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Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go if I have other questions?

General FAQ

Where do I go if I have other questions?

Frequently Asked OPT Questions

Where do I go if I have other questions?

 

General FAQ

How many credit hours must I complete to maintain my full-time status? top>>

Undergraduate

Graduate

What must I do if I am unable to maintain full-time status? top>>

If there is a legitimate reason (i.e. academic or medical problem), you should contact a Student Advisor at the International center for advisement.

How do I update my address? top>>

Click here to download a PDF with instructions on address changes.

What should I know about the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS)? top>>

Click here to download a PDF with information on SEVIS.

How do I transfer to another school as an F-1? top>>

Can an F-1 student apply for work permission? top>>

As a F-1 student, you are eligible to work on campus up to 20 hours per week without approval from UFIC. An F-1 student may not work off campus. Permission to work off campus may be granted by the Citizen & Immigration Services (CIS) when there is economic necessity due to unforeseen changes in financial circumstances. One cannot submit a request to CIS for work off campus until they have completed 9 months of study.

Can the spouse or child on a F-2 visa work? top>>

An F-2 cannot work on or off campus under any condition.

What is the expiration date of my I-94? top>>

Almost every I-94 has an expiration date of D/S. This stands for Duration of Status - period during which the student is pursuing a full-time course of study in any education program. If there is a specific date indicated you must come to 170 Hub before that date.

I did not turn in my I-94 when I left the U.S., what should I do? top>>

Failure to turn in your I-94 (or I-94W) when you leave the U.S. can create a serious problem. Without this record of your departure, you will be identified in our records as an "overstay." Being identified as an overstay means that you will be denied re-entry into the U.S. If you failed to turn in your I-94, please send it - along with any documentation that proves you left the U.S. to ACS Inc.1084 South Laurel Rd., London, Kentucky 40744.

Documentation to prove your departure can include the boarding pass from your flight. If you exited the country by a land border it is much harder to verify that you did- in fact - leave the country on the date you claim. If you have any documentation of your arrival in your home country (i.e. passport stamp), then you should send a copy of that. If the above office does not have any supporting documents to substantiate your claim to have left the U.S. on a certain date, there is no guarantee that you will be entered into the record as having done so.We strongly urge you to keep a copy of what you send to ACS Inc. and to carry it with you the next time you come to the U.S. in case the CBP officer has any questions about your eligibility to enter.

If you want to confirm that your I-94 was received by ACS, please give them 4 months to process the paperwork. Then you can write the following address to determine whether or not your departure was recorded. If you turned in the I-94 when you left the U.S. as required, please do NOT request confirmation that it is on file. This process is only for people who did not turn in the I-94 when they exited the U.S.

You will need to provide your name, date of birth, passport number, and date of departure, in addition to asking whether or not your departure was recorded. U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air Sea Passenger Operations, Room 5.4D, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington D.C. 20229.

How do I extend my stay, change program sponsors, or transfer schools on a J-1 visa? top>>

J-1 visa holders who wish to extend their stay will need to secure a new DS-2019 from their sponsor. This should be done prior to the expiration date on the DS-2019. If you are changing programs or transferring schools, you must have permission from your sponsor. Permission is indicated on the new DS-2019. Please check with our office if you have any questions.

Can J-1 and/or J-2 visa holders work? top>>

J-1 visa holders can work on campus up to 20 hours with permission from their sponsor. J-2 visa holders (spouse or dependents of J-1) can request permission from CIS to work if the additional income goes to support the J-2 visa holders only.

When may I take a vacation or holiday from my academic study? top>>

Breaks between terms and Spring break are good times to travel for short periods of time.

If you maintain full-time status for Spring term and will have full-time status in the Fall term, then you can take the entire Summer off.

How do I visit Canada or Mexico? top>>

You should first determine if a visa is required for citizens of your country to enter Canada or Mexico. If you need a visa, contact the nearest Canada/Mexico consulate office well in advance of your planned trip. In some cases, one month is needed to process a visa application.

For a trip less than 30 days in duration you will need to take these documents:

How can I have my family join me in America if I have a F-1 visa? top>>

Your spouse and/or children may be permitted to enter the U.S. on an F-2 visa, which may be obtained with a new I-20. Proof of sufficient financial support for your dependent is required before the request can be approved.
Current fees are $ 3000.00 (US) for spouse and $ 1500.00 (US) per child.

Frequently Asked OPT Questions

What is OPT? top>>
OPT - Optional Practical Training, either pre-completion or post-completion - is temporary employment authorization granted by USCIS which allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience (on- or off-campus) by applying their academic knowledge to a position directly related to their area of study.

What is the difference between pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT? top>>
Pre-completion OPT is always part-time and can be used at any time during your studies. Post-completion OPT is full-time and is granted only after graduation or completion of your degree program. A maximum of 12 months of OPT employment is permitted for each higher educational level.

