ETSU | Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International Enrollment and Services

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Our standard processing time for OPT is 10 business days (excluding holidays/closures). However, it is important to be aware of the OPT application time when planning to file for post-completion OPT (see When To Apply)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit available to international students who have maintained F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. OPT is a period when students can work in fields directly related to their studies. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT (USCIS OPT For F-1 Students).

Transition Period Note: For students graduating in Spring 2027 or individuals currently on OPT and are STEM eligible, if you are currently admitted for Duration of Status (D/S) and timely file your post-completion OPT or STEM OPT application by March 18, 2027, you do not need to separately file an Extension of Stay (EOS) Application. However, if you travel internationally and are readmitted with a fixed Admit Until Date before filing your OPT application, you will need to file both an EOS Application and your OPT application. See "How the New Fixed Admission Period Rule Affects Your OPT Application" below for full details. 

  • Helpful Acronyms

    DSO: Designated School Official

    USCIS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

    OPT: Optional Practical Training

    STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics 

    EAD: Employment Authorization Document

    SEVIS: Student & Exchange Visitor Information System

    IES: International Enrollment and Services

    EOS: Extension of Stay 

    AUD: Admit Until Date 

Please note: The information provided in this post was accurate and up-to-date at the time of posting. Due to the dynamic nature of immigration policy, it is possible that the information or links provided may have changed over time. Users are advised to verify the accuracy and relevance of the content.

Important: How the New Fixed Admission Period Rule Affects Your OPT Application (Effective September 15, 2026) 

Beginning September 15, 2026, DHS is replacing Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed admission periods for F-1 students. This does not fundamentally change how OPT itself works, but it may add a requirement to separately file an Extension of Stay (EOS) Application with USCIS, depending on your individual situation: 

  • If you are currently on D/S and timely file your post-completion OPT or STEM OPT application by March 18, 2027, you do not need to file a separate EOS Application.
  • If you travel internationally before filing your OPT/STEM OPT application and are readmitted with a fixed Admit Until Date (rather than D/S), you will need to file both an EOS Application and your OPT/STEM OPT application.
  • If you are a beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B Cap-Gap petition, you do not need to file a separate EOS Application — see the Cap-Gap section below.

Because this depends on your specific status and travel history, please contact your DSO before making any international travel plans if you are approaching OPT eligibility or currently on OPT. For full details on the EOS process click here.

Types of OPT

  • Pre-Completion

    Pre-Completion OPT is authorization to gain practical experience during your degree program (before the program end date on your I-20). Pre-Completion OPT can be either part-time (less than 20 hours per week) or full-time (more than 20 hours per week).

    • Part-time or full-time: During your annual summer vacation if eligible and if you intend to register for the next term or session.
    • Part-time: While school is in session, provided that OPT does not exceed 20 hours per week and you maintain your full-time student status.
    • Not eligible for Cap-Gap
    • Not eligible for STEM extension

    Most students do not apply for pre-completion OPT and instead use Curricular Practical Training for internships, practicums, and field experiences because many ETSU degree programs include them in the curriculum. Contact your DSO, for more information. 

  • Post-Completion

    Post-Completion OPT is authorization to gain practical experience AFTER the completion of your degree.

    • Post-completion OPT is always full-time (more than 20 hours per week).
    • Eligible to apply for STEM extension if you meet all requirements
    • Eligible for Cap-Gap extension, if applicable

    Be sure to read the How the New Fixed Admission Period Rule Affects Your OPT Application above regarding the EOS application. 

  • STEM Extension

    Some F-1 students who earn degrees in designated Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) programs, as identified by the major and Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code on their I-20, may be eligible for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.

    • The 24-month extension is only available to students who are currently in a period of approved Post-Completion OPT.
    • The STEM OPT Extension is granted in one 24-month period; it cannot be “split” into two periods. The employment start date for a STEM OPT Extension is the day immediately after the day your Post-Completion OPT expires.

    For details on this, review the information available at the U.S. government website’s STEM OPT Hub and our STEM webpage. 

OPT Basics

OPT is an employment benefit of a student's F-1 status and is generally applied for in a student's last semester. Students must complete the ETSU OPT Training module before submitting the OPT Certification Form.

