Short summaries drawn from the USCIS Policy Manual chapter(s) for F-1. Use filters to narrow by topic, then open a question. Sources and disclaimers are at the bottom.
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+ Can a start-up business employ a STEM OPT student? + Can a student use a previously earned STEM degree for a STEM OPT extension? + Can an F-1 student receive multiple STEM OPT extensions? + Can an F-1 student travel abroad during cap-gap? Important + Can an F-1 student work as a volunteer or unpaid intern during post-completion OPT? + Can staffing agencies or consulting firms employ STEM OPT students? + Can time spent in a study abroad program count toward the one full academic year requirement for PT? + What is the automatic cap-gap extension and when do I qualify? + Are my F-2 dependents also extended during cap-gap? + How long does the cap-gap extension last? + What does 'timely filed' mean for an H-1B petition during cap-gap? + What if my approved H-1B petition is revoked due to fraud or status violation? Important + What if an H-1B petition is filed while I am in the 60-day grace period? + What happens if my H-1B change of status is denied due to a status violation? Important + What happens if my H-1B petition is denied or withdrawn during cap-gap? Important + Can I travel outside the United States during cap-gap? + Does unemployment during cap-gap count toward my OPT unemployment limits? Numbers / limits + How do M-1 students apply for practical training? Numbers / limits + How do students apply for OPT? + How much OPT time can an F-1 student use? + How much practical training can M-1 students receive? Numbers / limits + When can M-1 students apply for Practical Training (PT)? Numbers / limits + What happens if I depart the United States while my M-1 PT application is pending? Important + How long can I work on M-1 Practical Training? Numbers / limits + Do I need to file Form I-539 if I finish my M-1 course of study early? + What documents do I need to file for M-1 Practical Training? + When can I begin M-1 Practical Training employment? + What happens to my F-1 status if my post-completion OPT application is denied? Important + When can I apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension? Numbers / limits + What happens if my STEM OPT extension is approved? + What happens to my F-1 status if my STEM OPT extension is denied? Important + Can I continue working while my STEM OPT extension application is pending? Numbers / limits + What are the eligibility requirements for post-completion OPT? + What are the eligibility requirements for pre-completion OPT? + What are the employer requirements for STEM OPT? + What are the requirements to participate in CPT? + What are the student eligibility requirements for STEM OPT? Numbers / limits + What are the time limitations on pre-completion OPT? + What evaluation requirements apply to STEM OPT students? + What general OPT reporting requirements apply to all F-1 students? + What happens if a STEM OPT extension is denied? Important + What happens if an F-1 student completes 1 year or more of full-time CPT? Important Numbers / limits + What happens if an H-1B cap-gap petition is rejected or denied? Important Numbers / limits + What happens if post-completion OPT is denied? Important + What is a bona fide employer-employee relationship for STEM OPT? + What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)? + What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)? + What is practical training for M-1 students? + What is practical training (PT) for F-1 students? + What is the cap-gap extension? + What is the deadline to complete post-completion OPT? Important + What is the filing window for post-completion OPT? + What is the grace period after OPT ends? + What is the STEM OPT extension? + What is the unemployment limit during post-completion OPT? Important Numbers / limits + What is the unemployment limit during STEM OPT? Important Numbers / limits + What must the Form I-983 training plan include? + What reporting requirements apply to STEM OPT students? + What training and supervision must STEM OPT employers provide? + When can a student apply for a STEM OPT extension? + When can a student file for pre-completion OPT? + When does post-completion OPT begin? + When does the cap-gap period begin and end? + When does the STEM OPT extension period begin and end? + When is OPT automatically terminated? Important + Who is eligible for practical training?