences because many ETSU degree programs include them in the curriculum. Contact your ISA, for more information. 


     

  • Post-Completion

    Post-Completion OPT is authorization to gain practical experience AFTER the completion of your degree.

    • Post-completion OPT is always full-time (20 hours or more per week).
    • Eligible to apply for STEM extension if you meet all requirements
    • Eligible for Cap-Gap extension, if applicable
  • STEM Extension

    Some F-1 students who earn degrees in designated Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) programs, as identified by the major and Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code on their I-20, may be eligible for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.

    • The 24-month extension is only available to students who are currently in a period of approved Post-Completion OPT.
    • The STEM OPT Extension is granted in one 24-month period; it cannot be “split” into two periods. The employment start date for a STEM OPT Extension is the day immediately after the day your Post-Completion OPT expires.

    For details on this, review the information available at the U.S. government website’s STEM OPT Hub and our STEM webpage (available soon). 

OPT Basics

OPT is an employment benefit of a student's F-1 status and is generally applied for in a student's last semester.

  • Eligibility Requirements

    To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must meet all of the following requirements: 

    • In F-1 status for at least one academic year
    • In good academic standing
    • Maintaining legal status
    • Be in the U.S. when requesting the OPT I-20 & when submitting the OPT application to USCIS
    • Intend to obtain employment in a position directly related to your major field of study
    • Authorized for less than 12 months of full-time CPT
      • F-1 students who have used one year or more of full-time CPT are no longer eligible for OPT
      • Use of part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT
    • Have not already completed OPT at a higher degree level

    **Please note that you do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

  • Duration

    Previously used OPT: F-1 students may only be authorized for a maximum of 12 months of full-time OPT during or following each advancing degree level. If you have already been authorized for OPT at the same degree level for which you are now applying for OPT, you are not eligible for OPT at that same degree level again. 

    Note: The highest level of OPT that can be used is doctoral. If you have already been approved for doctoral level OPT, you are not eligible for any other OPT at any degree level. 

    F-1 students are eligible for OPT for a maximum of 12 months at each degree level.

    • Pre-completion OPT is subtracted from the 12-month total at each degree level.
      • Full-time pre-completion OPT is subtracted from the 12-month total you are eligible for. For example, if you are approved for 3 months of full-time pre-completion OPT, you would have 9 months of OPT left at that degree level.
      • Part-time pre-completion is subtracted at ½ the rate. For example, if you are approved for 2 months of part-time pre-completion OPT, you would have 11 months of OPT left you at that degree level.
    • You are only eligible for OPT once per degree level.
      • For example, once you are approved for OPT at the master’s level, you will not be eligible for a second period of OPT at the master’s level.
    • Once approved for OPT at a higher degree level, you are ineligible for OPT at any lower level.
      • For example, if you are approved for OPT at the master’s level, you would not be eligible for OPT at the bachelor’s level at any point after the master’s level approval.
    • If you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) after the work authorization start date you requested, you are not eligible to recover the time that passed while you were waiting to receive your EAD card in the mail. You must still stop working on the end date indicated on the EAD card unless you are eligible for a 24-month STEM extension and have applied in a timely manner.

    Example 1: You are currently pursuing a master’s degree at ETSU. You also previously earned another master’s degree in the US. You already applied for and were approved for OPT based on that previous master’s degree. In this case, you are not eligible for OPT. You will only be eligible for another period of OPT at the next advancing degree level (Doctorate), if applicable.

    Example 2: You used OPT at the bachelor's level in the past. You now just finished a Master's. You are eligible to apply for OPT based on this Master's because it is a higher degree level than the bachelor's, and you have not already used OPT at the Master's or doctoral level.

    Example 3: You used OPT at the master’s level in the past. You now just finished a Bachelor’s. You cannot apply for OPT because you already participated in OPT at a higher degree level. OPT is available for each higher level of study.

When to Apply

Work authorization for OPT must be obtained from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), so please plan ahead to ensure a timely receipt of your application. If your application is received by USCIS more than 60 days after your program end date, you will not be eligible for OPT. 

