F-1 Students

F-1 status is a non-immigrant classification, which means that any F-1 student must demonstrate to the U.S. government at the visa interview that he or she does not intend to reside in the U.S. on a permanent basis.

After being admitted to the university, students are asked to provide a Form I-20/Form DS-2019 at their visa interview. Admissions will only issue Form I-20 for F-1 status once it confirms the following:

1. The student has proficiency in the English language;
2. The student demonstrates that he or she has funding to cover the cost of attending the University of Idaho; and
3. All elements of the student's application for admission are present and authentic.

Citizens of countries with an official language of English are not required to demonstrate English language proficiency. Proficiency in the English language is most often demonstrated through standardized testing. Once an international student receives Form I-20 he or she may apply for an F-1 visa stamp. If residing in the U.S. in an eligible non-immigrant status, a student may also change status in the U.S.

Complete instructions and information for new students who wish to obtain admission and visa documents are available at Admissions.

Applications to change to F-1 status may be filed by matriculating international students who are residing in the U.S. in a qualifying nonimmigrant status. All other students must apply for a visa stamp abroad.

Applicants for change of status should not travel abroad after their application is filed.

Matriculating students in F-2, M-2 or B visa status may not begin studies at the University of Idaho until their application to change status is approved. Changes to F-1 from a B visa status are usually not approved unless the visa or I-94 is stamped with “prospective student.” Students visiting the U.S. as Canadian visitors or on the visa waiver program are not eligible to change status in the U.S. Students in other nonimmigrant classifications who plan to change to F-1 status to attend the University must apply to do so before beginning their studies.

Applications to change to F-1 status may be submitted to the USCIS up to six months in advance of the start date on Form I-20, but may not be approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) until 120 days or fewer before the start date. Any dependent family members who wish to remain in the U.S. in a dependent status must submit applications to change to F-2 status.

All I-20s are issued electronically. Once your I-20 is issued, you may access and download a copy from your documents in iVandal. To find your documents, log in to iVandal and click the document download icon in the upper right corner. You will be shown a list of any electronic documents available for download, including your I-20.

It is your responsibility to retain all your I-20s and supporting documentation pertaining to your immigration status. The IPO recommends that you store your old and current documentation in a secure place that you can easily access in case you need it for future change of status or employment authorization applications.

Validity of the I-20

Your initial I-20 is issued for the expected duration of your program. If you need additional time beyond the I-20 end date to complete degree requirements, you must submit an I-20 Extension Request.

Finishing Your Program

If you complete your degree requirements before the I-20 end date, you must notify IPO so we can update the I-20 end date accordingly. Regardless of the actual end date on your I-20, the I-20 effectively ends as of your last date of enrollment in the final term here at the University of Idaho. After the I-20 end date or your last date of enrollment in your final term, whichever is earlier, you will have a 60-day grace period during which you may remain in the U.S. You cannot engage in employment during the grace period.

Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) documents/proves a lawful admission to the U.S. in a specific visa status and any defined expiration of that status in the U.S. This form is issued to all nonimmigrants upon entry to the United States. Form I-94 is a small white card which is normally stapled in or placed inside his or her passport. The "I-94 card" (as it is commonly referred to) is a very important document. When departing the U.S. an immigration official will often wish to confirm that an individual has maintained status, and will do so by referencing the I-94 card.

For many types of nonimmigrant visa classifications the I-94 card will be issued with a defined expiration. Individuals holding these types of I-94 cards must depart the U.S. or extend or change their status before the expiration on the I-94 card.

For other types of nonimmigrant visa classifications the I-94 card will indicate "D/S" which stands for "Duration of Status". These I-94 cards do not have a defined expiration date, and remain valid provided that all conditions of lawful status in the U.S. are met. F-1 students should be issued an I-94 card indicating "D/S".

When an application to change or extend nonimmigrant status is approved, the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) will issue Form I-797 containing an I-94 card (in the lower right of the form) which should be torn off and stapled into the applicant's passport, exactly as when an I-94 card is received when admitted to the U.S.

It is important to note that loss or defacement of an I-94 card can be an expensive and lengthy replacement process. The replacement cost is $320. If your I-94 is lost or defaced, please contact International Services immediately.

Entering the U.S.

All F-1 and J-1 students (except Canadians) must have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in their passports before entering the U.S. When traveling to the U.S., you should present the following documents to the admitting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer:

• Your University of Idaho Form I-20 or DS-2019
• Your passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of admission
• Your valid visa stamp in your passport

The immigration officer will stamp your I-20 or DS-2019 and provide you with a Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record (a small white card that should be placed in your passport). Please make sure that the I-94 card remains in your passport throughout your time in the U.S. The I-94 card should be marked "F-1" and "D/S" or "J-1" and "D/S." "D/S" stands for "duration of status."