Who is eligible for OPT? top>>
You are eligible for OPT if you 1) have been enrolled in full-time student status for at least one full academic year, 2) have only used up to 12 months of full-time CPT, 3) are currently maintaining your F1 status

What is full-time status? top>>
At UF, full-time status for the international graduate student is 9 credits during the fall and spring semesters, and full-time status for the international undergraduate student is 12 credits during the fall and spring semesters.

What is a full academic year? top>>
Two semesters (fall and spring semesters) are considered a full academic year. The summer is not taken into account when calculating a full academic year.

What if I changed status to F1 from a prior visa category. Does the time I spent in school prior to having F1 status count towards the full academic year requirement? top>>
For example, if you were in H4 visa status during the fall semester taking a full course load, but you became an F1 during the following spring semester and still maintained a full course load, yes, the fall semester as an H4 and the spring semester as an F1 will count towards the full academic year.

I earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in the US. Does that mean I get 24 months of OPT? top>>
NO. You get ONE chance to do OPT per higher degree level. If you did not do OPT after you earned the Bachelor degree, and went on to earn a Master’s, you have forfeited your chance to do the 12 months of OPT for the Bachelor’s degree, but will have the opportunity to do 12 months of OPT for the Master’s degree.

I earned a Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD degree and decided to earn another of the same degree but in a different major after that. I did not do OPT when I earned the Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD degree in “X” major but want to apply after major “Z.” Can I? top>>
Yes. For example, you earned a Master’s in Math, but did not apply for OPT after that degree (or withdrew the application before it was approved). You then went on to earn a Master’s in English, and would like to apply for OPT. Yes, you can apply for OPT based on this second degree.

I have an assistantship/fellowship. Does that count against my OPT? top>>
 No. As long as your assistantship/fellowship is 20 hours or less and on campus, your OPT is not affected.

I have an OPS work permit. Does that count against my OPT? top>>
No. As long as your OPS is authorized for on-campus employment and for 20 hours or less, your OPT is not affected.

I have done CPT while studying towards my degree. Does that affect my OPT? top>>
Part-time CPT does not affect your ability to do OPT. Full-time CPT does. You can do up to 12 months of full-time CPT without affecting your chances of OPT. Once you do 12 months or more of full time CPT, you will have forfeited your opportunity to do OPT.

Can I do OPT before I complete my degree program? top>>
Students who meet the eligibility requirements may apply for pre-completion OPT either 1) part-time while school is in session or 2) full-time during annual vacation periods. Any periods of optional practical training used before the completion of your studies will be deducted from the total allowable period of 12 months.

I have done pre-completion OPT while studying towards my degree. Does that affect my post-completion OPT? top>>
 Yes. Pre-completion OPT is allowed during your degree of study on a part-time basis – meaning 20 hours or less. The pre-completion OPT is deducted at a 50% rate from your post-completion OPT. For example, if you do 4 months of pre-completion OPT, you will have used 2 months out of your 12 months of total of post-completion OPT; therefore you will only have 10 months of post-completion OPT left.

How many hours can I work while on OPT? top>>
When given the authority to work full time, you are allowed to work 21 hours or more per week. For employment purposes, you will most likely be asked to work at least 40 hours per week. You can do as much as you can handle above 20 hours per week!

Do I need to have a job in order to apply for OPT? top>>
No, you do not need to have a job in order to apply for OPT.

Should I have a specific kind of job? top>>
Yes, you must have a job directly related to your field of study.

Can I work for more than one employer? top>>
Yes. You can work for as many employers as you would like as long as the employment is related to your field of study.

Do I need to notify the International Center when I find employment, or if I switch employers? top>>
 No.

I will have to move to a new place to do OPT. When and how do I update my address? top>>
 You have ten days from the time you move to update your address. There are three things you need to do:

  1. Complete an AR-11. The form can be found at http://www.uscis.gov/AR-11 or you can complete your change of address online. Follow the instructions on the same link above.
  2. Update your personal info in MyUFL at https://my.ufl.edu (if you still have access to ISIS, make sure it is updated there, also).
  3. Send an email to your International Student Advisor with your full name and new address and telephone number.

I’m a thesis Master’s / PhD student. Since my graduation depends on my research (thesis or dissertation), I am not sure of when I should apply for OPT. What do I do? top>>
 If you are earning a thesis Master’s or PhD degree, you can apply for OPT based on two different times; 1) based upon the completion of your coursework (not including your research credits) or 2) based upon your graduation date.
If you would like to apply to start your OPT based upon the completion of your coursework (but you still have to work on your thesis or dissertation), you can apply as early as 120 days before you will complete your coursework. For example, you will complete all required courses in December, but because of research, will not be able to graduate until the following May. You can apply 120 days before December OR if you do not wish to work while you are still conducting research for/writing your thesis/dissertation, you can wait to apply as early as 120 days before your graduation in May.