  • Eligibility Requirements

    To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must meet all of the following requirements: 

    • In F-1 status for at least one academic year
    • In good academic standing
    • Maintaining legal status
    • Be in the U.S. when requesting the OPT I-20 & when submitting the OPT application to USCIS
    • Intend to obtain employment in a position directly related to your major field of study
    • Authorized for less than 12 months of full-time CPT
      • F-1 students who have used one year or more of full-time CPT are no longer eligible for OPT
      • Use of part-time CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT
    • Have not already completed OPT at a higher degree level

    **Please note that you do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

  • Duration

    Previously used OPT: F-1 students may only be authorized for a maximum of 12 months of full-time OPT during or following each advancing degree level. If you have already been authorized for OPT at the same degree level for which you are now applying for OPT, you are not eligible for OPT at that same degree level again. 

    Note: The highest level of OPT that can be used is doctoral. If you have already been approved for doctoral level OPT, you are not eligible for any other OPT at any degree level. 

    F-1 students are eligible for OPT for a maximum of 12 months at each degree level.

    • Pre-completion OPT is subtracted from the 12-month total at each degree level.
      • Full-time pre-completion OPT is subtracted from the 12-month total you are eligible for. For example, if you are approved for 3 months of full-time pre-completion OPT, you would have 9 months of OPT left at that degree level.
      • Part-time pre-completion is subtracted at ½ the rate. For example, if you are approved for 2 months of part-time pre-completion OPT, you would have 11 months of OPT left you at that degree level.
    • You are only eligible for OPT once per degree level.
      • For example, once you are approved for OPT at the master’s level, you will not be eligible for a second period of OPT at the master’s level.
    • Once approved for OPT at a higher degree level, you are ineligible for OPT at any lower level.
      • For example, if you are approved for OPT at the master’s level, you would not be eligible for OPT at the bachelor’s level at any point after the master’s level approval.
    • If you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) after the work authorization start date you requested, you are not eligible to recover the time that passed while you were waiting to receive your EAD card in the mail. You must still stop working on the end date indicated on the EAD card unless you are eligible for a 24-month STEM extension and have applied in a timely manner.

    Example 1: You are currently pursuing a master’s degree at ETSU. You also previously earned another master’s degree in the US. You already applied for and were approved for OPT based on that previous master’s degree. In this case, you are not eligible for OPT. You will only be eligible for another period of OPT at the next advancing degree level (Doctorate), if applicable.

    Example 2: You used OPT at the bachelor's level in the past. You now just finished a Master's. You are eligible to apply for OPT based on this Master's because it is a higher degree level than the bachelor's, and you have not already used OPT at the Master's or doctoral level.

    Example 3: You used OPT at the master’s level in the past. You now just finished a Bachelor’s. You cannot apply for OPT because you already participated in OPT at a higher degree level. OPT is available for each higher level of study.

When to Apply

Your OPT eligibility window is based on your I-20 program end date; however, your ability to remain lawfully in the U.S. is governed by your Admit Until Date (AUD) — not your I-20 program end date — once you have been issued a fixed admission period. If your AUD is earlier than your I-20 program end date, you may need a pending or approved Extension of Stay (EOS) Application in place before you reach your OPT filing window. See "How the New Fixed Admission Period Rule Affects Your OPT Application" above, and our EOS page, for details. 

OPT application filing deadline depends on what your Form I-94 shows: 

  • I-94 shows "D/S": Your OPT application must be received by USCIS no later than 60 days after the day you complete your program, or the program end date indicated on your I-20, whichever occurs first. (i.e., if your Program End Date on your I-20 is May 15, you may apply for your OPT as early as February 14.)
  • I-94 shows a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD): Your OPT application must be received by USCIS no later than 30 days after the day you complete your program or the program end date indicated on your I-20, whichever occurs first. 
    Check your I-94 here if you are unsure which applies to you or contact your DSO with questions. 

I-20 Program End Dates: Fall & Spring graduates, your program end date will be shortened to the day of commencement. For students completing coursework in the summer term, your program end date will be the last day of classes. You can review these dates on the Academic Calendar. 