Using a valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp and Form I-20 or DS-2019, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019 (see section 5 of your I-20 or box 3 of your DS-2019). You may not enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status more than 30 days before your program start date. (Canadians and students from contiguous islands that are traveling without a visa stamp will be required to show the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee payment receipt in addition to their I-20 or DS-2019.)

Passport

All nonimmigrants in the U.S. must maintain a valid passport. Your passport is your way to return to your home country. If your passport expires while in the U.S., you are in violation of your nonimmigrant status, as you would be unable to return home. Passports should be valid for at least six months when applying for admission to the U.S. and when applying for a visa stamp. International Services recommends that individuals apply to renew their passports at least six months prior to expiration. Please contact your local embassy for information about the passport renewal process.

The period of admission on Form I-94 may be abbreviated due to passport expiration. Accordingly, please be sure to check any new I-94 card to ensure that a passport expiration date has not shortened your period of admission.

SEVIS Information

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a U.S. Government database that maintains and manages data about international students and scholars during their stay in the United States. SEVIS allows designated school officials (DSOs) and responsible officers (ROs) to access and update this information. These officers are obligated to keep SEVIS updated with any changes impacting a student's status in the United States. DSOs and ROs at the University include admissions officers, international student advisers and the director of the International Programs Office (IPO).

Every new F-1 and J-1 student must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Students applying for visas abroad must present the fee payment receipt in order to obtain a visa stamp in their passport. Students changing to F-1 or J-1 student status from another visa status are also required to pay this fee and submit the fee payment receipt with their I-539 application for Change of Status. Canadian and students from adjacent islands (Islands of the West Indies) who are visa-exempt must submit their I-901 fee payment receipt at the time of admission to the United States.

For information on paying the SEVIS fee, please visit http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm.

All non-immigrants require a valid visa stamp in their passports before coming to the U.S. to work or study. Exceptions to this general rule include citizens of Canada or contiguous islands that are considered visa exempt.

In general, a valid visa stamp is also required for non-immigrants returning to the U.S. after travel abroad. An exception to this general rule exists when a student travels to only to Canada or Mexico (and certain contiguous territories) and complies with the automatic visa re-validation standards.

Visa stamps in passports are only for admission to the U.S. in a specific status, or visa "type". After admission, visa stamps do not have any substantive impact on one's status in the U.S. Therefore it is not necessary for non-immigrants maintaining status in the U.S. to possess a valid visa stamp in their passport. An expired visa may only need to be renewed for re-entry into the U.S.

These resources will have specific visa application procedures and information for your area:

• List of embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions
• 10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Non-immigrant Visa

Visa application procedures, appointment times and visa issuance times are subject to change without notice.

Visa application appointments must be scheduled in advance. You should plan to schedule your visa application appointment at least one month in advance. In some instances, applications must be scheduled many months in advance. Please note that you should ensure that you schedule your visa application appointment for a date when you will have all required materials. Visa applications will often require a document from the U.S. such as an I-20, DS-2019 or I-797. You should ensure that you will have this document at the time of your application.

F-1 and J-1 applicants (among others) must demonstrate to the U.S. consulate that they do not plan to reside in the U.S. permanently. These applicants should be prepared to provide the consulate with ample documentation that they plan to return to their home country. F-1 and J-1 applicants must also pay the SEVIS fee (SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) prior to their applications.

The spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 of a student in F-1 status are eligible for F-2 status. Only spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 are eligible for a Form I-20 to support F-2 status. When a student applies to the University of Idaho, they must provide additional funds to receive an I-20 for their F-2 dependent(s).

If a student is already attending the University of Idaho and would like their dependents to apply for an F-1 visa stamp, they must complete the I-20 request form and provide the appropriate financials indicated in the Certificate of Financial Responsibility.

The F-2 status of spouses and children is dependent on the student's F-1 status. If the student is not in status, his or her spouse and children are not in status. F-2 spouses and children must also maintain a valid passport, valid Form I-20 and valid Form I-94.

Dependents eligible for F-2 status may apply for an F-2 visa stamp with their F-1 spouse or parent. Most consulates will schedule F-1 and F-2 visa applications at the same time, but it is important that consulates are informed that there will be accompanying F-2 applicants at the time that a visa application interview is scheduled.

