Changing Education Level on OPT: F-1 Visa Rules for Altering Academic Levels on Optional Practical Training

Understanding OPT and Your Education Level

Are you an international student in the United States looking to further your education? If you’re currently engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing a degree, you might be wondering if it’s possible to change your education level, say from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s, while on OPT. Let’s explore how F-1 visa regulations impact this query.

What is OPT?

Firstly, let’s clarify what OPT is. OPT is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 visa status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine months are permitted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to work for up to 12 months on student visas to gain practical training to complement their education.

Can You Change Education Levels on OPT?

The simple answer is yes, you can change your education level while on OPT. However, doing so involves a few steps and considerations:

1. Complete Your Current OPT: You are allowed to begin a new program of study after completing your OPT period. It’s important not to start a new academic program while you’re engaged in post-completion OPT.

2. Re-enroll in a Higher Education Level: You’ll need to get admitted to a new educational program. Once you’re admitted, your new school will issue a new Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

1. Maintain F-1 Status: You must maintain lawful F-1 status before your change of education level. This includes not working without authorization, not exceeding the number of allowed unemployment days during OPT, and otherwise following the guidelines set out by the USCIS.

2. Apply for a New I-20: Your new educational institution will provide you with a new I-20 reflecting your change in education level.

3. OPT Extension for STEM Students: If you are a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) student, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided you meet the requirements, which include enrolling in a new higher education program that is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.

Timing and Immigration Status

Understanding the timing of these changes in tandem with your immigration status is critical. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• Before Your OPT Expires: If you decide to continue your education before your current OPT expires, you should apply to your new program, get your I-20, and ensure that your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record is transferred to your new school as needed.

• Gap Between OPT and New Program: There could be a gap between your OPT ending and the new program starting. The maximum allowable gap is 5 months. If your new program starts more than 5 months after your current OPT expires, you will need to leave the United States and then re-enter with your new I-20.

The Application Process

When planning to change your education level, follow these steps:

1. Notify your current Designated School Official (DSO) about your intent to continue your education.
2. Complete any required admissions processes and gain admission to your new program.
3. Work with the DSO at your new school to coordinate the SEVIS transfer and issuance of your new I-20.
4. Ensure your F-1 visa is valid for return to the U.S. if you plan to travel between programs. If your visa expires, you will need to apply for a new one with your new I-20.

Conclusion

Changing your education level while on OPT is possible but requires careful planning and adherence to F-1 visa regulations. Always stay in close communication with your DSO and check the USCIS Official Website for the latest guidelines and resources. By following the proper protocols, you can continue to pursue your academic and professional objectives in the U.S. without jeopardizing your F-1 status.

Remember, staying informed and proactive about your visa requirements ensures a smooth transition between educational endeavors and can pave the way for a successful career stemming from your U.S. education experience.

So there you have it, my fellow international student explorers! Now you know that you can indeed change your education level while on OPT, and it’s not as daunting as it might seem. Just follow the steps, maintain your F-1 status, and keep the USCIS guidelines close. And hey, if you want more inside info on all things visas and international student life, head on over to visaverge.com. Trust me, it’s a treasure trove of knowledge for your visa adventures! Happy exploring!

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What is OPT and how does it work for international students in the United States?

OPT, or Optional Practical Training, is a period during which international students in the United States with F-1 visa status can work for up to 12 months on a student visa to gain practical training related to their field of study. It is available for undergraduate and graduate students who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine months. OPT is authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to complement the students’ education.

FAQ 2: Can international students on OPT change their education level from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s?

Yes, international students on OPT can change their education level from a Bachelor’s to a Master’s. However, there are certain steps and considerations to keep in mind:

• Complete your current OPT before starting a new academic program.
• Get admitted to a new educational program and obtain a new Form I-20 from the new school.
• Maintain lawful F-1 status by following USCIS guidelines.
• If eligible for a STEM OPT extension, ensure the new program is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.

FAQ 3: What is the application process for changing education levels while on OPT?

The application process for changing education levels while on OPT involves several steps:

1. Notify your current Designated School Official (DSO) about your intention to continue your education.
2. Complete the required admissions processes and be admitted to the new program.
3. Coordinate with the DSO at your new school for the SEVIS transfer and issuance of a new I-20.
4. Ensure the validity of your F-1 visa if traveling between programs. Renew it if necessary.

Remember to stay in close communication with your DSO and refer to the USCIS Official Website for the latest guidelines and resources related to changing education levels while on OPT.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

1. True/False: Can an international student change their education level while on OPT?

2. What are the steps involved in changing education levels while on OPT? (Short Answer)

3. Can STEM students be eligible for an extension of their OPT period? (Multiple Choice)
   a) Yes, only if they continue studying at the same education level
   b) No, STEM students are not eligible for an extension
   c) Yes, if they enroll in a new higher education program on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
   d) Only if they apply for an OPT extension before completing their current program