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Optional Practical Training FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Optional Practical Training

  • Can I travel while on OPT? 

  • Please refer to our travel webpage for detailed information about traveling while on OPT. 

  • What if my visa expires while I am on OPT? 

  • Remember that a visa is an ENTRY document only, so if it expires while you are on OPT you do not need to leave the US to renew it.  However, the first time you leave and seek reentry to the US you will need to renew your visa.  Our travel webpage has information about what you need to apply for a visa renewal. 

  • I have heard I must find a job within 90 days is that true? 
  • It is true but we might say it another way.  During your Post-Completion OPT you can accumulate no more than 90 days of unemployment.  So, if at ANY point during the year of your OPT you reach a total of 90 unemployment days (cumulatively), you must leave the country immediately.  So, if you do not find work within 90 days of the start of your OPT you have accumulated 90 days of unemployment and must leave the US. 
  • What if I have to cancel my OPT? 
  • SISS can cancel your OPT in SEVIS if you haven’t physically mailed your application. Once you have mailed your application, you cannot cancel your time or receive a refund. Please contact SISS right away if you find yourself in this situation! 
  • What if I fail a class and do not finish my program when I said I would? 
  • If you have not filed your I-765 with USCIS, we can cancel the OPT recommendation and you can apply after you finish your course. If you have filed your I-765 with USCIS: 
    • You can finish your program (you must take the classes you need the following quarter). 
    • When you receive your EAD, you may work ONLY PART-TIME (20 hours or less per week) until you finish your coursework, even though the EAD card says you may work full-time (more than 20 hours per week). 
    • Once you finish your coursework, you may switch to full-time training. 
  • What if I get accepted to another degree program while I am on OPT? 
  • While on OPT you are still an F-1 student based on a UC  Davis I-20. If you start another degree program at UC Davis or another institution, your OPT will end when the day before your new degree program start date at UC Davis or the date we transfer your record to your new institution. If you plan on transferring to another school, you will need to contact your International Student Advisor to coordinate the release of your SEVIS record. You may request to also have your SEVIS record released while you are on OPT or during your 60-day grace period.  
  • Do I need a new I-20 each time I update my I-20? 
  • It is not a regulatory requirement to receive an updated paper copy of your I-20 after each update. You are welcome to request an I-20 through iGlobal for your records or if you need it for another reason (travel for example). 
  • Can I extend my OPT? 
  • A student with a degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) field can apply for a 24-month extension of their 12-month OPT, for a maximum of 36 months. In order to qualify, a student must meet a set of requirements.  Visit the STEM extension webpage to learn more.  
  • Do I need a Social Security Number to do OPT? 
  • Students who are being paid for work in the United States will need to apply for a Social Security Number and plan to file taxes. USCIS is working with the Social Security Administration so you can request a Social Security Number when you file your OPT application.  See the I-765 form and instructions to learn how to do this. 
  • Do I need health insurance coverage while I am on OPT? 
  • Students on OPT/STEM OPT will need to provide their own health insurance at all times. UC SHIP coverage ends when you complete your undergraduate or graduate program and does not extend into OPT/STEM OPT.

    Health insurance options:
    - Students can pay for UC SHIP to be extended for up to one quarter after completing their degree. For more information, contact 855-428-0730 or email ucship@ahpservice.com.
    - There are a number of private health insurance companies that can provide health insurance to international students while on OPT. Find a list of some of those companies through SHCS.
    - Some employers may provide health insurance as part of their benefits package. Discuss these options with your OPT employer. Please note: if you separate from an employer that provides your health insurance, you may experience lapses in your coverage, so work with your employer's benefits contact for options.
  • I'm planning to apply for a change of status to another immigration status, is there something I should do? 
  • Notify SISS if you apply for a change of status to another immigration status. When your application is approved, provide SISS an electronic copy of your I-797 approval notice, I-94 record, or green card. 
  •  Can I work or volunteer while waiting for my OPT approval? 
  • No, you may not work after the ending date on your I 20 until you receive your EAD card and the authorized period of work has begun.
  • What happens if I do not receive my EAD card before the end of my grace period? Will I be out of status? 
  • No, as long as you have a pending OPT application, you are considered to be maintaining status until you receive either an approval or denial from USCIS. 
  • What if my EAD is never delivered, is lost or stolen, or is there is an error on the EAD?
     
  • If your EAD was not delivered or is lost or stolen, please follow these instructions https://ucdavis.box.com/s/rsfewy68t2t6uicnebznu2mycf0e621o 
    If your EAD arrives and you notice an error on the card, please follow these instructions https://ucdavis.box.com/s/bopupvxncqdmibxdx0tge7uwqxl9p0rt 
  • How do I change my address with USCIS?
  • Change your address through your USCIS online account.
  • Employers are asking if I need sponsorship and/or if I am eligible for employment authorization inside the U.S. How can I answer that?
  • OPT is a work authorization benefit eligible to international students who are sponsored on a F-1 visa by UC Davis.
  • Are there UCD resources to help in the job/internship search and application process?
  • The Internship and Career Center offers career advising and workshops, a Career Resource Manual, resume reviews and interview preparation, Internship and Career Fairs throughout the year, and much more!

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Optional Practical Training Employment F-1