  • Program end dates for Master’s and Doctoral Students who have a thesis or dissertation requirement may require a different program end date. Your program end date will be specified by your graduate coordinator on the OPT Certification form.

Note: Once an OPT application goes to the USCIS, the DSO has no control over the progress of the application. We would like to advise all our students who are considering applying for OPT, to plan well in advance.

Use the OPT Calculator tool provided by Homebase to help determine your application dates. This calculator is currently based on the 60-day filing deadline, which applies only to students still admitted for Duration of Status (D/S). If your Form I-94 shows a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD), your filing deadline is 30 days, not 60 — please do not rely on this calculator's dates and instead calculate your deadline manually or contact International Enrollment and Services for help. 

DISCLAIMER: This tool is provided by Homebase as a reference only and offers guidance on OPT. The information provided does not constitute legal advice. 

  • Pre-Completion
    • You must complete the ETSU OPT Training module
    • If you are completing your first academic year (two semesters) of study, you may submit your OPT application 90 days prior to the date you will complete your first year of study provided that the employment will not begin until after your first academic year of study has been completed.
    • If you have completed one academic year (two semesters) of study, you may submit your OPT application as early as 90 days prior to your requested work start date.
    • You must submit your OPT application within 30-days of the OPT I-20 issuance (see DSO signature/date on page 1).
    • If you are a master’s or doctoral student applying for OPT based on completion of your coursework requirements, you may submit your application as early as 90 days prior to the requested work start date.
      • Not eligible for Cap-Gap
      • Not eligible for STEM extension
  • Post-Completion
    • You must complete the ETSU OPT Training module
    • If you are applying for OPT based on completion of your degree, you may submit your application for OPT as early as 90 days prior to your program end date (i.e., if your Program End Date on your I-20 is May 15, you may apply for your OPT as early as February 14).
    • You must submit your OPT application within 30-days of the OPT I-20 issuance (see DSO signature/date on page 1).
    • If you are a master’s or doctoral student applying for post-completion OPT based on completing your required course work (and still have your thesis or dissertation left to complete) you can apply as early as 90 days before your requested work start date, as long as you will have completed all your required course work by the requested start date.

    Please be aware that your OPT application must be received by USCIS no later than 60/30 days after the day you complete your program or the program end date indicated on your I-20, whichever occurs first. (i.e., if your Program End Date on your I-20 is May 15, you may apply for your OPT as early as February 14).

  • OPT Processing Times

    F-1 students who applied for OPT may face delays in receiving their EADs (employment authorization documents). F-1 students are not permitted to begin working until they get their EADs. They cannot travel outside the US and reenter without their EAD and a job offer. Lengthy wait times may result in loss of opportunities or jeopardize a student’s legal status in the U.S. Historically, OPT applications have taken 90 days to be processed by USCIS. 

    Follow these links for more information on processing times:
    Check USCIS Case Processing Times 
    Contact USCIS for a status update (if your OPT/STEM application has been pending for more than 90 days)

    See above for OPT filing deadlines. Students generally remain in a period of authorized stay in the U.S. during the OPT adjudication period, provided they filed within the correct time frame and their Admit Until Date (or I-20 program end date, if still on D/S) had not already expired at the time of filing. 

    Premium Processing is now available for OPT I-765 applications

    • USCIS provides the option for you to have your OPT application adjudicated within 30 calendar days from the date of request. Adjudication could be an approval, request for evidence, rejection, or denial - it does NOT guarantee you an approval.
    • Premium processing is NOT mandatory. This is a personal decision you need to make based on your situation. You should carefully review all information the USCIS Premium Processing webpage and the normal USCIS Processing Times webpage before making your decision. 

How to Apply

ALL F-1 students who plan to apply for either pre-completion or post-completion OPT must follow the following procedure:

  • Read the OPT webpage, including the detailed application guides
  • Successfully complete the ETSU OPT Training module
  • Submit the OPT Certification Form (you and your academic advisor/graduate coordinator will complete this form)
  • Review the OPT application instructions found under the Employment Resources section.
  • After receiving your OPT recommended I-20, you will submit your OPT application materials to USCIS
    • You must submit your OPT application within 30-days of the OPT I-20 issuance (see DSO signature/date on page 1).

