Important Dates while on an F-1 status

Entering into the United States 

• No Sooner than 30 days before the Course Start Date mentioned on the I-20

CPT to OPT

• Must not have worked for more than 11 months and 29 days on CPT, to qualify for OPT.

Pre-Completion OPT Filing

• May apply up to 90 days before completion of one (1) full academic year.
• However, must not start employment before completion of one (1) full academic year.
• Must be applied before course end date.
• Must end before the course end date.
• Can be part-time during school session.
• Can be full-time during school breaks.
• Anytime on Pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12-month OPT authorization period. 
• Part-time employment of 2 months on pre-completion OPT is calculated as 1 month on post-completion OPT.
• Full-time employment of 2 months on pre-completion OPT is calculated as 2 months on post-completion OPT.

Post-Completion OPT Filing

• Can be filed only 90 days before the date of course completion.
• Should be filed within 60 days from the date of course completion.
• Must file OPT application within 30 days of the OPT recommendation by the DSO.  

Post-Completion OPT Unemployment

• Must not have more than 90 days of unemployment on OPT.
• No Grace Period after 90 days of unemployment

STEM OPT Filing

• Can be filed no more than 90 days before the initial OPT expiration.
• Should be filed before the initial OPT expires.
• Must File STEM OPT application within 60 days of the STEM OPT recommendation by the DSO, but before OPT expiration.

STEM OPT Unemployment

• Maximum 150 days of unemployment, including 90 days of OPT unemployment.
• No 60-day Grace Period after 150th day of unemployment

F-1 Grace Period

• Upon Graduation, if not employed or OPT not requested, 60 Days Grace Period is allowed to switch visa status, to leave the U.S. or to apply for new F-1 course.
• 60-day Grace Period, upon OPT completion.
• 60-day Grace Period, upon STEM-OPT completion.

F-1 Reinstatement

• If F-1 is terminated, the F-1 Reinstatement must be filed within 5 months of termination, to reinstate F-1 status and continue studying.

Transfer to new school

• Must start classes in 5 months of last day of class at previous school.
  OR
• Next available session;

Whichever is earlier.

*Must coordinate and plan the transfer with the DSOs from both schools.
 

• You can start working only after you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and on the start date mentioned on it.
• Keep your Designated School Official (DSO) informed and consult with them for accurate information and guidance regarding OPT application procedures, dates, and reporting.