Program End Dates: Fall & Spring graduates, your program end date will be shortened to the day of commencement. For students completing coursework in the summer term, your program end date will be the last day of classes. You can review these dates on the Academic Calendar. 

  • Program end dates for Master’s and Doctoral Students who have a thesis or dissertation requirement may require a different program end date. Your program end date will be specified by your graduate coordinator on the OPT Certification form.

Note: Once an OPT application goes to the USCIS, IES has no control over the progress of the application. We would like to advise all our students who are considering applying for OPT, to plan well in advance.

 

  • Pre-Completion
    • If you are completing your first academic year (two semesters) of study, you may submit your OPT application 90 days prior to the date you will complete your first year of study provided that the employment will not begin work until after your first academic year of study has been completed.
    • If you have completed academic year (two semester) of study, you may submit your OPT application as early as 90 days prior to your requested work start date.
    • If you are a master’s or doctoral student applying for OPT based on completion of your coursework requirements, you may submit your application as early as 90 days prior to the requested work start date.
      • Not eligible for Cap-Gap
      • Not eligible for STEM extension
  • Post-Completion
    • If you are applying for OPT based on completion of your degree, you may submit your application for OPT as early as 90 days prior to your program end date (i.e., if your Program End Date on your I-20 is May 15, you may apply for your OPT as early as February 14).
    • If you are a master’s or doctoral student applying for post-completion OPT based on completing your required course work (and still have your thesis or dissertation left to complete) you can apply as early as 90 days before your requested work start date, as long as you will have completed all your required course work by the requested start date.

    Please be aware that your OPT application must be received by USCIS no later than 60 days after the day you complete your program or the program end date indicated on your I-20, whichever occurs first. (i.e., if your Program End Date on your I-20 is May 15, you may apply for your OPT as early as February 14).

  • OPT Processing Times

    F-1 students who applied for OPT may face delays in receiving their EADs (employment authorization documents). F-1 students are not permitted to begin working until they get their EADs. They cannot travel outside the US and reenter without their EAD and a job offer. Lengthy wait times may result in loss of opportunities or jeopardize a student’s legal status in the U.S. Historically, OPT applications have taken 90 days to be processed by USCIS. 

    Follow these links for more information on processing times:
    Check USCIS Case Processing Times 
    Contact USCIS for a status update (if your OPT/STEM application has been pending for more than 90 days)

    OPT applications can be sent to the USCIS up to 90 days before the end of a student’s coursework and up to 60 days after. This means that with enough advance planning, a student can apply in a timeline to receive their EAD card in time and begin working according to their plans. It may also help to inform potential employers about the possibility of a delay in receiving work authorization. Finally, it is important to note that students still have legal status in the U.S. during the OPT adjudication period as long as they filed in the correct time frame.

    • You must submit your OPT application within 30-days of the OPT I-20 issuance (see ISA signature/date on page 1).

    Premium Processing is now available for OPT I-765 applications

    • USCIS provides the option for you to have your OPT application adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the date of request. Adjudication could be an approval, request for evidence, rejection, or denial - it does NOT guarantee you an approval.
    • Premium processing is NOT mandatory. This is a personal decision you need to make based on your situation. You should carefully review all information the USCIS Premium Processing webpage and the normal USCIS Processing Times webpage before making your decision. 

opt application timeline

How to Apply

ALL F-1 students who plan to apply for either pre-completion or post-completion OPT must follow the following procedure:

  • Attend a training seminar with the ISA (see available dates above)
  • Submit the OPT Certification Form (you and your academic advisor/graduate coordinator will complete this form)
  • Review the OPT application instructions
  • After receiving your OPT recommended I-20, you will submit your OPT application materials to USCIS
    • You must submit your OPT application within 30-days of the OPT I-20 issuance (see ISA signature/date on page 1).

DO NOT file your I-765 application before receiving your new I-20 with the OPT recommendation from your ISA.  Filing your case without the new OPT I-20 will result in a denial of your OPT application.