DO NOT file your I-765 application before receiving your new I-20 with the OPT recommendation from your DSO.  Filing your case without the new OPT I-20 will result in a denial of your OPT application.

  • Application Overview

    Your DSO will not review individual I-765 OPT application forms or supporting documentation. It is your responsibility to review our detailed OPT Application Guide, complete the ETSU OPT Training module and review the OPT application checklist before submitting your OPT application to USCIS. 

    • You are expected to complete the  OPT Training module and complete the required OPT Certification form.
    • Your DSO will provide the OPT recommendation in the form of a new I-20. Your DSO will send the I-20 to your ETSU email.  You will need to print the OPT I-20, sign it, and include it as part of your final OPT application to the USCIS. 
      • Be sure to sign the I-20 document on the proper signature line on page 1. DSO processing time is 10 business days (excluding holidays/closures).
      • The new I-20 must be hand-signed (ink signature); digital/electronic student signatures are not accepted
    • Send a scanned copy of your signed OPT I-20 directly to your DSO via email

    In most cases, provided that you have obtained the required recommendation from your DSO and submitted the required documents to USCIS, OPT is not denied by USCIS. However, problems occur when the application guidelines are not followed (i.e., incorrect mailing address, wrong photograph format, wrong file format, etc.).

    • Students who apply for post-completion OPT and then fail to graduate on the date indicated in their applications risk violating their student visa status and possibly forfeiting their OPT. Students who do not graduate as planned must contact their DSO immediately.
    • Depending on your Form I-94, you may also need to consider an Extension of Stay — see our EOS page for details. 
  • OPT Certification Form

    All students applying for OPT must request a specific OPT start/end date. Students will enter this selected start/end date on the OPT Certification form.

    Start Date:

    • Students applying for pre-completion OPT may select any date after they have completed their first two semesters as a full-time student as their requested pre-completion OPT start date. 
    • Students applying for post-completion OPT must select an OPT start date that is any date after the program end date (day of commencement of your final semester of registration):
      • If your Form I-94 shows "D/S": up to 60 days after the program end date.
      • If your Form I-94 shows a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD): up to 30 days after the program end date. 

    End Date:

    • Students applying for pre-completion OPT should select the specific date they want pre-completion OPT to end. 
    • Students applying for post-completion OPT should select the date one year from their requested start date, unless they have been authorized for pre-completion OPT.
      • If you have been approved for pre-completion OPT and are now applying for post-completion OPT, please see the section above regarding the rate at which pre-completion OPT is subtracted from post-completion OPT.


    **See OPT Certification Form Guide for submission details

  • USCIS Application

    The OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible.  Please use the OPT resources to complete your final application.  If you have questions or need clarification, please contact your DSO directly BEFORE filing your application with USCIS.

    Now that you have received your OPT I-20 email from your DSO, please review the following items below before submitting your OPT application to USCIS.

    • Consult the OPT Application Checklist for a full list of documents to include in your final OPT application that you will submit to USCIS.
    • To complete the online Form I-765 OPT application, you should consult the OPT Application Guide for instructions.
    • This application requires documentation from previously authorized CPT and OPT. 

    As part of your OPT application to the USCIS, you are required to include copies of previously issued I-20s and EADs associated with prior periods of CPT and OPT.

    • If you are missing copies of previously issued I-20s, you may be able to contact the international office at the school you attended to see if they are able to provide you with copies.
    • If you are unable to include previous EADs, you should attach copies of any receipt and approval notices you received from USCIS relating to those applications if you have them in your possession, so as to provide USCIS with as much information as possible.
    • If you are unable to locate documentation, you may use the Missing Documentation Letter template, located in Resources, to include with your application to USCIS.

    Important Note: You are required to send your DSO a copy of your OPT I -797 Approval Notice and EAD card.