Individuals in F-2 status are not eligible to pursue postsecondary education and are not eligible to engage in any type of employment. Before engaging in any endeavor that is linked to education or some type of work or volunteerism, the student should verify with International Student, Scholar and Faculty Services if it is possible for their spouse or child to do so. If there is any remuneration for services, the endeavor is almost definitely unlawful employment. Unlawful employment can also be unpaid work.

Dependents residing in the U.S. in a qualifying status may also be eligible to change status in the U.S. To do so, the dependents will need to submit a separate Form I-539 with their I-20. The F-2 Form I-539 should indicate that it is based on the F-1 student's change of status application. Both the student and the dependent Form I-539 should be submitted to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the same package. All dependents may apply to change to F-2 status on the same Form I-539.

For purposes of U.S. immigration, students transferring to the University of Idaho from abroad who have not held any student status in the U.S. are treated the same as new students.

Students already in the U.S. in F-1 status who are transferring to the University of Idaho from another U.S. school must provide documentation of continued eligibility for F-1 status, including documentation of adequate funding. Transfer students should apply for admission by completing the International Student Application. Transfer students are required to attend the mandatory check-in before beginning their degree program.

Transfer students must work with their current school's designated school official to have their Student and Exchange Visitor Information Services (SEVIS) record released to the University of Idaho after gaining admission. A new transfer-in I-20 should be issued within the 15 days after school begins for the first semester attended at the University of Idaho.

F-1 students transferring out of the University of Idaho must complete the SEVIS Transfer Release Form and take it to International Services.

The University of Idaho requires all international students enrolled in one or more credits and physically present on a University of Idaho campus to enroll in the University of Idaho Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) as a condition of enrollment. All students are automatically enrolled in SHIP upon registering for classes.

Requirement details are available on the SHIP website.

International students with a health insurance policy provided by their sponsoring government may submit policy details to request a SHIP appeal. Email health@uidaho.edu for information and instructions.

Dependent Coverage for Families

Dependents of international students must have health insurance for the duration of their presence in the United States. Students who are enrolled in SHIP may choose to have their spouses and children covered as well.  If you wish to add a dependent to your SHIP policy, please fill out the Dependent Coverage SHIP Form. You may return the SHIP office or email it to health@uidaho.edu from your Vandal email. For more information, please visit the SHIP website.

• Foreign Embassy Sponsored Students: All embassy sponsored plans that have full medical coverage (pay full medical expenses incurred in the U.S.) are accepted as an authorized alternative plan to SHIP (Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Embassy of the State of Kuwait, Libya, etc.). A sponsor letter stating full medical benefits are paid for the student (and dependents), a copy of the insurance card, and page 1 of the insurance waiver form signed by the student must be submitted to International Services before a SHIP waiver will be processed.
• Engineering Outreach or other Outreach students (taking only Outreach courses) will automatically have a SHIP waiver because they will not be on the U of I campus. If your insurance was not waived, please email ipo@uidaho.edu
• Students at the Idaho State University/University of Idaho Center in Idaho Falls who are registered for classes at Idaho State University (must show Idaho State University registration and insurance) 
• Washington State University students taking concurrent classes at the University of Idaho are ineligible for SHIP at all times.
• H-1B or J-1 scholars taking courses at the University of Idaho must show their insurance cards to International Services for a SHIP waiver.
• Exchange students through another university that are on the University of Idaho Study Abroad Program and are out of the U.S. in another country will not be charged for SHIP insurance.

If you need more time to complete your degree program, you must request to extend your I-20 before the program end date listed on your I-20. Program extensions are not granted after the Form I-20 has expired.

To request your extension, you need to consult with your academic advisor to ensure you have additional requirements left to complete your program. Moreover, you will need to submit proof of financial verification and request the extension through your iVandal (I-20/DS-2019 Extension Request) at least four weeks before your I-20 program end date.

Upon completion of your program of study and any authorized period of practical training, you have a grace period during which you can stay in the United States. The length of your grace period depends on your visa type.

• F-1 students have 60 days grace period after their program end date to leave the United States.
• J-1 students have 30 days after their program end date to leave the United States.

If your most recent I-20 or DS-2019 shows a program end date beyond your final semester, the IPO will shorten the I-20 or DS-2019 to the correct final date.

Note: You may not depart and return to the United States during your grace period. If you depart the United States before the end of your grace period, you will lose the remaining days of your grace period.