  • Application Overview

    Your ISA will not review individual I-765 OPT application forms or supporting documentation. It is your responsibility to review our detailed OPT Application Guide, OPT application video (currently in development so you will attend a live OPT session instead) and OPT application checklist. Failure to follow our detailed instructions could result in a rejection, delay, or denial of your OPT application by USCIS.

    • You are expected to watch the  OPT instructional video (attend a live OPT session with your ISA Advisor), and complete the required OPT Certification form.
    • Your ISA will provide the OPT recommendation in the form of a new I-20. Your ISA will send the I-20 to you via email.  You will need to print the OPT I-20, sign it, and include it as part of your final OPT application to the USCIS. 
      • Be sure to sign the I-20 document on the proper signature line on page 1. ISA processing time is 10 business days (excluding holidays/closures).
      • The new I-20 must be hand-signed (ink signature); digital/electronic student signatures are not accepted
    • Send a scanned copy of your signed OPT I-20 directly to your ISA via email
      • Email Subject Line: Signed OPT I-20
    • The ISA email will also include detailed instructions on how to complete your application and instructions on how to submit the application to USCIS via the USCIS e-File system and what to expect after filing.
    • In most cases, provided that you have obtained the required recommendation from your ISA and submitted the required documents to USCIS, OPT is not denied by USCIS. However, problems occur when the application guidelines are not followed (i.e., incorrect mailing address, wrong photograph format, wrong file format, etc.).
    • Students who apply for post-completion OPT and then fail to graduate on the date indicated in their applications risk violating their student visa status and possibly forfeiting their OPT. Students who do not graduate as planned must contact their ISA immediately.
  • OPT Certification Form

    All students applying for OPT must request a specific OPT start/end date. Students will enter this selected start/end date on the OPT Certification form.

    Start Date:

    • Students applying for pre-completion OPT may select any date after they have completed their first two semesters as a full-time student as their requested pre-completion OPT start date. 

    • Students applying for post-completion OPT must select an OPT start date that is any date after the program end date (day of commencement of your final semester of registration) up to 60 days after the program end date.


    End Date:

    • Students applying for pre-completion OPT should select the specific date they want pre-completion OPT to end. 

    • Students applying for post-completion OPT should select the date one year from their requested start date, unless they have been authorized for pre-completion OPT.
      • If you have been approved for pre-completion OPT and are now applying for post-completion OPT, please see the section above regarding the rate at which pre-completion OPT is subtracted from post-completion OPT.


    **See OPT Certification Form Guide for submission details

  • USCIS Application

    The OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible.  Please use the OPT resources to complete your final application.  If you have questions or need clarification, please contact your ISA directly BEFORE filing your application with USCIS.

    Now that you have received your OPT I-20 and instructional email from your ISA, please review the following links before submitting your OPT application to USCIS.

    • Consult the OPT Application Checklist for a full list of documents to include in your final OPT application that you will submit to USCIS.
    • To complete the online Form I-765 OPT application, you should consult the OPT Application Guide for instructions.
    • This application requires documentation from previously authorized CPT and OPT. 

    As part of your OPT application to the USCIS, you are required to include copies of previously issued I-20s and EADs associated with prior periods of CPT and OPT.

    • If you are missing copies of previously issued I-20s, you may be able to contact the international office at the school you attended to see if they are able to provide you with copies.
    • If you are unable to include previous EADs, you should attach copies of any receipt and approval notices you received from USCIS relating to those applications if you have them in your possession, so as to provide USCIS with as much information as possible.
    • If you are unable to locate documentation, you may use the missing documentation letter template, located in Resources, to include with your application to USCIS.

     

    Important Note: You are required to send your ISA a copy of your OPT I -797 Approval Notice and EAD card.

OPT Reporting Requirements and Responsibilities

Students are REQUIRED to report employment to their ISA via the OPT Employment Reporting Form  in order to maintain status, regardless of reporting information in the SEVP Portal.  We suggest to those students who wish to use the SEVP portal that they use it for viewing purposes, only, and not to make any changes.  The SEVP Portal is optional and not required by federal regulations.  Students who choose to use the Portal to report information are still required to report that same information to their ISA.