OPT Reporting Requirements and Responsibilities

Students are REQUIRED to report employment to their DSO via the OPT Employment Reporting Form  in order to maintain status, regardless of reporting information in the SEVP Portal.  We suggest to those students who wish to use the SEVP portal that they use it for viewing purposes, only, and not to make any changes.  The SEVP Portal is optional and not required by federal regulations.  Students who choose to use the Portal to report information are still required to report that same information to their DSO.

Students will need to create an account when accessing the OPT Employment Reporting Form for the first time. Your ETSU log in credentials will not work for this form.

  • Department of Homeland Security Reporting Regulation

    The Department of Homeland Security launched the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal in March 2018 with the intention of making it easier for F-1 students on OPT to report their employment, address, and telephone number directly to DHS.  While this portal may provide some convenience, please remember that the immigration regulations have not changed. The regulations still state that F-1 students must report employment to their Designated School Official (DSO). Students will receive an automated link from SEVP to create an account in the SEVP Portal at the beginning of their OPT period.  

    The exact regulation is in 8 CFR 214.2(f)12)(i) and reads:

    • (i) General. An F-1 student who is granted employment authorization by USCIS to engage in optional practical training is required to report any change of name or address, or interruption of such employment to the DSO for the duration of the optional practical training. A DSO who recommends a student for OPT is responsible for updating the student’s record to reflect these reported changes for the duration of the time that training is authorized.
  • Reporting Requirements

    While on OPT, you remain in F-1 status, and employment is required to maintain status. You must work more than 20 hours per week in a position directly related to your field of study, and you must not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment.

    On the start date of your OPT (if it has been approved), you should receive an email from the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) instructing you to create an SEVP Portal Account. 

    The following information must be reported during the post-completion OPT period of authorization within 10 days of any changes using the following forms:

    International Student Update Form 

    • Your residential address
    • Your phone and email address

    OPT Employment Reporting Form:

    • Employer information upon obtaining a job or changing jobs
      • Employer's name
      • Employer's address
      • Job Title(s)
      • Explanation of how your job(s) relates to your major area of study 
      • Start and/or end dates of employment
    • When a job ends, the end date of that employment will be updated in SEVIS (DO NOT delete any periods of employment as that will cause unemployment day accrual)
    • Any periods of unemployment:
      • Note: unemployment is reported by timely reporting the end date of your prior employer to your DSO--date ranges not covered by employment dates that you have entered on the employment reporting form count as unemployment.
      • Remember that you are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month period of post-completion OPT
    • Date of exiting the U.S. (You must provide date of exit if you decide to exit the U.S and complete your OPT status prior to the end date of your OPT)
    • If your visa status changes while on OPT

     

  • Unemployment Limitations

    F-1 visa regulations allow students to apply for OPT without having an employer. For students who remain in the U.S. on post-completion OPT, their legal status depends on being employed. OPT employment may be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and includes self-employment. Students on post-completion OPT may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment within the approved dates of OPT as listed on the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If you exceed the 90 days of unemployment, you are no longer eligible to apply for the STEM extension, if applicable. 

    You can review detailed information regarding unemployment here.

  • Employment Requirements

    All OPT employment, including post-completion OPT employment, is required to be related to the student’s program of study. The following list describes acceptable forms of employment:

    • Paid employment--Students may work part time (at least 20 hours per week when on post-completion OPT) or full time.
    • Multiple employers--Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to each individual student’s program of study. 
    • Work for hire-- This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employer-employee relationship. If requested by the Department of Homeland Security, students should be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
    • Self-employed business owner-- Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. The student must be able to prove that they have the proper business licenses and are actively engaged in a business related to their program of study.
    • Employment through an agency or consulting firm-- Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing that they worked an average of 20+ hours per week while being employed by the agency.
    • Unpaid employment-- Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work must be more than 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. A student must be able to provide evidence, acquired from the student’s employer, to verify that they worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.


    Note: Cannabis Industry - be aware that the use and sale of cannabis is illegal at the federal level, although it may be legal in some U.S. states. To avoid possible deportation or inadmissibility from the US, students should avoid positions related to federally illegal substances. We recommend consulting with an attorney if you have concerns.

    Resources:

    Will Legal Use of Marijuana Make Applicant for Immigration Benefits Inadmissible? 


