If you’re an international student in the United States, you may be wondering what happens when your F1 visa expires but your OPT (Optional Practical Training) remains valid. This is a common situation that can be confusing, but don’t worry – we’re here to help you understand what you need to know.

Whether you’re currently in the US with an expired F1 visa and valid OPT, or if you’re thinking about pursuing OPT after your F1 visa expires, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know.

Key Takeaways

• Your F1 visa indicates your status as a student, whereas OPT allows you to work in the US in a field related to your major.
• Your F1 visa and OPT have separate expiration dates, so it’s possible for your F1 visa to expire while your OPT is still valid.
• If your F1 visa has expired but your OPT is still valid, you can legally remain in the US to work for the duration of your OPT period.
• While you don’t need a valid F1 visa to work during your OPT period, you’ll need to have a valid travel document (such as a passport) to reenter the US after any international travel.

Read on to learn more about F1 visas, OPT, and what you need to know if your F1 visa has expired but your OPT is still valid.

What is an F1 Visa?

An F1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows international students to study in the United States. To apply for an F1 visa, you must be enrolled in a program at a US college or university that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Your F1 visa includes your photo, biographical information, and the dates when you are authorized to enter and leave the United States. It also indicates that you are allowed to remain in the US as long as you are enrolled in school and making satisfactory academic progress.

What is OPT?

OPT is a program that allows F1 visa holders to work in the US for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for students in STEM fields) after completing their degree program. OPT must be related to your major area of study, and you must apply for it while you’re still enrolled in school.

To apply for OPT, you’ll need to submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS, you’ll be authorized to work in the US for the duration of your OPT period.

What Happens if Your F1 Visa Expires but Your OPT is Still Valid?

If your F1 visa has expired but your OPT is still valid, you can legally remain in the US and work for the duration of your OPT period. This means that you can continue to work for your employer as long as your OPT authorization is still valid, even if your F1 visa has expired.

It’s important to note that you don’t need a valid F1 visa to work during your OPT period. However, if you plan to travel outside the US during your OPT period and then reenter the country, you’ll need to have a valid travel document (such as a passport) and your EAD card.

If your F1 visa has expired and you’re planning to travel outside the US during your OPT period, it’s important to apply for a new visa before you leave the country. This will ensure that you’re able to reenter the US after your trip.

Can You Extend Your OPT if Your F1 Visa Has Expired?

If your F1 visa has expired but your OPT is still valid, you may be wondering if you’re eligible to extend your OPT period. Unfortunately, the answer is no – you cannot extend your OPT if your F1 visa has already expired.

However, if your F1 visa is still valid and you’re currently on OPT, you may be eligible to apply for an extension of your OPT period. You’ll need to apply for the extension before your current OPT authorization expires.

The Bottom Line

If your F1 visa has already expired but your OPT is still valid, you can legally remain in the US and work for the duration of your OPT period. However, you’ll need to make sure that you have a valid travel document (such as a passport) if you plan to travel outside the US during your OPT period.

If you have any further questions about F1 visas, OPT, or your immigration status in general, it’s always a good idea to consult with an immigration attorney.

FAQs

What is the difference between an F1 visa and OPT?

An F1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows international students to study in the United States, while OPT allows F1 visa holders to work in the US for a limited period of time after they graduate.

Can you work in the US if your F1 visa has expired?

Yes, if your F1 visa has expired but your OPT is still valid, you can legally remain in the US and work for the duration of your OPT period.

How long is an OPT period?

An OPT period is typically 12 months, but it can be extended to 24 months (or up to 36 months for students in STEM fields) if you meet certain eligibility requirements.