Students and scholars wishing to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status after a temporary leave from the U.S will need a valid travel signature on their I-20/DS-2019 forms to return to the U.S. Please review all information below to understand how to get a new travel signature.

F-1 and J-1 Students:

For F-1 students, the travel signature is located on page 2 of your I-20 form. The travel signature is valid for 12 months from the date it was signed.

J-1 students, the travel signature is located on page 1 of your DS-2019 form. The travel signature is valid for 12 months from the date it was signed.

F-1 OPT and STEM OPT Extension Students:

F-1 must have a travel signature within six months of the time in which their travel and return occurs. Students returning to the U.S. after filing for or obtaining post-completion optional practical training employment authorization should be prepared to present evidence of their OPT and a job offer letter.

J-1 Academic Training Students:

J-1 must have a travel signature within 12 months of the time in which their travel and return occurs. Students returning to the U.S. after filing for or obtaining Academic training should be prepared to present a job offer letter or proof of employment (if employed).

Required Documents:

• Valid passport (valid up to six months or more after reentry date).
• Valid F-1 or J-1 visa stamp in the passport.
• Valid Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (and forms of any traveling family members with a valid travel signature on page 2 of I-20 (F-1 students) or page 1 of DS-2019 (J-1 students).

Students and scholars in F-1 or J-1 status should request a travel signature on Form I-20/ DS-2019 two weeks before any planned travel abroad. Please submit your Travel Signature Request in your iVandal.

Dependents wishing to return to the U.S. in F-2 or J-2 status must comply with the same conditions including a travel signature on their I-20 or DS-2019.

Eligibility:

You must be enrolled in at least 12 credits (undergraduate) or 9 credits (graduate) at the U of I during the Fall or Spring Semester. Exceptions are made if you are enrolled below 12 academic units but have an approved Reduced Course Load authorization, or If you have applied for or have an approved F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) or J-1 Academic Training (AT) employment authorization.

iVandal Request:

1. Log in to ivandal.uidaho.edu
2. Go to Student Services tab.
3. Select "Travel Signature Request (I-20/DS-2019)".
4. Complete your request.
5. Submit your request.

Please allow us three business days to review and complete your request. The IPO will send you an email when your request is ready.

After you return from you trip:

Within 15 days after arrival into the U.S., please upload your new I-94 in your iVandal (“Upload I-94 Record” under Immigration Documents) and review if the information is correct. There is no need to notify the International Programs Office when you have uploaded your I-94 form unless you are unable to find it on the CPB website.

While studying at the University of Idaho, students may want to invite family members or friends to visit them in the U.S. Family members who are not the children or spouse of the F-1 or J-1 student may need to apply for a tourist visa (B-1/B-2) or come to the U.S. under the U.S. Department of State Visa Waiver Program.

If you wish to support your visitor’s visa application, you may write a letter of invitation and provide them with proof of your enrollment at the U of I. The International Programs Office cannot issue a letter of invitation for visitors. However, we have provided a letter of invitation template for you to complete with your own information.

B-2 Invitation Letter Instructions & Template (Word)

A Social Security number (SSN) is necessary to receive any income for services while in the U.S. F-1 students are only eligible for SSNs if engaging in lawful employment. Therefore, a job offer letter is required while attending school. If an F-1 student has not applied for an SSN before applying for optional practical training (OPT), once the employment authorization card (EAD) is received, it can be used to support an application for an SSN in place of a letter of employment.

Individuals in J-1 status are eligible to apply for a Social Security number after arrival in the U.S. and are not required to provide any documentation of employment.

Many F-1 students wish to apply for an Idaho driver’s license or state ID card, where an SSN is required. If they do not have a job offer letter, they need to submit a Social Security Exception Letter, which can be used in place of an SSN.

For more information, please visit the Social Security Administration web-site.

To obtain a Social Security card, you must do the following:

1. F-1 students must receive a job offer letter from your department (see Word template of job offer letter) J-1 students and scholars do not need a letter to apply.
2. Bring the finished departmental letter to IPO for a “stamp” from a designated school official in the office.
3. Take your documents to a Social Security Administration representative to apply.

Where to Apply

The Social Security Administration in Lewiston is located at 1617 19th Avenue, Lewiston. The office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

You will need to take the following documents to your appointment:

• Job offer letter signed by your department and stamped by an International Programs Office (IPO) school official.
• I-20 or DS-2019
• I-94 card
• Visa
• Passport
• Social Security application (available at the IPO)

The Intermodal Transit Center located at 1006 Railroad Street Moscow, Idaho sells bus tickets to Lewiston. For times and reservations, call 208-883-7747.