    Warning for Immigrants About Medical & Legalized Marijuana 


    Legal immigrants with jobs in the marijuana industry are being denied US citizenship 


    USCIS Announcement: Legal Marijuana Use Will Prevent You From Obtaining Citizenship


    FAQ Regarding Marijuana Use and Immigration Consequences 


    Unless You're a Citizen, Legal Marijuana Isn't for You


    Legal Colorado Marijuana Workers Denied Citizenship Over Work

    Please note:  STEM OPT extension rules and responsibilities are more extensive than the list above. Please see the STEM information.

Travel on OPT

For detailed information regarding travel, please visit our Travel webpage.

OPT & H-1B Cap Gap Extension FAQs

  • What is an H-1B Cap-Gap Extension?
    A Cap-Gap extension is a regulatory provision that extends an eligible F-1 student's OPT employment authorization based on an appropriately filed “change of status” H-1B petition with an October 1 start date.
  • Am I eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension?

    You are eligible for a Cap-Gap extension if your employer submits a timely filed change of status to H-1B petition to USCIS on your behalf. You may be eligible for one of two Cap-Gap extensions:

    1.  If your employer filed your H-1B petition and it is receipted by USCIS prior to your post-completion OPT expiration date, you are eligible for an extension of your OPT employment authorization through September 30.
    2. If your employer filed your H-1B petition and it is receipted by USCIS after your post-completion OPT expires but during your grace period following OPT, your F-1 status and permission to remain in the U.S. are extended until September 30, but the OPT employment authorization is not. In other words, you will not have work permission.
  • How do I apply for an H-1B Cap-Gap Extension I-20?
    To request the Cap-Gap I-20, please contact your DSO via email and attach all supporting documentation of your H-1B approval (USCIS I-797 Notice of Approval). 
  • How long will the H-1B Cap-Gap Extension I-20 request take?
    Your DSO will issue the Cap-Gap I-20 within 10 business days (excluding holidays/closures) of the receipt of your request, provided you include all required information.
  • Can I travel during an H-1B Cap-Gap Extension?

    Generally speaking, you may travel abroad and seek readmission to the U.S. in F-1 status during a Cap-Gap period if:

    1.  Your H-1B petition and request for change of status has been approved
    2. You seek readmission before your H-1B employment begins (normally at the beginning of the fiscal year, i.e., October 1) and
    3. You are otherwise admissible.

    Please note, traveling outside the U.S. may interfere with the processing of your H-1B petition. We strongly advise that you consult with your employer and their legal counsel processing the H-1B regarding all travel plans before departing the U.S. Click here to access the latest travel information from the USCIS.

  • Can I switch employers while I am on Cap-Gap Extension?
    Generally speaking, you cannot switch employers during your Cap-Gap extension. Please consult with your employer's legal counsel.

Options After OPT or Ending OPT Early

Your grace period following OPT expiration depends on what your Form I-94 shows: 

  • I-94 shows "D/S": You are allowed a 60-day grace period following your OPT expiration date to leave the United States, change your visa status, or transfer your F-1 record to a new school or program.
  • I-94 shows a fixed Admit Until Date (AUD): You are allowed a 30-day grace period following your OPT expiration date for the same purposes. This 30-day period is included in your AUD.

You are allowed a grace period following your OPT expiration date to leave the United States, change your visa status, or transfer your F-1 record to a new school or program. In some cases, you may want to pursue these options before the end of your OPT. If you remain in the United States past the end of your grace period without transferring to a new school or program or having applied for a timely filed Change of Status, this is a violation of your F-1 status and could lead to current or future consequences to your US visa record.

  • Departing the U.S.

    It is extremely important that you notify your DSO of any changes to your immigration status:

    During OPT: If you leave the U.S. permanently before your EAD expires, or decide not to use OPT, you must notify your DSO by email. 

    After OPT: If your plan is to depart the United States after your OPT, you must do so within your grace period (60 or 30 days, depending on your Form I-94 — see above). You must stop working by the end date on your EAD card.

