Maintaining Status on OPT & STEM OPT Extension
Once you have obtained an Optional Practical Training (OPT) or OPT STEM Extension work authorization, it is important to maintain your status. In order to maintain your status, you must adhere to the specific regulations and policies for your work authorization. Below are the specific ways to maintain your status depending on your work authorization.
Maintaining Status on OPT
Receive and Check your EAD Card. Your card will be sent to you soon after a decision on your application has been made. Be sure to check the start date on your card. Do NOT begin working until you have received your EAD card AND the start date has occurred. Working prior to your start date could result in loss of status.
Setting up the SEVP Portal. You will receive an email from "do-not-reply-sevp@ice.dhs.gov" to setup your SEVP portal. This email will arrive close to the start date on your EAD card. You will have 2 weeks to log in and create your account.
Updating the SEVP Portal. You are required to keep your SEVP portal updated and report any changes within 10 days. You will need to update your personal information such as physical address, phone number, and email. In addition, you will update your employer information including employer name, address of where you are working, and hours per week that you are working.
If you are experiencing any issues with the SEVP portal, use the following resources for assistance:
Employment Requirements. Remember, in order to satisfy the requirements of OPT, you must be active in a practical training opportunity that is directly related to your major for at least 21 hours a week. A full-time job, part-time job, paid internship, unpaid internship, or volunteer position could satisfy this requirement. You may have multiple positions, as long as they are all directly related to your major and when added together are 21 hours a week or more. You must report all of your positions in your SEVP portal.
90 Days of Authorized Unemployment. You must begin working within 90 days of the start date as it is listed on your EAD card, and you must also report that information in your SEVP portal.
Travel on OPT. Once you are on OPT and you are engaged in a practical training experience, you may need to travel outside the U.S. and re-enter. We recommend having the following documents with you as you re-enter the U.S.
- Valid passport, valid F-1 visa, updated I-20 with travel signature, EAD card, offer letter from employer, and any recent pay stubs (optional)
- Travel signatures are only valid for a 6-month period on OPT. If you need a new I-20, email isss@kent.edu
Grace Period Following OPT. If you have been maintaining your status on OPT, you will have a 60-day grace period following the end date as it is listed on your EAD card. During this period you may prepare to depart the U.S., enroll in another academic program at Kent State University, request to transfer your SEVIS record to a different U.S. university or college, or apply for a change of status.
STEM Extension. If you are in a STEM major as designated by the Department of Homeland Security, you should review all of the requirements to apply for a STEM Extension. Please note that you may apply as early as 90 days before the end date on your EAD card.
Maintaining Status on OPT STEM Extension
Similar but NOT the Same. There are many similarities to maintaining your F-1 status on OPT and STEM OPT Extension. However, there are significant differences, so please read carefully.
Receive and Check your EAD Card. Your card will be sent to you soon after a decision on your application has been made. Be sure to check the start date on your card. Remember, you are allowed to work up to 180 days past the end date on your EAD for OPT while your application is pending.
Reporting Updates & Submitting Validation Reports
- Report Personal Address Changes. You must update your physical address where you live within 10 days. You should update your address through the SEVP Portal.
- Report Employer Changes. Any major changes to your employment should be reported within 10 days to ISSS using the STEM OPT Employment Information Form.
- Validation Reports. Every 6 months, you are required to submit a validation report, even if there have been no changes. You submit your validation report using the STEM OPT Employment Information Form.
- 6 months = continuous reporting, previous I-983 may be submitted
- 12 months = continuous reporting, updated I-983 is required with "Evaluation on Student Progress" Completed at the bottom of page 5.
- 18 months = continuous reporting, previous I-983 from the 12 month validation report may be submitted
- 24 months = continuous reporting, updated I-983 is required with "Final Evaluation on Student Progress" completed at the bottom of page 5.
- You can review your reporting requirements and due dates in your SEVP student portal
Travel on OPT STEM Extension. Travel while on STEM Extension is the same as it was while on OPT. We recommend having the following documents with you as you re-enter the U.S.
- Valid passport, valid F-1 visa, updated I-20 with travel signature, EAD card, offer letter from employer, and any recent pay stubs (optional)
- Travel signatures are only valid for a 6-month period on STEM Extension. If you need a new I-20, email isss@kent.edu.
Grace Period Following OPT STEM Extension. If you have been maintaining your status on OPT STEM Extension, you will have a 60-day grace period following the end date as it is listed on your EAD card. During this period you may prepare to depart the U.S., enroll in another academic program at Kent State University, request to transfer your SEVIS record to a different U.S. university or college, or apply for a change of status.
Applying for Change of Status to H-1B
Please note that if you are working with an immigration attorney or H-1B specialist to apply for a change of status while on OPT or OPT STEM Extension, you should consult with them about your immigration status. There are some instances where you may need assistance from the ISSS team at Kent State University. We are happy to help you to the best of our ability. Additionally, we have put together some materials about the H-1B application process for you to consider.