It's important that you understand the tax requirement of your visa an international student or scholar in the U.S. You're legally required to file a tax return if you worked in the U.S. or received a stipend, grant or allowance. Even if you didn't work or receive income in the U.S. you're still legally obliged to file Form 8843 with the IRS.

University of Idaho has arranged free access to Sprintax to guide you through the process, prepare the necessary tax documents and even check if you're due a refund. Sprintax was used by over 125,000 international students and scholars last year, and the average federal refund received by those eligible was over $1,100.

To get started with Sprintax, look for an email from ipo@uidaho.edu to register and then follow the provided instructions. Complete the online questionnaire, enter your unique code provided in the email, and Sprintax will prepare your tax return. You must print, sign and mail your documents once you complete the preparation process in Sprintax.

If you did not receive tax information from ipo@uidaho.edu, please email us to request Sprintax information.

Please Note: IPO and U of I are NOT permitted to assist any students or scholars with any IRS tax form preparation or tax-related questions. The information provided is intended for your benefit. If you have any questions, please use the live chat function in Sprintax or refer to Sprintax YouTube videos.

In general, F-1 students are eligible for on-campus employment during the period of their academic program of study. The employment must be on the school premises and you must be employed by the University of Idaho or on-campus commercial firms (such as work at one of the restaurants in the food court).

You do not need authorization from the IPO or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to work on-campus. However, if you got an eligible paid on-campus job, and do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), then you will need to apply for one.

Eligibility for on-campus employment

• You must be a current F-1 student, pursuing a full course of study and your on-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. It can be full-time during official school breaks.
• Your on-campus employment ends when you end your program. If you wish to continue your on-campus job after you graduate, it requires post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment authorization.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is off-campus employment authorization for F-1 international students who are pursuing a course of study. CPT must be an integral part of the established curriculum for your program of study and its permission is granted through the IPO and your Academic Advisor. 

CPT is required for all unpaid and paid off-campus position. You do not need to request CPT for paid or unpaid on-campus positions. 

Part-time CPT: participation does not affect eligibility for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization.

Full-time CPT: participation for one year (12 months) or more will cause you to not be eligible for OPT.

Eligibility for CPT:

• You must have been enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year (2 semesters).
• You must be enrolled full-time during the term CPT is requested, or have an approved Reduced Course Load.
• You must be currently pursuing your degree; CPT cannot be authorized after completing your program.

Types of CPT:

There are two types if CPT: required and optional.

Required CPT is when the academic program mandates practical work experience for all students in order to graduate.

Optional CPT is when the training experience is directly related to the student’s field of study but it is not required to graduate. An example of an optional CPT is for a student that is enrolled in the Doctoral Research and Dissertation Course and the CPT will be integral to completion of the thesis/dissertation or research. An enrollment for credits is required for an optional CPT and your advisor must write an official letter recommending the CPT and detail how the work is integral to your thesis/dissertation research.

Renewing CPT to the Next Semester:

CPT is authorized semester by semester. If the position extends to the following semester, you will need to apply for a new CPT.

CPT during Final Term

During your final term of study, you must be enrolled at the University of Idaho to pursue CPT.  If you have completed the requirements of your degree and do not need to be enrolled full time, you may pursue CPT as long as you have received Reduced Course Load authorization from the International Programs Office.

The latest possible end date for CPT authorization during the final term of study is the last day of classes as listed on the official University of Idaho calendar.

CPT may not be used as a transition to OPT on your final semester.

Submit your request for a CPT I-20 in iVandal

• Log in to iVandal
• Go to the "Employment" tab.
• Select "Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Application
• Upload a PDF copy of your job offer letter and the Curricular Practical Training Employer Form.
• "Submit" your request.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization for F-1 students. You can apply for OPT during your program of study, which is known as pre-completion OPT, or after you finish your program of study, known as post-completion OPT.

Students are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT per degree level so if you are granted 4 months of full-time pre-completion OPT, you would have 8 months of OPT remaining to use after they graduate.

Part-time Pre-completion OPT deducts from the total 12 months allowed by half. For example, if you are granted 4 months of part-time pre-completion OPT, you would have 10 months of OPT remaining to use after they graduate.

Pre-completion may be an option for a student who wants to participate in employment during their program but they are not eligible for CPT (Curricular Practical Training).

