Can i take classes during opt

Yes, the F-1 immigration regulations require you to report your local, U. Can I take classes during OPT? No, the regulations indicate your OPT is automatically terminated when you begin study at another educational level or if you transfer to another institution.

Search Search for:. Can I change my start dates? General guidelines: Read the instructions carefully and keep them by your side as you complete the Form I Some application requirements are only listed in the instructions and are not listed on the Form I itself.

Answer all questions as they pertain to your specific situation. Submit all pages of the form — even if some pages do not pertain to you.

Type your responses and print the form. Sign the Form I in black ink. A typed or stamped name is not acceptable. Make several copies of the Part 6 page in case you must provide additional information Use Part 6 Additional Information if you need more space for a response to a specific question.

If you provide any information on this page, write your name at the top and sign and date each page. Do the application documents have to be in any specific order?

Follow the order listed in the Form I filing instructions. Should I put my name on the back of the photos?

Yes, use a felt tip pen or print lightly in pencil. You should not be able to see any markings on the front of the photos. Starting in late , EADs will be mailed using the U. You will have the options to arrange for pick up at a post office or designate a person to sign for delivery on your behalf , including agents at a hotel, apartment or other rental.

If the mailing address you indicated on the I application changes after you submitted the application, follow the instructions on the USCIS Change of Address Information website. You should also file an online change of address with the postal service on the USPS website. Where should I receive my EAD card? What should I do if my mailing address changes before my EAD card is delivered?

Does the job I have while on OPT have to be paid employment, or can it be unpaid? What if I never receive my EAD, or it is lost or stolen? You may consider it more time-effective to simply proceed with the replacement card application: Prepare the following materials to include with your replacement application: A cover page we recommend using brightly colored paper indicating the reason for your application e. A copy of the Form I Approval Notice that you received in the mail.

Please make the following indications on the Form I Check item 1. In item 12, answer yes. What happens if I exceed the day unemployment limit? May I take classes during OPT? Can I change employers during OPT? Can I extend my OPT after the 12 months? How long can I stay in the U. The student must have maintained F-1 status while on OPT. The student must apply within 90 days of the current OPT end date. The employment must be full-time at least 20 hours , traditional, paid employment.

There must be a bona fide employer-employee relationship. What are the reporting requirements during the STEM extension? I think I qualify; how do I apply for the extension? Can I engage in volunteer or unpaid work?

Can I have multiple employers? What are the STEM fields? What is E-Verify? It is not recommended as it complicates and may delay the adjudication process. I have a tourist visa B2 that is valid for 10 years. Form I with employment information and travel signature signed within the last 6 months EAD authorizing OPT valid passport a current F-1 visa stamp job offer letter or proof of employment, including salary proof of financial support if position is unpaid.

Do I need to get a new visa stamp at an embassy? In what ways is my application to the embassy for a new visa stamp affected by post-completion OPT? School transcripts, diploma, certificates, etc. When can I start working under OPT? Where can I work? How many hours can I work per week on OPT? How long am I eligible to work under OPT? Is there any way to get more than 12 months of OPT?

For details on eligibility requirements and application procedures, please refer to Month Extension. Students who have been approved for H-1B as of Oct. For details on eligibility requirements and application procedures please refer to Cap-Gap Extension. What types of employment are allowed for regular post-completion OPT? For students on month post-completion OPT, this employment may include: Paid employment.

Students may work part time at least 20 hours per week or full-time. Multiple employers. Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be directly related to your field of study and commensurate with degree level. Short-term multiple employers performing artists. Students, such as musicians and other performing arts may work for multiple short-term employers gigs. The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration.

If requested by Department of Homeland Security, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing a list of all gigs. Work for hire. This is also commonly referred to as employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship.

If requested by DHS, students must 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. In this situation, the student must work full time.

The student must be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to the student's 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 20 hours per week while employed by the agency. Unpaid employment. Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT.

These students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.