Post Completion Opt Northeastern (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to get approved for post-completion OPT? ›

1. How long does it take to get authorization for OPT and when should I apply? Authorization for OPT is granted by USCIS and processing takes an average of 3-5 months.

What happens if I apply for OPT but don't complete my degree as planned by the I-20 end date? If your OPT application is not yet processed by USCIS, you may withdraw it. If your OPT application has been approved by USCIS, you may work part- time only on approved EAD while finishing academic work.

You may work full time when school is not in session. Post-completion OPT: You may apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing your studies. If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you must work part time (at least 20 hours per week) or full time.

But what's the difference between OPT and STEM OPT? In short, OPT allows international students to work in the US under certain stipulations. STEM OPT is a two-year extension of standard OPT for recent graduates who have completed their education in an eligible science, technology, engineering, or math degree program.

You may contact the USCIS National Customer Service number 1-800-375-5283 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern) to request an expedite of your pending OPT request if you have a valid expedite reason.

You can create an inquiry with USCIS when you did not receive a card that was mailed. NOTE: Do not submit a request if you have just recently been approved, allow approximately 90 days to receive your new card. You can check the status of your case using the My Case Status Tool.

Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment. The 90 days start counting from your approved OPT/EAD start date (not the recommended start date nor the program end date on your I-20) and are cumulative.

Does USCIS Check Your Work History? The USCIS will check an applicant's work history. With that, you will need to provide certain information for each employer—whether you have worked abroad or in the United States for the past five years.

The Grace Period: After completing your OPT, you are eligible for a 60-day grace period. During this time, you may travel within the U.S., transfer your SEVIS record to a new school, request a change of level if you are starting a new program at the UW, or apply to change status to another visa category.

The short answer: Yes! You can work multiple jobs on OPT. You can accept multiple full-time jobs, part-time jobs, or a combination of both while on your OPT. One critical aspect of the post-completion OPT is that there's no cap on the total number of hours you work.

Does post-completion OPT require sponsorship? ›

No employer sponsorship needed.

Students must be enrolled for one year before applying for OPT. OPT may be used before or after a student completes their degree. OPT acquired before degree completion is referred to as Pre-completion OPT. OPT acquired after degree completion is referred to as Post-completion OPT.

You must be gainfully employed by the 90th day after the start date listed on your EAD Card. The total number of days allowed for unemployment while on post-completion OPT is a maximum of 90 days. I am applying/on a STEM OPT Extension (OPTX).

Yes, you must enroll in E-Verify, electronically sign an E-Verify memorandum of understanding (MOU), and participate in E-Verify in order to employ F-1 students seeking an extension of their optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program.

How long does it take to get approved for OPT? Typically 2-3 months from the date USCIS receive your application.

How long does it take to get approved for OPT? Typically 2-3 months from the date USCIS receive your application.

Your OPT start date must be within 60 days after your program end, as this is the latest date possible to select. If you do not start work on your OPT start date,you have up to 90 days within the 12-months of the card that you can be “unemployed” and still keep your status.

How long will it take for my application to be approved? Processing times vary greatly, but you should expect USCIS to take about 90-120 days to approve your STEM OPT Extension application.

It takes anywhere between 150 to 200 days to get a US I-765 work permit. Earlier the I-765 processing time was around 90. However, an increase in applications leading to backlogs has now caused a delay. An applicant now has to wait for 5 to 7 months as the usual I-765 processing time has gone up.