OPT is a temporary employment authorization for F-1 students, allowing them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months in the United States.

To be eligible for OPT, you must be an F-1 student, enrolled full-time for at least one academic year at a SEVP-certified institution, and have a job offer directly related to your major.

Pre-completion OPT allows part-time work while school is in session and full-time during breaks, before completing a degree. Post-completion OPT is for full-time work after completing a
degree.

Yes, you can work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) during Post-completion OPT, but most students prefer full-time work.

You can work under OPT for up to 12 months. Students in STEM fields may extend this by an additional 24 months.

The STEM OPT Extension allows eligible F-1 students with degrees in STEM fields to extend their OPT for an additional 24 months.

To apply, you must first get a recommendation from your DSO in SEVIS, then file Form I-765 with USCIS to get your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

You can apply up to 90 days before and no later than 60 days after completing your academic program.

An EAD is a card issued by USCIS that proves you are authorized to work in the U.S. during your OPT period.

You are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month OPT period.

Students on a STEM OPT Extension have an additional 60 days of allowable unemployment, totaling 150 days over the entire OPT period.

Exceeding the unemployment limit can lead to the termination of your F-1 status.

Yes, but you should have your EAD card, a valid F-1 visa, a valid passport, and a job offer letter or employment verification to re-enter the U.S.

Yes, you can work multiple jobs as long as each job is related to your field of study and you maintain F-1 status.

The Cap-Gap Extension automatically extends OPT for students whose OPT ends before their H-1B status begins, bridging the “gap.

If your degree is not on the STEM list, you are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension.

The DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS and provides necessary guidance, but the student must apply for the EAD with USCIS.

CPT must be completed before graduation and is authorized by the school, while OPT can be done before or after graduation and is authorized by USCIS.

Yes, you can switch employers, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days.

If your OPT application is denied, you should consult with your DSO or an immigration attorney for alternative options.

Non-STEM students can work on OPT for 12 months, but they are not eligible for the 24-month STEM Extension.

OPTimize is a platform designed to help international students manage their OPT journey
through features like timeline visualizations, notifications, strategy modules, and community support.

The Dynamic Timeline Visualization turns complex OPT timelines into clear, interactive visuals,
helping students manage key dates like application deadlines and unemployment periods.

The Proactive Notification System sends reminders as key dates approach, ensuring students
never miss a deadline or crucial milestone.

These modules offer customized strategies based on a student’s current status, such as
suggesting internships or volunteering if they are nearing the unemployment limit.

This tool allows students to simulate different scenarios, such as changes in job start dates, to help them plan and stay compliant.

OPTimize features community forums where students can share stories, seek advice, and connect with peers and alumni for mentorship.

Yes, OPTimize is developing a feature to help students find potential roommates based on preferences and location, creating a better living experience.

OPTimize plans to host virtual and in-person networking events to connect students with
employers familiar with the OPT process.

You can use OPT only once per academic level. For example, if you used OPT after a
bachelor’s, you can use it again after a master’s.

To maintain F-1 status, ensure employment is related to your field, report changes to your DSO, and do not exceed the unemployment limit.

Working in a job unrelated to your field can result in a violation of your F-1 status and potential termination of OPT

Yes, you can apply for a Green Card, but OPT does not directly lead to one. It is often a step
toward another visa, like H-1B, which could lead to a Green Card.

You must apply for a replacement EAD card by filing Form I-765 and reporting the incident to USCIS.

Processing times vary but generally range from 2 to 5 months. It is advisable to apply as early as possible.

OPTimize provides guidance on CPT, pre-OPT, STEM OPT extensions, H-1B visas, cap-exempt H-1Bs, and other visa strategies to maximize opportunities.

Yes, volunteering or unpaid internships are allowed if the work is related to your field of study and meets OPT criteria.

There is a filing fee for Form I-765, which is required for OPT. The fee must be paid at the time of application submission.

SEVP manages F-1 students and schools and is responsible for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks and monitors F-1 students.

OPTimize provides resources, expert consultations, and a network of employers familiar with the H-1B process to help students transition from OPT to H-1B status.

OPTimize is developing employer outreach features, including job boards connecting students with employers familiar with the OPT process.

If your OPT application is delayed, you should consult with your DSO and consider contacting
USCIS to check on the status.

You can track the status of your OPT application on the USCIS website using the receipt number from your Form I-765 filing.

Jobs must be directly related to the STEM degree and involve at least 20 hours of work per week. Employers must also participate in the E-Verify program.

Yes, remote work is allowed as long as it is related to your field of study and meets all OPT or STEM OPT requirements.

OPTimize offers a range of support, including job search strategies, visa guidance, community
forums, and tailored action plans for new graduates navigating the U.S. job market.

OPTimize regularly updates its resources, notifications, and strategy modules based on changes in U.S. immigration policies and expert insights.

OPTimize offers curated articles, webinars, and expert panels on maintaining F-1 status,
meeting OPT requirements, and navigating visa regulations.

If your job offer is rescinded, use OPTimize’s Scenario Exploration Tools to plan alternative options like internships, research roles, or other compliant activities.

OPT cannot be transferred to another school. If you start a new program at a different institution,
you must be issued a new Form I-20 and may need to apply for a new OPT authorization.