how to extend opt visa

To be eligible for this extension, students must:

• Currently have an unexpired 12 month OPT;
• Have a degree that falls into a STEM field, even if it is a previous degree;
• Work for an employer which meets OPT employer criteria;
• Submit Form I-765 to USCIS at least 90 days before your current OPT and EAD expire. ...

Full Answer

How can I extend my opt?

• Travel While OPT or OPT STEM Extension is Pending. Travel during the OPT application process is allowed, but not recommended as it poses certain risks.
• Getting an F-1 Visa Stamp During OPT/STEM. ...
• If You Are on OPT & Have a Pending or Approved H-1B or OPT Cap-Gap I-20. ...

Can I apply for the OPT extension without a job?

Yes, an OPT is like an authorization to go and look for jobs in the same field of study. A student need not have a job offer in advance to apply for OPT extension. The extension period and over OPT allows a candidate to be unemployed or reside in the USA with an unemployed status for 90 days.

Can I continue working after my Opt expires?

Yes, you can work after your first OPT period ends and while your STEM OPT application is pending up to 180 days provided USCIS receives your STEM OPT application by the expiration of the first OPT period. Please refer to the I-9 Handbook.

How long is an opt visa good for?

The maximum amount of time you can be on an OPT is 12 months. This does not change whether you are doing a pre completion or post completion OPT. After 12 months, your OPT and visa are not valid anymore. This is only valid for when you find a job.

When should I extend my OPT?

When to Apply. You can request your STEM OPT Extension I-20 from ISS as early as 90 days before your current 12-month OPT EAD card expiration date. USCIS must receive your STEM OPT extension application before your current 12-month OPT EAD card expiration date.

How much does it cost to extend OPT?

FILING FEE PAYMENT OF $410.00 (See USCIS guidelines for paying fees). TWO (2) PHOTOGRAPHS. These must meet the requirements outlined on page 20 of USCIS's Instructions for Form I-765.

How can I extend my F-1 visa for OPT?

If you need to renew your F1 student visa while on OPT, ISSS recommends you speak with an ISSS advisor to discuss the possible risks involved. OPT is a benefit of the non-immigrant F-1 status which means if you indicate immigrant intent to the U.S. consular official, your F-1 visa could be denied.

Can I extend my OPT online?

Effective April 12, 2021, F-1 students seeking post-completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension approval can file the Form I-765 online with USCIS.

How many times can OPT be extended?

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.

What can I do after my OPT expires?

4 Options After OPT Expires to Stay in the U.S.Option #2: Apply for a J-1 Visa. A J-1 visa is typically issued by USCIS to professors, researchers or exchange students. ... Option #3: Start a Business. ... Option #4: Go Back to School. ... Learn More.

Is it risky to renew F-1 visa on OPT?

Renewing a visa while on OPT is risky. Visa issuance and re-entry to the U.S. is at the discretion of the USCBP. The Office of Global Engagement cannot guarantee re-entry. However, you can minimize any kind of problems by entering the U.S. a few weeks prior to the end date of your I-20.

What if my F-1 visa expires while on OPT?

If you are approved for OPT/STEM while outside the United States, you will need to arrange for your EAD card to be sent to you in order to re-enter the United States. If your F-1 visa is expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.

Can I apply for OPT extension after OPT expires?

You may apply for your OPT extension up to 90 days before your current OPT ends. You cannot apply once your 12-month OPT expires or during the 60-day grace period. Your complete OPT extension application must be received by USCIS before the expiration of your initial 12 months of OPT.

Where do I send my OPT extension?

What address should I send my STEM OPT Extension application to?What courier service will you be using?Address that you should use:USPSUSCIS Attn: I-765 C03 P.O. Box 805373 Chicago, IL 60680-5374FedEx, UPS, or DHLUSCIS Attn: I-765 C03 (Box 805373) 131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor Chicago, IL 60603-5517

What is OPT extension?

The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. On May 10, 2016, this extension effectively replaced the previous 17-month STEM OPT extension.

Is online OPT faster?

Does filing I-765 form online for OPT or STEMP OPT make the processing faster ? No, the processing times are not going to be faster for OPT applications filed online. It is only the receipt number generation and getting a copy of receipt earlier are the key advantages.

Can you renew your OPT?

Once you receive your OPT, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT visa extension: Up to 90 days before your current OPT authorisation ends, and. Up to 60 days after your DSO enters a recommendation into your SEVIS record.

Does OPT cost money?