 

  • Department of Homeland Security Reporting Regulation

    The Department of Homeland Security launched the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal in March 2018 with the intention of making it easier for F-1 students on OPT to report their employment, address, and telephone number directly to DHS.  While this portal may provide some convenience, please remember that the immigration regulations have not changed. The regulations still state that F-1 students must report employment to their Designated School Official (International Student Advisor). Students will receive an automated link from SEVP to create an account in the SEVP Portal at the beginning of their OPT period.  

    The exact regulation is in 8 CFR 214.2(f)12)(i) and reads:

    • (i) General. An F-1 student who is granted employment authorization by USCIS to engage in optional practical training is required to report any change of name or address, or interruption of such employment to the DSO for the duration of the optional practical training. A DSO who recommends a student for OPT is responsible for updating the student’s record to reflect these reported changes for the duration of the time that training is authorized.
  • Reporting Requirements

    While on OPT, you remain in F-1 status, and employment is required to maintain status. You must work at least 20 hours per week in a position directly related to your field of study, and you must not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment.

    On the start date of your OPT (if it has been approved), you should receive an email from the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) instructing you to create an SEVP Portal Account. 

    • If you do not receive this email, please contact your ISA via email with the Subject Line: “SEVP Portal Account.”

    The following information must be reported during the post-completion OPT period of authorization within 10 days of any changes via the OPT Employment Reporting Form:

    • Your residential address
    • Your phone and email address
    • Employer information upon obtaining a job or changing jobs
      • Employer's name
      • Employer's address
      • Job Title(s)
      • Explanation of how your job(s) relates to your major area of study 
      • Start and/or end dates of employment
    • When a job ends, the end date of that employment will be updated in SEVIS (DO NOT delete any periods of employment as that will cause unemployment day accrual)
    • Any periods of unemployment:
      • Note: unemployment is reported by timely reporting the end date of your prior employer to your ISA--date ranges not covered by employment dates that you have entered on the employment reporting form count as unemployment.
      • Remember that you are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month period of post-completion OPT
    • Date of exiting the U.S. (You must provide date of exit if you decide to exit the U.S and complete your OPT status prior to the end date of your OPT)
    • If your visa status changes while on OPT

     

    Note: Students are responsible for updating personal & employment information via the OPT Employment Reporting Form within 10 days of the change. 

  • Unemployment Limitations

    F-1 visa regulations allow students to apply for OPT without having an employer. For students who remain in the U.S. on post-completion OPT, their legal status depends on being employed. OPT employment may be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and includes self-employment. Students on post-completion OPT may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment within the approved dates of OPT as listed on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you exceed the 90 days of employment, you are no longer eligible to apply for the STEM extension, if applicable. 

    You can review detailed information regarding unemployment here.

  • Employment Requirements

    All OPT employment, including post-completion OPT employment, is required to be related to the student’s program of study. The following list describes acceptable forms of employment:

    • Paid employment--Students may work part time (at least 20 hours per week when on post-completion OPT) or full time.

    • Multiple employers--Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to each individual student’s program of study. 

    • Work for hire-- This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employer-employee relationship. If requested by the Department of Homeland Security, 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 must be able to prove that they have the proper business licenses and are actively engaged in a business related to their program of study.

    • Employment through an agency or consulting firm-- Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing that they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while being employed by the agency.

    • Unpaid employment-- Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. A student must be able to provide evidence, acquired from the student’s employer, to verify that they worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.


    Note: Cannabis Industry - be aware that the use and sale of cannabis is illegal at the federal level, although it may be legal in some U.S. states. To avoid possible deportation or inadmissibility from the US, students should avoid positions related to federally illegal substances. We recommend consulting with an attorney if you have concerns.

    Resources:

    Will Legal Use of Marijuana Make Applicant for Immigration Benefits Inadmissible? 


    Warning for Immigrants About Medical & Legalized Marijuana 


    Legal immigrants with jobs in the marijuana industry are being denied US citizenship 


    USCIS Announcement: Legal Marijuana Use Will Prevent You From Obtaining Citizenship


    FAQ Regarding Marijuana Use and Immigration Consequences 


    Unless You're a Citizen, Legal Marijuana Isn't for You


    Legal Colorado Marijuana Workers Denied Citizenship Over Work
     

     

    Please note:  STEM OPT extension rules and responsibilities are more extensive than the list above. Please see the STEM information.