Eligibility for Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• You must have been enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year (2 semesters).
• You must be currently pursuing your degree. Pre-completion OPT cannot be authorized after completing your program.
• You can work 20 hours per week of pre-completion OPT (part-time OPT) while school is in session.
• You can apply for full-time OPT authorization during your annual vacation (usually during the Summer vacation).
• If you have any questions about CPT vs. Pre-Completion OPT, please send us an email at ipo@uidaho.edu.

Volunteering refers to donating time with an organization whose primary purpose is charitable or humanitarian in nature, without promise, expectation, or receipt of compensation for services rendered. For example, it would be acceptable to donate time with the American Red Cross. F-1 students are free to engage in volunteer work as long as it meets the criteria above.

An unpaid internship is different from volunteer work. Internships, both paid and unpaid, should be related to the intern’s major field of study. The U.S. Department of Labor has guidelines for those seeking an unpaid internship.

Please note that unpaid internships should not be used by your employer as a trial period before you receive work authorization. If you start working while waiting for your work authorization to be approved, you would be considered an employee instead of an unpaid intern or volunteer under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

If you are not sure if a job you are considering is a true volunteer or unpaid internship, please meet with an IPO advisor or email us at ipo@uidaho.edu.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization for F-1 students. It is an opportunity to obtain work experience related to your field of study. The authorization can be used for a paid position located on-campus or off-campus.

USCIS has announced that as of April 12, 2021, the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization may be filed online, as an alternative option to sending it by mail. For more information, see this USCIS webpage. Due to this recent change, the IPO is unable to provide any assistance on this new filing option at this time. We will provide more information later.

Eligibility for Post-Completion OPT

• You must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one academic year (2 semesters).
• You must be completing a higher degree level (BA/BS, MA/MBA, PhD) within the next 90 days OR you must not have completed your degree more than 60 days in the past.
• You must be physically present in the U.S. at the time of application to USCIS.
• You must not have used more than 1 year of full-time CPT during your current degree program (part-time CPT does not count).

OPT Timeline

Graduating F-1 students can apply for OPT up to 90 days before and up to 60 days after they complete their academic programs. Your Post-Completion OPT must be received by USCIS no later than 30 days after the “Date Issued” on your OPT I-20.

As there are many delays in USCIS processing, students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please watch the Post-Completion OPT Workshop training video below and follow the instructions carefully. Although IPO provides application information, the OPT application is your application. The IPO does not approve the application or have the authority to influence the application timeline.

Request for an OPT I-20

To apply for OPT you must first obtain a new Form I-20 from the office of International Services documenting eligibility for OPT and subsequently submit an application for employment authorization to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Your OPT I-20 will be issued within 5 business days of your submitted iVandal request. A notification email will be sent to you when your OPT I-20 is ready.

• Please review your OPT I-20 carefully for accuracy.
• Your OPT recommendation is on page 2 of the I-20. Review the requested dates of the OPT period. Please sign your OPT I-20 when you receive it.
• Remember that USCIS must receive your complete OPT application no later than 30 days from the Date Issued on Page 1 of your OPT I-20, if not, your OPT Application will be immediately rejected by USCIS.
• Keep your previous I-20/DS-2019 for your records, do NOT throw it away, even when you received an updated document.

You may not begin working on OPT until you receive the employment authorization card (EAD) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training Workshop Training Video

For instructions on how to apply for OPT and further information about rules and regulations, you must watch the Post-Completion OPT Workshop training video and follow the instructions carefully.

Guide to Apply for OPT Online

Guide to Apply for OPT by Mail

Additional Resources:

• Review USCIS Filling Tips

We recommend that you make a copy of the entire OPT application packet and keep it for your records.

Maintaining F-1 status while OPT application is pending or approved.

While your OPT Application is pending, you will receive the following documents:

I-797C Receipt Notice. USCIS will send a receipt confirming they received your application. If you do not receive this notice within 30 business days, contact USCIS Customer Service to confirm your mailing address.

I-797 Approval Notice. USCIS will send an Approval Notice usually within 90 days after receiving your OPT Application. USCIS will also process and mail the Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card). If you also applied for your Social Security Card, the Social Security Administration will mail your Social Security card.

While your OPT application is still pending, you might also receive a Request for Further Evidence (RFE). If this is the case, please read the letter carefully and make sure to reply to the RFE as soon as possible.

Types of employment allowed during OPT.

• Part-time and/or Full-time employment
• Paid employment
• Unpaid employment (as long as it does not violate the U.S. labor laws.)

Students may also work for multiple employers, short-term multiple employers (performing artists), work for hire (commonly referred to as 1099 independent contractor), self-employed business owner, or employment through an agency. Freelance employment is also allowed. However, all employment must be related to the degree program.

