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⇒ Student & Scholar Advising ⇒ Students ⇒ F-1 Students ⇒ Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

When I am on OPT what is my status?  Can I extend my OPT like I could extend my I-20?

OPT is part of F-1 status.  Though you may no longer be a student, you are still in F-1 status.

A one-time, 17-month extension of OPT is only possible for students who are completing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree in DHS-designated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.  If your degree is in a non-STEM field, the maximum amount of time for which you are eligible for OPT is 12 months for each higher degree level.

What happens to my IU email account and network ID/password once I graduate?

Email is the primary way for our office to contact you while you’re on OPT.  You have three options for your email after you complete your program of study.  If your current IU email account was set up through Umail or Imail, your IU email account will not expire.  If you did not set up your current IU email account using Imail or Umail, you can switch your account to use one of these services by logging into your email account through webmail and following the prompts on the screen.

You can also find more information about additional email accounts here.

Another email option for you includes requesting a free IU Alumni email account.  Alternatively, you could use a non-IU email account (gmail, yahoo, hotmail, etc.).

In any case, you must log into iStart to update OIS with this new email address before your OPT begins.

Am I required to have health insurance while on OPT?

No.  However, we do recommend that you extend your IU insurance coverage for up to 6 months after your current policy expires, or that you purchase non-IU insurance so that you do not have a gap in coverage.

If you graduate between January 1 and August 14, your IU policy expires August 14;
If you graduate between August 15 and December 31, your IU policy expires December 31.

To extend your IU policy, contact the Student Health Plan Coordinator in Poplars Building (856-4650) at least two weeks before your policy expires.

NOTE:

If you are on OPT but register at IUB anytime during your OPT period, you will automatically be billed for the IU Insurance.  If you would like to waive this insurance, you must provide proof of comparable insurance to the OIS.

Can I travel while on OPT?

It is a common misconception that students can never travel while on OPT.  However, if you have the proper documentation that is pertinent to your particular situation, you may be eligible to depart from and re-enter the US after a brief absence.  If you are:

• Traveling outside of the US while waiting for your OPT to be approved and before you complete your degree, take the following items with you:

  • passport (valid for six months from the date of your re-entry);
  • signed I-20 (remember that each travel signature is valid for only 6 months during the period of OPT);
  • valid F-1 visa stamp.

• Traveling outside of the U.S. while waiting for your OPT to be approved and after your degree completion, be advised that this option is somewhat riskier.  You will need to take the following items with you:

  • passport (valid for six months from the date of your re-entry);
  • signed I-20 (remember that each travel signature is valid for only 6 months during the period of OPT);
  • valid F-1 visa stamp;

  • It is also recommended that you bring your I-797C (receipt notice from USCIS).

    OIS recommends particular caution in this situation.  Your US immigration status is determined by the I-94 card that is placed in your passport and because the I-94 is taken each time you depart from the US, establishing your F-1 status while outside the US will be difficult if USCIS has questions about your OPT application.  If USCIS sends a request for additional information about an aspect of your application and if it is not resolved in a timely fashion, your application will be denied.

    According to DHS, traveling back to the US while your OPT is pending is permitted in order to search for employment (more information under 2.O. and 2.P. on the SEVP FAQ page)

  • Traveling outside of the U.S. after your OPT has been approved and after the completion date on your I-20 (check item 5 on your I-20), you must have the following documents to re-enter the United States:

    • passport (valid for six months from the date of your re-entry);
    • valid F-1visa stamp;
    • OPT I-20 with a valid travel signature (given within the last six months);
    • valid OPT card;

    • job offer or employment confirmation letter (Immigration regulations state that you can re-enter the U.S. to resume employment while on OPT)

      • If traveling for business or on a vacation from the job, ensure that the letter clarifies this.

It can be very difficult to apply for an F-1 visa stamp while you are on OPT.  If your visa stamp is expired, or will soon expire, keep this in mind.  Please remember that anytime you leave the US there is never a guarantee that the immigration official at the port of entry will allow you to re-enter.  Please speak with an advisor at OIS if you have questions.

How long can I remain in the US after my OPT expires?

Do I need a new Social Security card?

If your SSN card says “Valid for Employment with CIS Authorization,” you will not need to get your Social Security Number card changed.  If it says “Not Valid for Employment,” you will need to get it changed.  If you need to get your Social Security card changed, take your OPT card, a job offer letter, I-20, passport, and a picture ID with you to a local Social Security office.

Can I take classes while on OPT?

If you begin study at another education level, your OPT authorization is terminated with the notification of a new degree program in SEVIS or with a transfer of your SEVIS record to another institution.  You are meant to be working full-time while on OPT.  If you are pursuing work in your major field of study and wish to take a class or two, there should not be a problem with this, provided that you do not begin a new education level.