What if I need to withdraw my application for OPT because I cannot complete/graduate as planned? top>>
 You can withdraw your OPT as long as the start date of your OPT has not yet arrived/passed. If you have not graduated and need to continue your studies, you will be able to reapply for OPT at a later time, and will have to send another application fee.

*Please note, only students earning a Bachelor’s degree MUST withdraw their OPT if they are unable to graduate as planned. Students earning a Master’s/ PhD only have to cancel if coursework still needs to be completed; if only thesis or dissertation work needs to be completed, you can continue with the OPT, and do not have to withdraw the OPT application.

I have a job offer but the employer has asked that I start on a date that is three months after I graduate. What date should I choose as my OPT start date? top>>
 You must choose a date within 60 days of your graduation. For example, if you will graduate on May 4th, and your job offer is to start on August 15th. The latest date you can choose to start is July 3rd, as that is exactly 60 days after your graduation. Unless your employer will allow you to start earlier, you will have no choice but to lose a month of your OPT in the beginning.

When is the deadline to apply for OPT? top>>
You must apply AND the USCIS must receive your application BEFORE the day of your graduation; you CANOT apply for OPT once you have graduated. You can apply for OPT as early as 120 days before your graduation date, and we advise no later than 60 days before your graduation date. The average processing time is 60-90 days. You cannot start working until the date on your OPT card has arrived or passed AND you have your OPT card in hand.

I am going to Clear Prior but will not actually graduate until next semester. When should I apply for OPT? top>>
 Your OPT application deadline is the same as your Clear Prior deadline. You must apply AND the service center must receive your application BEFORE the Clear Prior due date. For example, if the Clear Prior Deadline is January 5th, but you will not actually graduate until the following May 4th, your OPT application must be received by the service center by or before January 5th. You can apply for OPT as early as 120 days before the Clear Prior deadline.

How do I apply for OPT? top>>
You should:

  1. Make an appointment to meet with an international advisor by calling the receptionist at the front desk in UFIC at 352-392-5323
  2. Download and read the OPT presentation, instructions, and forms from our website at www.ufic.ufl.edu/issdownloads.htm
  3. For your appointment, be on time and bring with you:
    • Your ORIGINAL and most current I-20
    • The COMPLETED I-765 form (Fill this form out BEFORE your appointment; items #3 and #16 have already been completed for you)
    • Any EAD (OPT) cards or employment records from previous jobs in the US.
    • Two passport regulation photos. On the back of each, write your name and I-94 number in pencil.
    • OPT Application form
    • Departmental Confirmation letter, on departmental letterhead, stating graduation/completion date (if post-completion).
    • Your ORIGINAL passport, visa and I-94 (your advisor will make copies)
    • A personal check, money order or cashier’s check in the amount of $340, payable to the Department of Homeland Security.

The OPT application asks for passport regulation photos. I already have pictures which I took when I was applying for my visa in my home country. Can I use those? top>>
 No. Your photos must be a picture of you taken within 6 month of when you will apply for OPT. Because it is presumed and likely that the picture of you in your visa/passport was taken well over 6 months ago, that picture will not be accepted. Visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/guide/composition/composition_874.html for detailed explanation of passport photo composition.

Why must I send a personal check with my OPT application? top>>
You do not have to send a personal check. For the OPT application, the service center accepts any of the following forms of payment: a personal check, a money order, or a cashier’s check. We only suggest a personal check because when you check your bank account balance, you will see when the check clears and have a better idea of when processing of your OPT application began. You can expect your OPT card between 60-90 days from when your check was cashed.

What should be in my department/academic advisor’s recommendation letter? top>>
The letter should be precise, and should contain your full name, student ID, degree level, major, college, department, estimated date of graduation, and if it differs, your estimated date of completion (completion applies to thesis Master’s and PhD students only).

Who will mail my application packet to the service center? top>>
You are responsible for mailing the application packet to the USCIS service center. The service center which processes OPT applications for UF is:

USCIS TEXAS SERVICE CENTER
PO BOX 851041
MESQUITE, TX 75185-1041

You can only mail it through the United States Postal Service, and we suggest that you mail it by Certified Mail as this will give you a tracking number which you can use at www.usps.com to determine when your application was delivered to USCIS. If 10 days has passed and delivery information has not been updated from the day you mailed it, please call 1-800-ask-USPS.

I already chose a start date for the OPT and have mailed my application, but I have found a job offer which requires that I start earlier. Can I change my start date? top>>
 No. Once you have mailed your application, your start date cannot be changed. We advise that you put much consideration into the start date before you apply.