When will the fee begin? Graduating students who apply for post-completion OPT or AT on or after August 18, 2018, will be required to pay the fee. For 24-month STEM OPT extensions, the fee will be charged for any alumni applicant whose 12-month OPT expires on or after August 18, 2018.

What form do employers need to complete for STEM OPT?

As part of the STEM OPT extension, employers must complete the appropriate parts of Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students. In this form, employers attest that: They have enough resources and trained personnel available to appropriately train the student;

How long does it take to get an extension for F-1?

Certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). Close All Open All.

What is a site visit for STEM OPT?

As noted above, DHS, at its discretion, may conduct a site visit of any STEM OPT employer to ensure that the employer possesses and maintains the ability and resources to provide structured and guided work-based learning experiences consistent with the Form I-983. See 8 C.F.R. 214.2 (f) (10) (ii) (C) (11). Consistent with this provision, during a site visit, DHS may verify that the employer that signs the Form I-983 is the same entity that provides the practical training experience to the student and ensure compliance. For ICE to effectively conduct these site visits as part of its oversight responsibilities, it is important that employers report any change in a student’s employment address. As indicated above, the employer and student must report such a material change by submitting a modified Form I-983 to the DSO at the earliest available opportunity.

How to report material changes of STEM OPT student?

Report material changes of the STEM OPT student’s employment by submitting a modified Form I-983 to the DSO at the earliest available opportunity.

How long does it take for a STEM extension to expire?

If you file your STEM OPT extension application on time and your OPT period expires while your extension application is pending, we will automatically extend your employment authorization for 180 days. This automatic 180-day extension ceases once USCIS adjudicates your STEM OPT extension application.

When will USCIS extend the I-765?

ALERT: On Feb. 26, 2021, USCIS extended flexibilities to certain foreign students affected by delayed receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. These flexibilities apply only to applications received on or after Oct. 1, 2020, through May 1, 2021, inclusive. Read more here: USCIS Extends Flexibilities to Certain Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT .

What degree do you need to get into STEM OPT?

Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a school that is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency and is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application.

What is an OPT visa?

What is a US OPT visa? OPT stands for Optional Practical Training and there are 3 types: As part of the OPT visa rules, you must first have a valid F-1 visa for study at a SEVP-recognised institution. The OPT is not a visa class on its own, but rather it is your F-1 visa plus an Employment Authorisation Document (EAD).

How long is an OPT visa valid?

For example, if you work for 2 months during your studies, your OPT visa will only be valid for another 10 months post-graduation. However, you may be able to work fewer than 20 hours a week on-campus without using your OPT time.

How long does it take to get your US OPT visa?

If you’re going into your second year of a 2-year degree in the US, this will be the most pressing question you have over the next several months. And, you’ll need to get the timing right to maximise your OPT time in the US.

When should you apply for the 24-month STEM extension?

Once you receive your OPT, you can apply for the 24-month STEM extension:

What is an EAD on an F-1?

EAD - Employment Authorisation Document: this is the privilege that sets the OPT apart from your F-1.

What to do if STEM extension is denied?

If your STEM OPT extension is denied, you’ll need to leave the US, though you may want to consult with an immigration lawyer about other visa classes that may be suitable for your situation. After receiving your OPT visa extension and EAD card, you can: Begin your OPT employment.

What happens if you get a STEM extension?

If your STEM extension is granted, you are bound by the dates in your amended OPT documentation.

How long does it take to get an extension for OPT?

If you have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization if you:

When can I start my OPT?

You may begin your OPT only after we approve your Form I-765 and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

How long is post completion OPT?

For example, if you participated in 10 months of pre-completion OPT, you would be eligible for only up to 2 months of post-completion OPT.

What is an OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. 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.

What is the form I-765?

Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions.

When can I file Form I-765?

1, 2020, through Oct. 31, 2021, inclusive. Applicants can file Form I-765 up to 120 days before the program end date if the application is received by Oct. 31, 2021. Read more here: USCIS Extends Flexibilities to Certain Applicants Filing Form I-765 for OPT.

When does the cap gap expire?

If you are an F-1 student with a timely filed H-1B petition and change of status request, and your F-1 status and employment authorization will expire before the change of status to H-1B occurs (typically Oct. 1), you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension. Go to our Cap-Gap Extension page for more information.

How to extend stay in the US?

If you remain in the United States longer than authorized, you may be barred from returning and/or you may be removed (deported) from the United States. Check the date in the lower right-hand corner of your Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, to determine the date your authorized stay expires. We recommend that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires.

How long before I-94 expires can I extend my stay?

