Students remain on their F-1 Visa while they are doing their Optional Practical Training. There is no such thing as a “practical training Visa” or “OPT Visa.”
No. Many students apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training before they have actually received a job offer. However, it is important to start looking for work opportunities as early as possible since it usually takes longer to find a position than students expect.
Some students want to do part-time Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-OPT) for a few quarters while they are still taking classes full-time, then use the remainder of their training full-time after they graduate (Post-OPT). Others use full-time practical training to work for three months during their summer vacation. Dividing up practical training in this way is allowed, to a maximum of 12 months full-time, however, each period of training requires a separate application along with the $410 fee (subject to change by USCIS). You cannot divide your time for Post-Completion.
Maybe. You may be able to take courses that are incidental, non-matriculating classes on a part-time basis. Please check with the ISC before you make any decisions on study during your Post-Completion Practical Training period.
No. Once the EAD card has been issued, there is no way to cancel it.
You have 60 days after the end date on your EAD card to leave the country, start a new academic program, or remain in the U.S. with a pending change of status. You cannot work during the 60 day grace period. You are free to travel within the United States, but you should not expect to be able to return to the U.S. with your EAD card and I-20, if you leave the country during these two months.
Probably not. There is a 90-day rule that states you must report an activity (paid or unpaid) within the first 90 days of your start date for your practical training. If you do not report an activity, SEVIS will automatically complete your record. If you do find work during your OPT, you will be eligible to apply for another 12 months of work authorization only if you change your degree level, i.e. Bachelor to Master’s or Master’s to Doctorate.
If you are applying for Post-Completion, the application must be received by the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox before or within the 60 days after your I-20 end date.
You may have heard that your OPT is only valid for 90 days. There is a 90-day rule that states you must find an activity within the first 90 days of your approved start date. If you fail to report your employment before the 90 days, SEVIS will automatically terminate your record. The employment activity must meet the following requirements:
Yes! When you apply for OPT you do not need to have a job, so that information can always be added in later. Please remember that current regulations require that you report any activity that you are engaged in (paid or unpaid) during your period of OPT. This includes any time you change jobs, or if you quit or are fired. Failure to report this could jeopardize any period of OPT in the future. It is possible to report more than one activity in SEVIS at a given time.
Yes, please email your ISC advisor or isc@seattleu.edu! You are still under F-1 student status, and your I-20 and SEVIS record will still be through Seattle University. By emailing your advisor with the below information, it will allow them to create an updated I-20 with your employment information. Therefore, it is important you update the ISC regularly during your OPT, especially if you find a new job or if there are any changes to the below information. Email your advisor with the answers to the following questions:
As of April 8, 2008 certain majors may extend their OPT. Currently, it only applies to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) degrees. If you have found an employer who will sponsor you for an H-1B Visa, it is also possible that you may continue working the year you submit your application. If your H-1B is filed during the grace period following OPT, you may remain in the US until the decision of your application. If your H-1B is pending while on OPT, you may continue working up until the H-1B start on October 1st or until you receive notice of the H-1B denial.