F-1 Student/Program Extension

International students may need to extend their F-1 status for an academic or medical reason. In other words, if you are unable to complete your program by the end date on your I-20, you will need to visit OIA to extend your status by updating your I-20 in SEVIS based on the program requirements. In order to extend your end date, F-1 students need to have the following:

• Formal and reasonable explanation from your academic advisor
• Current financial documents showing sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses
• Anticipated new program end date

CPT/OPT for F-1 Students

Optional Practical Training

OPT is temporary employment authorization that gives F-1 students an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience of campus. The maximum amount of time granted to work on F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level. You may use some or all of the available 12 months of practical training during your course of study or save the full 12 months to use after you complete your studies.

Authorization for OPT is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service and can take at least 90 days to obtain. You may apply up to 90 days before your program ends date listed on your I-20 or within your 60-day grace period. Please note, the later you apply the more likely it is you will lose OPT work time. OPT has to be completed within 14 months of your program ends date.

Eligibility Requirements, to be eligible to apply for OPT, you must:

• Have been in full-time student status for at least one full academic year.
• Maintain a valid F-1 status at the time of the application.
• Intend to work in a position directly related to your major field of study.
• Students enrolled in English language training programs are not eligible for OPT.

For more information, please visit our OPT page on our website