We recommend that you apply to extend your stay at least 45 days before your authorized stay expires. You may apply to extend your stay if:

Can you be ineligible for a visa if you have not committed a crime?

You have not committed any crimes that make you ineligible for a visa

When to apply for OPT?

Apply after your DSO enters their recommendation on your SEVIS record, and as early as 90 days before you finish a whole academic year (granted that you don’t begin OPT until after the first year has finished)¹

How long do you have to be on CPT to apply for OPT?

Have completed at least one full academic year to begin OPT, and be a maximum of 90 days away from completion to apply for OPT.

What are the OPT types?

If you’re on an F1 Student Visa, you can apply for two different types of OPT programs:

What are the OPT requirements?

Luckily, there aren’t too many OPT requirements. To be eligible for an OPT visa, all you’ll need is to:

What is an OPT program?

OPT for international students is a great way for you to continue living and working in the US, while increasing your experience in your field of study. You can apply for the OPT program during your studies, which is known as pre-completion OPT, or after them, which is known as post-completion OPT.¹.

How long does it take to get an I-765?

You may also need to pay a biometric services fee, depending on your circumstances. Once you’ve done that, it can take anywhere between 1.5 to 13 months for Form I-765 to be processed.⁴. If you’re applying to be an F-1 student, you’ll have to pay the I-109 SEVIS fee of $350.

What is an F visa?

An F-1 visa is for international students whose study results in a degree, diploma or certificate from an academic institution or language school. An M-1 visa, on the other hand, is for international students that are studying vocational, non-academic subjects.

How to find an OPT job?

When performing a job search for OPT jobs, it may be helpful to reach out to the international student counselor at your university for guidance. Websites such as OPT Nation may provide useful job leads as well. Try searching for a contract position that only requires an employee for a certain number of months. Employers often look for candidates who will stay at their company for the long term—contract positions are unique as the company is only looking to fill a position for a limited amount of time.

What is an option practical training?

Optional practical training is a program for undergraduate and graduate students on F-1 visas. OPT allows these students to stay and work in the United States for 12 months. To be eligible for this program, students must have either received their degree or have been studying in the US for one full academic year.

How long is the STEM extension?

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) students or graduates may receive a 24-month extension of stay. However, this extended program only has a certain number of spots available. For more information on the OPT STEM extension, visit the USCIS website.

How long can a graduate student work in the US?

The H-1B status allows the graduate student to live and work in the United States for up to six years. To be eligible for this type of visa, you must prove to USCIS that you are uniquely qualified for the position in the company because of your field of study.

Why do international students get green cards?

International students have the upper hand in receiving green card status because they have already spent an extended amount of time living in the United States legally.

Can I sponsor my family for green card?

Immediate family sponsorship. If you have an immediate family member who is a US citizen, they can sponsor you for green card status. To sponsor you, your family member must be a spouse, child over 21, parent, or sibling. You will need to prove your relationship through Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative.

What is STEM OPT?

STEM OPT is a provision for extending standard OPT tenure. It applies to students who are enrolled in the categories of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths to apply for an extension of up to 24 months after the completion of the 12-month standard OPT term.

How long does it take to notify the employer of STEM OPT termination?

If STEM OPT students are terminated or leave the job for any reason, the employer must inform the concerned DSO within 5 business days.

How to apply for a STEM degree?

The documents needed for the application are: 1 The student must provide an I-765 form at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the current OPT status. 2 The employer must be enrolled in E-verify and should have E-Verify Company Identification Number. 3 The student must provide a copy of their STEM degree. 4 The student must attach an I-20 form which should be endorsed by their DSO in less than 60 days.

What is optional practical training?

Optional Practical Training is a provision of temporary employment with regards to a student’s F-1 visa status. The eligible students can file for 12 months of OPT work authorization either pre-completion or post-completion of their graduation.

When do I need to submit an I-765?

The student must provide an I-765 form at least 90 days prior to the expiration of the current OPT status. The employer must be enrolled in E-verify and should have E-Verify Company Identification Number. The student must provide a copy of their STEM degree.

Can you employ STEM OPT students?

As long as all the regulations comply, employing STEM OPT students in your firm will be of no issue but ahead starts in bettering your organization. See to it that timely actions are taken to produce or to submit documents as stated by the federal rules and regulations.

Can a third party client work with STEM OPT?

For STEM OPT students working at third party client, the employer and the third party client must be ready for a visit from the authorities. These site visits are a greater risk to the students than the company. If anything is found to be out of compliance, STEM OPT students face a risk of getting their STEM OPT extension denied, revoked, or terminated as seen fit by the authorities.