Reminder : OPT Terminates When Beginning a New Program
Posted Aug 11, 2006
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This is the time of year when many colleges are poised to begin new programs. Some former F-1 students decide to start new academic programs in the United States after the completion of the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT). While this is permitted, it is important for students or exchange scholars to understand that the OPT is terminated when they begin new programs. Therefore, students cannot continue to work on the OPT once their new programs begin, even if the OPT otherwise would not have expired. A student who continues to work in the OPT position after beginning a new academic program is working without authorization. This can cause problems when filing for an immigration benefit under a future immigration petition or application.
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Any student who is returning to school while on OPT should discuss options with a qualified, experienced immigration attorney. It is important to ensure that one's fact pattern shows compliance with U.S. immigration law.