  • Change of Status

    During OPT: If you change to another visa status in the U.S. before your EAD expires, such as H-1B or obtain Permanent Resident status, you must notify your DSO. To report this change, you will email your DSO, and attach evidence of your new status (i.e., new I-94 arrival/departure record AND I-797 Approval Notice, or green card).

    After OPT: If you have a pending or approved change of status when or after your OPT ends, check with the immigration legal counsel working on your change of status application to determine what options are available to you and if you may remain in the United States past the end of your grace period without a negative impact to your immigration status

    H-1B: If you have a pending or approved change of status to H-1B, you may be eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension I-20. Please consult with the immigration legal counsel working on your case.

  • Continuing Your Education

    During OPT: Beginning a full-time program of study while on OPT is not allowed. If you wish to start a new program while on OPT, the remainder of the OPT must be forfeited before beginning classes with the new program. If you are beginning a program of study at another U.S. school, you must complete our SEVIS Transfer Release Form and upload the admission letter to the new school.  If you are beginning a new program of study at ETSU, you must request a new I-20 via the link in your admission letter. 

    After OPT: If you are planning to go back to school after your OPT, you must complete our SEVIS Transfer Release Form and upload the admission letter to the new school or request a Change of Level I-20 if returning to ETSU. This must be done before the end of your grace period following the OPT end date (60 or 30 days, depending on your Form I-94). 

    • Students should keep in mind the following points when deciding when to request a Transfer Out of their SEVIS record:
      • The SEVIS transfer release date can be within the OPT period dates listed on the EAD or up to your applicable grace period (60 or 30 days) after the expiration date on the EAD. 
      • Students may request a release date in the future and continue working on OPT until that date as long as the EAD has not expired and the new program of study has not yet begun.
      • After the SEVIS transfer release date has passed, students may not continue working on OPT, even if the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has not expired. The release date, in effect, cancels the EAD.
      • Classes at the new school must begin within 5 months of the transfer release date or the end date on the EAD, whichever is earlier. If the time period between the OPT end date and the start date of classes at the new school will be more than five months, please meet with your DSO to discuss your options.

Reporting FAQs

The information below is based on relevant immigration regulations for general information purposes, only, and does not constitute legal advice.  Always contact your DSO with specific questions.

  • While working on OPT, do I need to use the portal to update my employer or address information?
    Since the regulation has not changed, students are REQUIRED to report employment to their DSO via the OPT Employment Reporting Form  in order to maintain status, regardless of reporting information in the SEVP Portal.  We suggest to those students who wish to use the SEVP portal that they use it for viewing purposes, only, and not to make any changes.  The SEVP Portal is optional and not required by federal regulations.  Students who choose to use the Portal to report information are still required to report that same information to their DSO.
  • To which email account will the SEVP portal access information be sent?
    The email will be sent to the email address listed on your OPT Certification Form that you completed when you applied for OPT.
  • I am working for two different employers on post-completion OPT. Can both be listed in SEVIS?
    Yes, you will submit two OPT Employment Reporting Forms—one for each employer.
  • I switched jobs on OPT. What do I do to reflect my job change?
    Employment updates will be made using the OPT Employment Reporting Form (see details above).  When completing the form, be sure to enter your last date of employment for your previous position. 
  • I am self-employed, working remotely, or working for a staffing agency. What address should I list for the employer address?
    If you are self-employed and working out of your home, use your home address as your employer address. If working for a staffing agency, you should use the address of the physical location where employment is taking place.
  • My name has changed. Can I update this information in the SEVP portal?
    It is not possible for you to make name changes in the portal. Please contact your DSO to update this information as you will need to submit documentation of the name change (i.e., passport, marriage certificate, etc.).
  • My email address has changed. Can I update this information in the SEVP portal?
    It is not possible for you to update your email address.  Please complete the International Student Update Form to update this information.

International Enrollment & Services (IES) provides general guidance on your OPT/STEM OPT application based on information obtained from reliable sources and reflecting our years of experience in working with students. We make every attempt to ensure that we provide you with the most up-to-date information available. However, any advice provided to you by our office (as well as the information on this webpage) does not constitute legal advice. The OPT/STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible; the application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case. IES does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. IES is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.

Employment Resources