Once I have mailed my OPT application, when can I expect my OPT card? top>>
The average processing time is 60-90 days. In about 2-3 weeks from the day you mail your application, we will receive a receipt called a Notice of Action (NOA) which we will notify you of by email to retrieve from our office. In about 60-90 days from the day you have mailed your application, we will receive your OPT card. We will send you an email again to notify you to retrieve it form our office. Make sure to review your information on the card to make sure it is correct; it must be corrected immediately if it is not.

How and where can I check on the progress of my OPT application? top>>
The NOA has a receipt number – 13 digits long comprised of 3 letter and 10 numbers – in the upper left hand corner which you can use to track the progress of your application by going to https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/caseStatusSearchDisplay.do;jsessionid=aOLIbCtD2Ay7

I applied for OPT and the start date has passed, but I still do not have my OPT card. I do have receipt that the adjudication of my OPT is in progress. Can I start working? top>>
No. You cannot start working until BOTH the date has arrived/passed AND the OPT card is in your hand. The Notice of Action only serves as a receipt that you have applied for OPT, and does not give you authorization to work.

Do I have a grace period at the end of my OPT? top>>
Yes, you have a 60 day grace period at the end of OPT.

Can I get a continuation/extension of my OPT? top>>
No. OPT is allowed for 12 months only. Whether you have found a job or not, your OPT will expire 12 months from the OPT start date.

Do I have to pay taxes while on OPT? top>>
In general, F-1 students who have been in the U.S. for fewer than six calendar years are exempt from social security (FICA) and Medicare taxes. You should be sure to bring this to the attention of your employer, as many employers are not familiar with this provision of the tax law. You will be subject to all other taxes that may apply: federal, state and local. You should check to see if your country is one of the few that has a tax treaty with the U.S. allowing students to exclude a limited amount of earned income from federal taxation.

What is my visa status while on OPT? top>>
You are still an F1 visa holder. OPT is simply an employment benefit of the F1 visa.

Can I travel outside of the US while my OPT application is pending? top>>
You can travel while your OPT application is pending if you have NOT yet graduated. If you have graduated and your application is still pending, we strongly advise that you do not travel outside of the US if you do not have all of the following in hand:

Can I travel outside of the US while I am on OPT? top>>
Yes, as long as you have a valid visa, passport, I-20 endorsed for OPT, a signature within the last six months (including the time you will spend outside of the US), the OPT card, and a job offer letter on the employer’s business letterhead stating your name, a general idea of your expected start date, and a brief description of the work you will do.

My OPT card say "not valid for re-entry." Why? top>>
Your OPT card is not valid alone for re-entry. You must also have a valid visa, passport, an I-20 signed within 6 months, your OPT card, and a job offer.

What will happen if I have my OPT card and I choose to travel outside of the US but I do not have a job offer yet? top>>
 You may be denied re-entry into the US.

Can I take any courses while I am on OPT? top>>
Yes, you can take courses incidental to the OPT employment. This means since you have graduated, the reason for your continued stay in the US is OPT. You can take a course or two as long as you do not take a full-time course load. You do not have to advise the international center that you are taking the class.

What are my options after OPT? top>>
You have three options after OPT.

  1. Leave the US within your 60-day grace period
  2. While on OPT, apply for a new program of study. You must know that you have been accepted before your 60-day grace period is over. Your new program must start within 5 months of the OPT expiration date.
  3. Apply for a change of visa status. You must apply and receive approval before the 60-day grace period is over. A change of status takes an average of 4 months (usually within 2-6 months) to adjudicate.

What if, while I am on OPT, I receive admission to another school. What do I do? top>>
New Program/Transfer: When a student is admitted to a new program or transfers to another program or school, the remaining portion of OPT is terminated when the sponsoring school registers the student for the new program in SEVIS or upon the transfer release date. If you need to transfer to another school, you need to contact the international center with your admission letter and the new school’s Transfer-in form. This can be mailed or faxed. We will then have to transfer your SEVIS record to the new school according to the date you choose as your transfer release date. Please be aware that the transfer date which you choose is also the date on which you must stop the OPT employment.

How long after OPT do I have after I graduate to start a new degree program? top>>
You have to have applied and know that you are accepted into a new degree program before the 60 day grace period after your OPT is over. Your new degree program must start within 5 months of the expiration date of your OPT. For example, if your OPT expires May 15th, the latest you will technically have to start your new degree program is October 14th, BUT because the Fall semester starts in August (at UF and many other universities), you will have to start the new program in August.

What should I do if I change visa status while I am on OPT? top>>
Please bring or send a copy of your approval notice by mail or fax to the international center so that we can properly notate your record in our office. Unless you obtain a visa which allows you to work, you must also stop the OPT employment.