FAQ: How To Extend F1 Visa On Opt?

If you need to renew your F1 student visa while on OPT, ISSS recommends you speak with an ISSS advisor to discuss the possible risks involved. OPT is a benefit of the non-immigrant F-1 status which means if you indicate immigrant intent to the U.S. consular official, your F-1 visa could be denied.

What if my F-1 visa expires while on OPT?

Your F-1 status will end. If you are approved for OPT/STEM while outside the United States, you will need to arrange for your EAD card to be sent to you in order to re-enter the United States. If your F-1 visa is expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.

Is it risky to renew F-1 visa on OPT?

Renewing a visa while on OPT is risky. Visa issuance and re-entry to the U.S. is at the discretion of the USCBP. The Office of Global Engagement cannot guarantee re-entry. However, you can minimize any kind of problems by entering the U.S. a few weeks prior to the end date of your I-20.

How can I extend my F-1 OPT?

An OPT is a work program you can do while on your student visa. You can do the program during your studies or after you finish your studies, but if you want to extend your visa, you should do the work program after your studies are over. You can work for 12 months under a US employer, part-time or full-time.

How can I extend my visa after OPT?

Once you receive your OPT, you can apply for the 24-month STEM extension:

1. Up to 90 days before your current OPT authorisation ends, and.
2. Up to 60 days after your DSO enters a recommendation into your SEVIS record.

How can I keep F-1 status after OPT?

To ensure that you maintain your F-1 status while on OPT, you will need to:

1. Report certain information to International Student Services by submitting the OPT Report Form for periodic SEVIS record updates.
2. Changes in your personal information (ex.
3. Employment information (ex.

Can I renew my F1 visa without leaving the US?

You can only renew your F1 visa outside of the U.S. It is possible to renew an F1 visa in a country other than your home country, however, the U.S. Department of State recommends that you renew your visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.

What happens if my F1 visa expires?

What if my F-1 student visa has expired? You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are returning home or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States.

Can I renew my f-1 visa in the US?

So yes, the F1 visa does have expiration dates that vary from program to program. Post expiration, you have the option of renewing it to continue your stay in the U.S. Since F1 visas are issued to students of all categories, not every F1 visa is renewable.

Can I stay in US while waiting for OPT?

Students may remain lawfully in the U.S. beyond the end of the 60-day grace period if their OPT application is pending at USCIS.

Is it possible to extend OPT?

The cap-gap extension of OPT is automatic for eligible students. A student does not file an application for the extension or receive a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to cover the additional time. In such situations, the student can continue to work while the update to their Form I-20 is being processed.

Can I apply for OPT extension after OPT expires?

You may apply for your OPT extension up to 90 days before your current OPT ends. You cannot apply once your 12-month OPT expires or during the 60-day grace period. Your complete OPT extension application must be received by USCIS before the expiration of your initial 12 months of OPT.

Can you extend OPT status?

Yes, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension during the cap gap extension of OPT. Many students apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in case the H-1B is not approved. Note that on October 1, if approved, the H-1B status begins.

How long can I stay after my OPT expires?

Students often find themselves asking “How long can I stay in the US after my OPT expires?” As we’ve mentioned above, you get a 60 day grace period after OPT expires in order to prepare for you to go back to your country.

How long can I stay in the US after my F-1 visa expires?

So, as long as you are otherwise maintaining your F-1 status, you are allowed to remain in the United States until the end of your 60-day grace period. This allows students flexibility in pursuing their studies.