SEVP Portal Account

The SEVP Portal is a platform for students on OPT or STEM OPT to view details about your post-completion or STEM OPT, report changes to their home address, telephone number, employer information, and view and update data on all your employers in one place.

You will have access to your SEVP Portal once your OPT is approved by USCIS (and the start date is not in the future). You will receive an email to your non-Vandal email from do-not-reply.SEVP@ice.dhs.gov to set up your SEVP Portal account. The subject line of the email will be: “Optional Practical Training Approval – the next step. Create an SEVP Portal account.” Follow the instructions in the email. Click the link in the email, submit your SEVIS ID, and create a password to set up your user profile.

The link is unique to you. You can only use the link once. If you are unable to start the registration process, please send an email to ipo@uidaho.edu and request to have the SEVP email notice to be resent to you.

Unemployment

A student on post-completion OPT can be unemployed for a total of 90 days. Your unemployment days will start counting from the ‘Valid From’ date on your EAD card. If you exceed your 90 days of unemployment, you will be in violation of their F-1 visa status. If you are approaching your 90 days of unemployment, you must take one of the following actions:

• Transfer your SEVIS Record from the University of Idaho to a new institution.
• Change from F-1 Status to Another Status.
• Request a Change of Program Level I-20 if you are starting another program at University of Idaho.
• Depart the U.S. and report your departure date to the IPO. There is no 60-day grace period after the 90th day of unemployment.

Submit your request for an OPT I-20 in iVandal

• Log in to iVandal
• Go to the "Employment" tab.
• Select "Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application
• Complete all eForms and "Submit" your request.

The STEM OPT Extension is an additional 24 months work authorization for F-1 students who are currently on their initial 12-months post-completion OPT and have received a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields. 

USCIS has announced that as of April 12, 2021, the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization may be filed online, as an alternative option to sending it by mail. For more information, see this USCIS webpage. Due to this recent change, the IPO is unable to provide any assistance on this new filing option at this time. We will provide more information later.

Eligibility for STEM OPT Extension

• Currently in valid F-1 status and on post-completion OPT.
• Currently employed during the initial period of post-completion OPT by an employer who is registered with the U.S. government's E-Verify program; and
• Has received a degree in a STEM field and employed in a position that directly relates to that degree; and
• Otherwise maintains all of the terms and conditions of F-1 visa status.

To confirm that a STEM field of study appears on your Form I-20, please contact International Services. Visit the Department of Homeland Security website for more information on the E-Verify program.

Complete your I-983 Training Plan

A STEM OPT student and their employer must obtain, complete, and sign Form I-983 before the student may apply for a STEM OPT extension. The I-983 is a training plan which must clearly explain the STEM OPT student’s specific goals, how these goals will be achieved, and confirm the employer’s commitment to helping the student achieve those goals.

When do I submit the I-983?

Only the Training Plan section of the I-983 is submitted before the start of your STEM OPT Extension. The other 2 sections are submitted after the start of your STEM OPT Extension.

You will submit the I-983 Training Plan when requesting a new I-20 in your iVandal.

Submit your request for an OPT I-20 in iVandal

• Log in to iVandal
• Go to the "Employment" tab.
• Select "STEM OPT Extension Request” Application
• Complete all eForms and "Submit" your request.

Note: Students applying for a STEM OPT Extension will be responsible for a one-time $200 processing fee in addition to any USCIS fees. Payments must be made here.

When should I apply for the STEM OPT Extension?

You can apply for the STEM OPT Extension during the last 90 days of your post-completion OPT. USCIS must receive your application no later than the end date that is printed on your OPT EAD card and no earlier than 90 days before that date.

Waiting for USCIS to approve my STEM OPT Extension request

USCIS to take about 90-120 days to approve your STEM OPT Extension application. During this time, your work authorization and F-1 status are automatically extended for up to 180 days while the STEM OPT Extension application is pending. The 180 days count from the end date of your initial 12-month OPT as long as USCIS has received your STEM OPT Extension application before the end date on your initial 12-month OPT EAD card.

Your I-797C Receipt Notice serves as documentation of your pending STEM OPT Extension application. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(I)(C) and 8 CFR 247a.12(c)(6)(iv)

STEM OPT Approved

You will receive your I-797 Approval Notice and shortly after your new STEM OPT EAD card. Once you have received your STEM OPT EAD card, you must report the following every six months thereafter to International Services:

• Current residential address and email address
• Current employer (or report an interruption in employment)
• Current employer address

Unemployment

A student on STEM OPT can be unemployed for a total of 150 days. Your unemployment days are cumulative between both your initial 12-month OPT and your STEM OPT. For example, if you used 30 days of unemployment during your initial 12-month OPT, you would have a balance of 120 unemployment days left during your STEM OPT Extension period.

