Optional Practical Training (F-1 Students)

Abandoning OPT

Students deciding to abandon their OPT before their end and leave the U.S. must notify the DSO so that their SEVIS record can be terminated. This can be done by emailing iso01@truman.edu with notification that they forfeit their OPT, include their departure flight receipt, and what their last date of work was. The DSO will end the student’s SEVIS record effective the date they indicate they plan to leave the U.S. or the date of notification, whichever is later. If a student fails to notify the DSO, they may begin to accrue days of unlawful presence.

Starting a New Program at Another Institution

During the period of OPT authorization, some students decide to apply to another academic program, either at Truman or another university. Once an OPT student has been admitted to another degree program, it is important to discuss the situation with an advisor at the CIS, as the issuance of a new I-20 will effect/terminate a student’s OPT. Students who have been admitted to a degree program at another university should notify the CIS and provide proof of admission in order to have their SEVIS record transferred to the new university. Once the SEVIS record is transferred, the new university can create the new I-20. Students should keep in mind that transferring will immediately end their OPT. Once Truman transfers their record, Truman will no longer have access to that record and will not be able to get the record back if the student should change their mind.

• Admission to Truman for a new degree program/change of level. Once admitted to a new degree program at Truman, the admissions office will issue a new I-20. The issuance of this new I-20 does not end OPT immediately. A student’s OPT is terminated as soon as the student re-enters the U.S. with the new I-20 or checks in for the new program, whichever is earlier. Either one of these events will activate the SEVIS record for the new degree and deactivate the old OPT SEVIS record. This means students must immediately stop employment regardless of the card’s appearance of validity if they re-enter with a new I-20 or check-in at the CIS to begin their new program.
• Transfer to another school in the U.S. in order to begin a new degree program. Authorization for OPT is not transferable. OPT authorization ends on the transfer release date. Students who wish to complete OPT must set the release date for a date after the OPT ends. Students can set the transfer release date to occur during the 60-day grace period following post-completion OPT. Regardless of end date on the EAD card, ALL OPT employment must stop when a SEVIS record is transferred. Review the Transfer Information Page for requirements to transfer your SEVIS record.

In order to maintain F-1 status, a new I-20 for Change of Education Level, new degree program, or transfer must be issued before the end of the 60 day grace period.

Change of Status During OPT

Students whose immigration status changes (e.g. from F-1 to H-1B, F-2, or J-1) during the period of OPT will be able to continue OPT employment until the change of status is approved. Students who are no longer in F-1 status are no longer eligible for OPT. Notify the CIS of approved change of status by emailing iso01@truman.edu.

“Cap Gap” Relief for OPT — H-1B Transitions

Some students may be eligible for an extension of OPT and F-1 status due to the H-1B Cap-Gap Extension Regulations. If a student’s H-1B petition was submitted before the student’s OPT end date, the OPT will automatically be extended until USCIS approves/denies the petition. If the H-1B petition was submitted after the student’s OPT end date, but during the grace period, the student’s work authorization will remain terminated, but their F-1 status will be extended until the petition has been approved/denied.

Students who graduated with a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are able to extend their standard 12-month OPT for an additional 24 months. The STEM OPT application and guidance can be found here. The Department of Homeland Security also provides information on the Study in the States webpage about the STEM extension and how to apply.