Students who enter the U.S. to pursue a degree program may qualify for a one-year period of optional practical training (OPT) during or after their program is completed. Students should discuss this option with their school’s international student advisor’s office.

Extensions of a student’s OPT is allowed in two circumstances. If a student has a STEM (Science, Technology, Mathematics and Technology) major, an extension of an additional 17 months is available if the employer is enrolled in E-Verify.  Another circumstance is when an employer files a petition for an F-1 student on OPT to change status to H-1B. In this case, an F-1 student’s OPT can be extended under “cap-gap” relief provided the following has occurred:

• An employer files an H-1B Change of Status petition with a start date of October 1;
• The H-1B petition is filed before the current OPT period expires; and
• The H-1B petition is receipted for processing by USCIS.

The F-1 student’s OPT period will be extended, and a new Form I-20 issued, until a final decision is made on the H-1B petition.  If the H-1B petition is approved, the OPT period will be extended until October 1.

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