There is no 60-day grace period after the 150th day of unemployment. If you are getting close to your unemployment limit, you should do one of the following:

• Transfer your SEVIS Record from the University of Idaho to a new institution.
• Change from F-1 Status to Another Status.
• Request a Change of Program Level I-20 if you are starting another program at University of Idaho.
• Depart the U.S. and report your departure date to the IPO.

Validation Report

Students approved for the STEM Extension of OPT are required to submit a validation report to IPO at the 6 month,12 month, 18 month, and 24 month after the start date of your STEM OPT. The validation report must be submitted to IPO through iVandal (STEM OPT Reporting eForm) on the due date.

SEVP Portal will send an automatic email reminders when you are due for a validation report. However, you are responsible for keeping track of when your validation reports are due. You must submit your validation report within 10 days of your due date.

What do I need to submit with my Validation Report?

• 6 months - No section of the I-983 needs to be completed at this time.
• 12 months - Upload pages 1-5 of the I-983, including the "Evaluation on Student Progress" section (top half of page 5) to your F-1 STEM OPT Reporting Form in iVandal.
• 18 months - No section of the I-983 needs to be completed at this time.
• 24 months - Upload pages 1-5 of the I-983, including the "Final Evaluation" section of the I-983 (bottom half of page 5) to your F-1 STEM OPT Reporting Form in iVandal

What should I do if I change my employer or if there any changes in my current employment/personal information?

If you have a change in your employment/personal information and you are due for one of your 6-month validation reports around the same time, you should submit both forms in iVandal.

If you change your job title or job location, please submit the STEM OPT Employment Update eForm in iVandal.

If you change your employer, you must submit a completed Final Evaluation (page 5 of the I-983) from the previous employer. The last day of employment should be clearly stated on the Final Evaluation. You should also submit a completed I-983 (attached) for the new employer.

Once we receive these two documents, we will issue you an updated I-20 reflecting the new position and employment. Please note you should submit these forms within 10 business days of the change.

How to submit my report?

• Log in to iVandal
• Go to the "Employment" tab.
• Select "STEM OPT Report”.
• Complete the eForm and "Submit" your request.

Completion of OPT

After the completion of your OPT, you have a 60-day grace period. During your 60-day grace period, you can do one of the following:

• Depart the U.S.
• Transfer your SEVIS record to another school to start another academic program.
• Request a Change of Program Level I-20 if you are starting another program at the University of Idaho.
• Change your status. If you are planning to apply for a change of status to H-1B, please check our Cap-Gap Extension page for more information.

A Cap-Gap is a time between the end of F-1 OPT or OPT STEM work authorization and the start date of the H-1B status.

To qualify for the "H-1B cap-gap extension" as an F-1 student, you may be eligible for an extension of your F-1 status through Sept. 30 if you meet the following requirements:

• Your potential employer files an H-1B petition in a timely manner with USCIS with an employment start date of Oct. 1.
• You are maintaining your F-1 status on the date your potential employer files your H-1B petition.
• USCIS receives the H-1B petition in a timely manner and issues a receipt for it.

You may be eligible for an extension of your F-1 status and authorized period of post-completion OPT (including the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) OPT extension) in the following circumstances:

• Your employer files an H-1B petition in a timely manner with USCIS with an employment start date of Oct. 1.
• You are maintaining your F-1 status on the date your potential employer files your H-1B petition.
• You are in an authorized period of post-completion OPT (including the STEM OPT extension) on the date your potential employer files your H-1B petition.
• USCIS receives the H-1B petition in a timely manner and issues a receipt for it.

The IPO will update your I-20 to reflect your ca-gap extension. A notification email will be sent to you when your document is ready.

If an F-1 student travels abroad before USCIS approves their H-1B change of status (COS) petition, USCIS will deem the petition abandoned. It means that, if a student leaves the United States before USCIS approves their H-1B COS petition, that student will not be able to re-enter the United States as an F-1 student pursuant to the cap gap extension provisions.

Note that if the above-referenced H-1B petition is rejected, revoked, withdrawn, or denied, the student's employment authorization immediately terminates and he or she enters the F-1 grace period.

For more information about the Cap-Gap, please visit Study in the States and USCIS websites.