Travel on OPT

  • OPT Pending or Approved

    Travel before your I-20 program end Date

    You can travel the way that you always have with:

    • a valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by your ISA (the signature must not be more than 12 months old at the time of reentry to the U.S.)
    • an unexpired passport
    • an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens). If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S.
    • The above also applies to your F-2 dependents.

    Travel after your I-20 program end Date with Pending OPT:

    • International travel while an OPT application is pending can be risky and is not generally recommended. If you have an OPT application pending and believe you must travel, please contact your ISA.
    • Entry to the U.S. in any status other than F-1 OPT will invalidate your OPT work authorization.
    • This also applies to your F-2 dependents.

    Travel after your I-20 program end Date with OPT Approval:

    • You must have ALL documents listed below in order to travel and reenter the U.S. while on an approved period of OPT.  In many cases you may also need to apply for a new F-1 visa before you may return to the U.S.
      • a valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an ISA (the signature must not be more than six months old at the time of reentry to the U.S.)
      • an unexpired passport
      • an unexpired F-1 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens). If your F-1 visa is expired at the time of your reentry to the U.S. you must apply for a new F-1 visa to reenter the U.S.
      • an OPT EAD issued by USCIS. Printed on the EAD is the statement "Not valid for reentry." This statement means that the EAD alone is not valid for reentry.             
      • evidence of a job offer or evidence of resumption of employment

    Students who have the documents listed above may travel outside the United States and reenter even before the date their work permission begins. For example, an F-1 student who graduates in May with an OPT EAD that begins in July may travel and return to the United States any time after graduation.

    NOTE: Entry to the U.S. in any status other than F-1 OPT will invalidate your OPT work authorization.

  • Travel on Cap Gap

    Generally speaking, you may travel abroad and seek readmission to the U.S. in F-1 status during a Cap-Gap period if:

    •  your H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved;
    •  you seek readmission before your H-1B employment begins (normally at the beginning of the fiscal year, i.e., October 1); and
    •  you are otherwise admissible.

    Please note: traveling outside the U.S. may interfere with the processing of your H-1B petition. We strongly advise that you consult with your employer and their legal counsel processing the H-1B regarding all travel plans before departing the U.S. Click here to access the latest travel information from the USCIS.

  • Travel for F-2 Dependents  
    • Valid Form I-20, signed on page 2 by an ISA (the signature must not be more than six months old at the time of reentry to the United States)
    • Valid F-2 visa in the passport (except for Canadian citizens)
    • Valid passport
    • Photocopy of F-1’s EAD

OPT & H-1B Cap Gap Extension FAQs

  • What is an H-1B Cap-Gap Extension?
    A Cap-Gap extension is a regulatory provision that extends an eligible F-1 student's OPT employment authorization based on an appropriately filed “change of status” H-1B petition with an October 1 start date.
  • Am I eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension?

    You are eligible for a Cap-Gap extension if your employer submits a timely filed a change of status to H-1B petition to USCIS on your behalf. You may be eligible for one of two Cap-Gap extensions:

    1.  If your employer filed your H-1B petition and it is receipted by USCIS prior to your post-completion OPT expiration date, you are eligible for an extension of your OPT employment authorization through September 30.

    2.  If your employer filed your H-1B petition and it is receipted by USCIS after your post-completion OPT expires but during your 60-day grace period following OPT, your F-1 status and permission to remain in the U.S. are extended until September 30, but the OPT employment authorization is not. In other words, you will not have work permission.
  • How do I apply for an H-1B Cap-Gap Extension I-20?
    To request the Cap-Gap I-20, please contact your ISA via email with Subject Line: “CAP-GAP I-20 Request” along with all supporting documentation of your H-1B approval (USCIS I-797 Notice of Approval). 
  • How long will the H-1B Cap-Gap Extension I-20 request take?
    Your ISA will issue the Cap-Gap I-20 within 10 business days (excluding holidays/closures) of the receipt of your request, provided you include all required information.
  • Can I travel during an H-1B Cap-Gap Extension?

