One year of OPT is available after completing each higher-level degree program.
A job offer is not required to apply for OPT. However, once you find a qualifying job, you must notify the Ivanhoe International Center. See Reporting Requirements on the
F1 OPT or
F1 STEM Extension pages.
During the OPT period, a student remains in F-1 status. If you apply for a new visa, you will apply for an F-1 visa.
No. Once you complete your degree, you cannot work on-campus or off-campus until you have the EAD in your possession and your selected start date has arrived.
The average USCIS processing time to issue the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is 90 days. However, please visit the
USCIS Processing Times website for the most up-to-date processing times. There is no way to expedite an application.
The number on the Notice of Action (1-800-375-5283) is the National Customer Service line. Have the receipt number ready before you call.
After you have mailed your application to USCIS no changes can be made except for address updates. To update your address, visit your USCIS.gov
Case Status page OR contact the National Customer Service line at (1-800-375-5283). Withdrawing the OPT application is very difficult, and the fee is
non-refundable. If the OPT has been approved, it is not possible to withdraw. Please discuss this with the Ivanhoe International Center.
You have 60 days after your OPT ends to leave the U.S., request a transfer of your I-20, or change your status. You cannot work during this time.
Yes. If you did not receive OPT I-20s for your family, contact the Ivanhoe International Center.
Verify your status at the
USCIS Case Status Online. If your EAD application has been approved, you will need to wait until the card arrives (2-4 weeks after
it is approved).
If the application is still pending, contact the
Ivanhoe International Center. Send us your I-797C receipt. Please note: The USCIS is no longer guaranteeing the process to take 90 days. You may have to wait longer.
No. You must be able to show the employer the EAD when you begin employment.
Yes! Bring or send your approval receipt notice to the Ivanhoe International Center for more information.
Only students who have completed certain STEM majors and have an eligible employer who is enrolled in E-Verify are eligible for the
24-Month STEM Extension OPT.
The only way to receive a new EAD is by submitting a new I-765 and supporting documents (fee, photos, forms, etc.). It is impossible to replace an EAD if you are outside the U.S.
It simply means that you must carry other documents to show proof of your eligibility to re-enter the U.S. The EAD alone is not enough to re-enter the U.S. Visit the
Travel While on OPT page for more information and
documents needed to travel.
To qualify as OPT employment, you are required to work a minimum of 20 hours/week.
For STEM OPT:
- • A student must engage in paid employment for at lease 20 hours per week for each employer with whom he or she works during the 24-month STEM OPT period.
- • A student on STEM OPT may not count any volunteer hours towards the employment requirement while on STEM OPT.
A student who has exceeded the period of unemployment while on post-completion OPT has violated his or her status unless he or she has taken one of the following actions:
Yes. If you have not received one until now, you will use the I-765 form to apply for the social security number, as well. See the I-765: Part2, Section 13 a. to 17 b. for information.
Yes. Speak with your employer about timelines and specific paperwork.
- • Yes, provided the new employment is directly related to your field of study and you work a minimum of 20 hours per week.
- • No special permission is required to change employers. However, you must update your employer information through the
OPT Reporting form within 10 days of
the change
Students in F-1 status are subject to all federal, state, and local taxes that may apply. See more information at Taxes in the U.S.
Speak to the Ivanhoe International Center as soon as possible.
If you have chosen a start date after your completion date, you will remain in the F-1 status while the OPT is pending.
Time spent going to school should only be an incidental part of your stay in the U.S. If you decide to go back to school full-time, you must speak to the Ivanhoe International Center about transferring your I-20 to the new institution or updating
your I-20 if your degree program is at South Dakota Mines.
No. Work that is normally paid requires employment authorization. You must have the card in hand and the start date must have arrived to begin working.
While in the U.S., your visa may expire. It only needs to be valid if you wish to re-enter from abroad. Please see
Travel While on F1 OPT. Your I-20 remains active
while on OPT.