OPT Q&A

Can I take classes while on OPT?

Time spent going to school should only be an incidental part of your stay in the United States. You must be maintaining the primary purpose of OPT. Beginning a full-time or degree-seeking program of study while on OPT is not allowed.

If you decide to go back to school full-time, you will need to transfer your SEVIS Record and I-20 to the new school. If returning to Jessup, you'll need to obtain a new I-20 to reflect your new degree.

Can I work for multiple employers during OPT?

Yes, students may have multiple jobs and change jobs as many times as they wish during OPT, provided that all employment is directly related to their field of study and the work is a minimum of 20 hours per week

What should I do if I lost my OPT EAD card?

Your EAD Card is the official document that allows you to work on OPT or STEM OPT so you should take action to get a replacement if it is lost, stolen, or destroyed. Students should file a new I-765 with USCIS, with a new filing fee, for a replacement card. You will need the following:

• New form I-765 indicating reason for filing as: 1.b. - Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged employment authorization document. Remember: On the I-765 form, you must indicate you have previously applied for OPT and indicate your previous receipt numbers. (You previously applied and your card was lost, stolen, or damaged!)

• Letter (from you) explaining the circumstances of how your EAD Card was lost, stolen, never received, or damaged. Attach any supporting evidence you have. For a stolen EAD Card, you should attach a police report. If you never received the EAD card at all, be sure to clearly state that in the letter.

• Document checklist: Refer to OPT Application Process.

For EADs Cards lost in the mail:

• Obtain the tracking number for your EAD card. Call USCIS to obtain the tracking number for your EAD Card. If you have registered for an account with USCIS.gov, the tracking information should show in your account if the card has been mailed.

• Check the tracking number. If it shows “delivered,” contact USPS to see if they are able to locate the mail for you.  If USPS is responsible for the lost card, you will need to obtain an official letter on letterhead from USPS stating this. If approved, USCIS will then issue a new replacement EAD at no additional cost.

• If USPS is not able to locate the missing mail (EAD Card), fill out the USCIS Non-Delivery of Card online form. You will need the receipt number.