    Generally speaking, you may travel abroad and seek readmission to the U.S. in F-1 status during a Cap-Gap period if:

    1.  your H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved

    2.  you seek readmission before your H-1B employment begins (normally at the beginning of the fiscal year, i.e., October 1) and

    3.  you are otherwise admissible.

    Please note, traveling outside the U.S. may interfere with the processing of your H-1B petition. We strongly advise that you consult with your employer and their legal counsel processing the H-1B regarding all travel plans before departing the U.S. Click here to access the latest travel information from the USCIS.

  • Can I switch employers while I am on Cap-Gap Extension?
    Generally speaking, you cannot switch employers during your Cap-Gap extension. Please consult with your employer's legal counsel.

Options After OPT or Ending OPT Early

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. If you remain in the United States past the end of your 60-day grace period without transferring to a new school or program or having applied for a timely filed Change of Status, this is a violation of your F-1 status and could lead to current or future consequences to your US visa record.

  • Departing the U.S.

    It is extremely important that you notify your ISA of any changes to your immigration status:

    During OPT: If you leave the U.S. permanently before your EAD expires, or decide not to use OPT, you must notify your ISA by email. Use the Subject Line: OPT Early Completion: Departing the U.S.

    After OPT: If your plan is to depart the United States after your OPT, you must do so within your 60-day grace period. You must stop working by the end date on your EAD card.

  • Change of Status

    During OPT: If you change to another visa status in the U.S. before your EAD expires, such as H-1B or obtain Permanent Resident status, you must notify your ISA. To report this change, you will email your ISA with Subject Line: Change of Status Approval, and attach evidence of your new status (i.e., new I-94 arrival/departure record AND I-797 Approval Notice, or green card).

    After OPT: If you have a pending or approved change of status when or after your OPT ends, check with the immigration legal counsel working on your change of status application to determine what options are available to you and if you may remain in the United States past the end of your 60-day grace period without a negative impact to your immigration status

    H-1B: If you have a pending or approved change of status to H-1B, you may be eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension I-20. Please consult with the immigration legal counsel working on your case.

  • Continuing Your Education

    During OPT: Beginning a full-time program of study while on OPT is not allowed. If you wish to start a new program while on OPT, the remainder of the OPT must be forfeited before beginning classes with the new program. If you are beginning a program of study at another U.S. school, you must complete out SEVIS Transfer Release Form and upload the admission letter to the new school.  If you are beginning a new program of study at ETSU, you must request a new I-20 via the link in your admission letter. 

    After OPT: If you are planning to go back to school after your OPT, you must complete our SEVIS Transfer Release Form and upload the admission letter to the new school or request a Change of Level I-20 if returning to ETSU. This must be done before the end of the 60-day grace period following the OPT end date.

    • Students should keep in mind the following points when deciding when to request a Transfer Out of their SEVIS record:
    • The SEVIS transfer release date can be within the OPT period dates listed on the EAD or up to 60 days after the expiration date on the EAD.
    • Students may request a release date in the future and continue working on OPT until that date as long as the EAD has not expired and the new program of study has not yet begun.
    • After the SEVIS transfer release date has passed, students may not continue working on OPT, even if the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has not expired. The release date, in effect, cancels the EAD.
    • Classes at the new school must begin within 5 months of the transfer release date or the end date on the EAD, whichever is earlier. If the time period between the OPT end date and the start date of classes at the new school will be more than five months, please meet with your ISA to discuss your options.

SEVP Portal

The Department of Homeland Security launched the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal in March 2018 with the intention of making it easier for F-1 students on OPT to report their employment, address, and telephone number directly to DHS.  While this portal may provide some convenience, please remember that the immigration regulations have not changed. The regulations still state that F-1 students must report employment to their Designated School Official (International Student Advisor). Students will receive an automated link from SEVP to create an account in the SEVP Portal at the beginning of their OPT period.  

