F-1, OPT, STEM OPT

Students

The F-1 visa lets international students study full time at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students can gain work experience through practical training, and many later move to H-1B or another status. We help students and their families with visa applications, status problems and the plan from graduation to work.

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Last reviewed September 2026

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Form I-20 is the document a school issues to admit an F-1 student. The school's Designated School Official (DSO) keeps the student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

See the glossary

Who this is for

Admitted students applying for an F-1 visa
Students in the United States changing to or from F-1 status
Graduates applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or the STEM OPT extension
Students who fell out of status and need reinstatement

How we help

Visa and change of status: We prepare visa applications and, where it makes sense, changes of status inside the United States.
Practical training: We review OPT and STEM OPT timing and the employer's obligations.
Status problems: We advise on reduced course loads, transfers, unauthorized employment and reinstatement.
From study to work: We plan the move to H-1B, O-1 or a green card, including the cap-gap extension that can bridge OPT and H-1B.

Forms involved

I-20Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
DS-160Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
I-765Application for Employment Authorization (OPT)
I-539Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status
I-983Training Plan for STEM OPT Students

Government filing fees are listed on our filing fees page.

Timeline

Visa interview waits depend on the U.S. embassy or consulate. Post-completion OPT can be requested up to 90 days before the program end date and no later than 60 days after it. A change of status filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) commonly takes several months.

Document checklist

A starting list. We send a checklist for your case after the consultation.

Form I-20 and SEVIS fee receipt
Passport and visa
Proof of financial support
Admission letter and transcripts
For OPT: the DSO's recommendation in SEVIS
For STEM OPT: Form I-983 signed by the employer

Questions clients ask

How many hours can I work on campus?

Up to 20 hours a week while school is in session, and full time during official breaks.

What is the difference between CPT and OPT?

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work that forms part of the curriculum and is authorized by the school. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary work in the field of study and requires a work permit from USCIS.

How long is OPT?

Up to 12 months at each degree level. Graduates in qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields may extend it by 24 months with an employer enrolled in E-Verify.

What is cap-gap?

An extension of F-1 status, and often of work permission, for students whose employer filed a timely H-1B cap petition. Rules effective in January 2025 extend this protection until 1 April of the following year.

Can I start school while a change of status is pending?

It depends on your current status. Visitor (B-1 or B-2) status, for example, does not allow study before the change is approved.

What if I fell out of status?

USCIS may reinstate a student who has been out of status for less than five months, or longer in exceptional circumstances, if the violation was beyond the student's control or leaving would cause extreme hardship. Leaving and returning with a new I-20 is another route.

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