Question 1

What is CPT?

Accepted Answer

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization tied to your curriculum that lets eligible F-1 students do training that is an integral part of their program. It must be authorized on your I-20 before you start.

Question 2

Does CPT affect OPT?

Accepted Answer

Using 12 months or more of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for OPT at the same education level. Part-time CPT generally does not. Always confirm timing details with your DSO.

Question 3

What do I get as a Early Member?

Accepted Answer

Early Member Premium unlocks the full toolkit for managing your F-1 journey: the Life Event Assistant, the Consequence Engine, proactive readiness checks, personalized follow-up tasks, and early access to a secure document vault when it launches. Early Member pricing is $29/year, and your subscription period only begins when premium features officially launch, so you do not lose time while features are being released.

Question 4

What is the Life Event Assistant?

Accepted Answer

The Life Event Assistant reacts when something in your situation changes, such as starting a new job, transferring schools, or beginning a new degree. It asks the right follow-up questions for that event and automatically creates the tasks you need to stay on track and maintain your status.

Question 5

What is the Consequence Engine?

Accepted Answer

The Consequence Engine explains how a decision or change affects your immigration status, deadlines, and options. Instead of guessing what a change means, you get a clear picture of the downstream impact so you can plan your next step with confidence.

Question 6

What are proactive readiness checks?

Accepted Answer

Proactive readiness checks continuously review your profile and documents to flag what is missing and what risks are coming up, before they become problems. They help you stay prepared for upcoming filing windows and expirations rather than reacting at the last minute.

Question 7

What are personalized follow-up tasks?

Accepted Answer

Personalized follow-up tasks are tailored action items generated from your specific situation and life events. Rather than a generic checklist, you get the exact steps that apply to you so nothing important slips through the cracks.

Question 8

What is the secure document vault?

Accepted Answer

The secure document vault is a place to store your key immigration documents, such as your I-20, EAD, and passport details, so they are organized and easy to find. Early Members get early access when this feature launches.

Question 9

When does my Early Member subscription start?

Accepted Answer

Your subscription period starts only when premium features officially launch, so you do not lose subscription time while features are still being released. This is general educational information, not legal advice.

Question 10

I changed employers on OPT or STEM OPT. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Employment changes usually must be reported to your DSO, and STEM OPT requires a new I-983 with the new employer. Confirm whether an updated I-20 is needed and report within the required window.

Question 11

Do I need to report a new job on standard OPT?

Accepted Answer

Yes — post-completion OPT requires reporting your employer and any changes through your school's SEVIS reporting process. Keep documentation of start and end dates.

Question 12

What is F-1 status?

Accepted Answer

F-1 is a nonimmigrant student status for individuals enrolled full-time in an academic program at a SEVP-certified U.S. school. You must maintain a full course load, keep your I-20 valid, and report changes to your DSO.

Question 13

What does it mean to maintain F-1 status?

Accepted Answer

Generally it means staying enrolled full-time, keeping your I-20 and passport valid, not working without authorization, and reporting address or program changes on time. Your DSO is the best source for your specific situation.

Question 14

Who is my DSO?

Accepted Answer

A Designated School Official (DSO) is the person at your university authorized to advise F-1 students and update your SEVIS record. Your international student office can tell you who your DSO is.

Question 15

What is the H-1B?

Accepted Answer

The H-1B is a temporary work visa for specialty occupations that typically requires employer sponsorship and is subject to an annual cap and lottery selection.

Question 16

What is cap-gap?

Accepted Answer

Cap-gap may extend the status and, in some cases, work authorization of F-1 students with a timely-filed H-1B petition requesting a change of status, bridging the gap until the H-1B start date. Confirm eligibility with your DSO and attorney.

Question 17

What documents should I keep for H-1B?

Accepted Answer

It is wise to keep passports, all visas, every I-20, EAD cards, pay stubs, W-2s, and employer details organized. An immigration attorney can advise on what your petition needs.

Question 18

What is the I-20?

Accepted Answer

The Form I-20 is a document issued by your school that certifies your eligibility for F-1 status. It lists your program, funding, and program end date, and is signed by your DSO.

Question 19

When do I need a new I-20?

Accepted Answer

You may need an updated I-20 after events such as a program extension, a change of education level, OPT/STEM OPT recommendation, a school transfer, or certain personal data changes. Confirm with your DSO.

Question 20

What is OPT?

Accepted Answer

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is up to 12 months of work authorization for F-1 students in a field related to their major, typically used after completing a degree (post-completion OPT).

Question 21

When can I apply for OPT?

Accepted Answer

You can generally file for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after, and USCIS must receive the application within 30 days of your DSO's OPT recommendation. Confirm exact dates with your DSO.

Question 22

What is the 90-day unemployment rule?

Accepted Answer

During post-completion OPT you are generally allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment. Keeping records of your employment is important. Your DSO can explain reporting requirements.

Question 23

What happens to my SEVIS record when I transfer schools?

Accepted Answer

Your SEVIS record is transferred from your current school to the new one on an agreed release date. You typically must enroll at the new school by the next available term. Coordinate with both DSOs.

Question 24

Does transferring affect my work authorization?

Accepted Answer

A school transfer can affect pending or active OPT. Discuss timing carefully with your DSO before initiating a transfer to avoid losing benefits.

Question 25

What can put my status at risk?

Accepted Answer

Common risks include dropping below a full course load without authorization, unauthorized employment, letting documents expire, or missing reporting deadlines. When in doubt, contact your DSO promptly.

Question 26

I think I may have fallen out of status. What now?

Accepted Answer

Act quickly and speak with your DSO and, if needed, a qualified immigration attorney. Options such as reinstatement may exist depending on the situation.

Question 27

What is the STEM OPT extension?

Accepted Answer

Students with an eligible STEM degree working for an E-Verify employer may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT, for a potential total of 36 months.

Question 28

What is the I-983?

Accepted Answer

The Form I-983 is a training plan completed with your employer that describes your STEM OPT learning objectives. It is required for the STEM OPT extension.

Question 29

What reporting is required during STEM OPT?

Accepted Answer

STEM OPT generally requires periodic validation reports and self-evaluations, plus reporting of changes such as a new employer or address. Your DSO will outline the schedule.

Question 30

What do I generally need to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status?

Accepted Answer

Typically a valid passport, a valid F-1 visa, and an I-20 with a recent travel signature from your DSO. Requirements vary, so confirm before any travel.

Question 31

How recent should my travel signature be?

Accepted Answer

Travel signatures on the I-20 are generally valid for a limited period (often 12 months, or 6 months on OPT). Check your I-20 and ask your DSO before traveling.

FAQ Library