The exact regulation is in 8 CFR 214.2(f)12)(i) and reads:

(i) General. An F-1 student who is granted employment authorization by USCIS to engage in optional practical training is required to report any change of name or address, or interruption of such employment to the DSO for the duration of the optional practical training. A DSO who recommends a student for OPT is responsible for updating the student’s record to reflect these reported changes for the duration of the time that training is authorized.

The above information is based on relevant immigration regulations for general information purposes, only, and does not constitute legal advice.  Always contact your ISA with specific questions.

 

  • While working on OPT, do I need to use the portal to update my employer or address information?
    Since the regulation has not changed, students are REQUIRED to report employment to their ISA via the OPT Employment Reporting Form  in order to maintain status, regardless of reporting information in the SEVP Portal.  We suggest to those students who wish to use the SEVP portal that they use it for viewing purposes, only, and not to make any changes.  The SEVP Portal is optional and not required by federal regulations.  Students who choose to use the Portal to report information are still required to report that same information to their ISA.
  • How can I access the SEVP portal?
    You can only access the SEVP portal once you receive your EAD and your OPT start date has arrived. On the first day of your approved OPT (start date on your EAD), you will receive an email from Do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov containing an access link to the SEVP portal. Click on the link and set up a unique password. In advance, you should add the email listed above to your Trusted Sender List (non-spam list). Please also check your spam/junk mail if you do not see an email in your inbox on or after the start date on your EAD.
  • Is there help for creating an account in the SEVP portal?
    You may access videos for step by step instructions on how to set up and use your account.
  • To which email account will the SEVP portal access information be sent?
    The email will be sent to the email address listed on your OPT Certification Form that you completed when you applied for OPT.
  • What if I do not receive the initial email on my first day of approved OPT?
    If you have already checked your spam/junk mail folder and the email from Do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov is not there, email your ISA with Subject Line: SEVP Portal Reset Request. The ISA will submit a request on your behalf to have the link re-sent to you.
  • How can I log in to the portal?
    You can log in by clicking here.
  • How often do I need to access the SEVP portal throughout my OPT period?
    You must access the portal every 90 days, even if you do not have any updates to make. The SEVP portal will lock after 90 days of inactivity, and you will have to contact your ISA to reset your account.
  • Can I use the same SEVP portal password for the duration of my OPT?
    You must change your password every 90 days, and you should not share your password with anyone under any circumstances.  When your password is close to expiring, the SEVP portal will prompt you to change your password upon logging in.
  • I have been locked out of my account.  How do I unlock it?
    Please email your ISA with Subject Line: SEVP Portal Reset Request. The ISA will submit a request on your behalf to have the link re-sent to you.
    Note: ALL employment updates will be made using the OPT Employment Reporting Form (see details above).  
  • I am working for two different employers on post-completion OPT. Can both be listed in SEVIS?
    Yes, you will submit two OPT Employment Reporting Forms—one for each employer.
  • I switched jobs on OPT. What do I do to reflect my job change?
    Employment updates will be made using the OPT Employment Reporting Form (see details above).  When completing the form, be sure to enter your last date of employment for your previous position. 
  • I am self-employed, working remotely, or working for a staffing agency. What address should I list for the employer address?
    If you are self-employed and working out of your home, use your home address as your employer address. If working remotely or working for a staffing agency, ask your employer which address you should list on the OPT Employment Reporting Form. 
  • My name has changed. Can I update this information in the SEVP portal?
    It is not possible for you to make name changes in the portal. Please contact your ISA to update this information as you will need to submit documentation of the name change (i.e., passport, marriage certificate, etc.).
  • My email address has changed. Can I update this information in the SEVP portal?
    It is not possible for you to update your email address.  Please complete the OPT Employment Reporting Form to update this information.

International Enrollment & Services (IES) provides general guidance on your OPT/STEM OPT application based on information obtained from reliable sources and reflecting our years of experience in working with students. We make every attempt to ensure that we provide you with the most up-to-date information available. However, any advice provided to you by our office (as well as the information on this webpage) does not constitute legal advice. The OPT/STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible; the application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case. IES does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. IES is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.

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