FAQ Library

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization tied to your curriculum that lets eligible F-1 students do training that is an integral part of their program. It must be authorized on your I-20 before you start.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Using 12 months or more of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for OPT at the same education level. Part-time CPT generally does not. Always confirm timing details with your DSO.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Early Member Premium includes the Life Event Assistant, life-event guidance, proactive readiness checks, personalized follow-up tasks, and early access to a secure document vault when it launches. The founding price is $29/year, billed yearly. You keep that yearly price while your subscription remains active.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

The Life Event Assistant reacts when something in your situation changes, such as starting a new job, transferring schools, or beginning a new degree. It asks the right follow-up questions for that event and automatically creates the tasks you need to stay on track and maintain your status.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

The Consequence Engine explains how a decision or change affects your immigration status, deadlines, and options. Instead of guessing what a change means, you get a clear picture of the downstream impact so you can plan your next step with confidence.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Proactive readiness checks continuously review your profile and documents to flag what is missing and what risks are coming up, before they become problems. They help you stay prepared for upcoming filing windows and expirations rather than reacting at the last minute.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Personalized follow-up tasks are tailored action items generated from your specific situation and life events. Rather than a generic checklist, you get the exact steps that apply to you so nothing important slips through the cracks.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

The secure document vault is a place to store your key immigration documents, such as your I-20, EAD, and passport details, so they are organized and easy to find. Early Members get early access when this feature launches.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Early Member Premium is a recurring subscription at $29/year. That is about $2.42/month, billed yearly; it is not monthly billing. You keep the founding $29 yearly price while your subscription remains active.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Employment changes usually must be reported to your DSO, and STEM OPT requires a new I-983 with the new employer. Confirm whether an updated I-20 is needed and report within the required window.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Yes — post-completion OPT requires reporting your employer and any changes through your school's SEVIS reporting process. Keep documentation of start and end dates.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

F-1 is a nonimmigrant student status for individuals enrolled full-time in an academic program at a SEVP-certified U.S. school. You must maintain a full course load, keep your I-20 valid, and report changes to your DSO.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Generally it means staying enrolled full-time, keeping your I-20 and passport valid, not working without authorization, and reporting address or program changes on time. Your DSO is the best source for your specific situation.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

A Designated School Official (DSO) is the person at your university authorized to advise F-1 students and update your SEVIS record. Your international student office can tell you who your DSO is.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

The H-1B is a temporary work visa for specialty occupations that typically requires employer sponsorship and is subject to an annual cap and lottery selection.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Cap-gap may extend the status and, in some cases, work authorization of F-1 students with a timely-filed H-1B petition requesting a change of status, bridging the gap until the H-1B start date. Confirm eligibility with your DSO and attorney.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

It is wise to keep passports, all visas, every I-20, EAD cards, pay stubs, W-2s, and employer details organized. An immigration attorney can advise on what your petition needs.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

The Form I-20 is a document issued by your school that certifies your eligibility for F-1 status. It lists your program, funding, and program end date, and is signed by your DSO.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

You may need an updated I-20 after events such as a program extension, a change of education level, OPT/STEM OPT recommendation, a school transfer, or certain personal data changes. Confirm with your DSO.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is up to 12 months of work authorization for F-1 students in a field related to their major, typically used after completing a degree (post-completion OPT).

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

You can generally file for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after, and USCIS must receive the application within 30 days of your DSO's OPT recommendation. Confirm exact dates with your DSO.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

During post-completion OPT you are generally allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment. Keeping records of your employment is important. Your DSO can explain reporting requirements.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Your SEVIS record is transferred from your current school to the new one on an agreed release date. You typically must enroll at the new school by the next available term. Coordinate with both DSOs.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

A school transfer can affect pending or active OPT. Discuss timing carefully with your DSO before initiating a transfer to avoid losing benefits.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Common risks include dropping below a full course load without authorization, unauthorized employment, letting documents expire, or missing reporting deadlines. When in doubt, contact your DSO promptly.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Act quickly and speak with your DSO and, if needed, a qualified immigration attorney. Options such as reinstatement may exist depending on the situation.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Students with an eligible STEM degree working for an E-Verify employer may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT, for a potential total of 36 months.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

The Form I-983 is a training plan completed with your employer that describes your STEM OPT learning objectives. It is required for the STEM OPT extension.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

STEM OPT generally requires periodic validation reports and self-evaluations, plus reporting of changes such as a new employer or address. Your DSO will outline the schedule.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Typically a valid passport, a valid F-1 visa, and an I-20 with a recent travel signature from your DSO. Requirements vary, so confirm before any travel.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Travel signatures on the I-20 are generally valid for a limited period (often 12 months, or 6 months on OPT). Check your I-20 and ask your DSO before traveling.

This is general educational information, not legal advice.