Your F-1 and OPT planning resources

Start with the question you need to resolve. These guides connect the student timeline, employment records, travel planning and employer sponsorship. Bring your current documents to your designated school official (DSO) or counsel when reviewing an individual situation.

Understanding F-1 status and OPT
Begin with F-1 students and OPT, then review pre- and post-completion OPT for questions about your application stage and planning.

Employment authorization and supporting records
Use the EAD card guide for authorization questions and the OPT and EAD record-keeping guide to organize notices, employment records and your timeline.

Travel and returning to the United States
Read travel during OPT: re-entry checklist and FAQs before discussing departure and return plans with the DSO. Your application stage, documents and current immigration record matter.

Moving from OPT to employer sponsorship
The OPT to H-1B transition guide explains planning and cap-gap questions. Employers and professionals can continue to the H-1B visa guide for sponsorship preparation.

Responding to a USCIS notice
If you receive a request for evidence or notice of intent to deny, use the USCIS RFE and NOID response guide to prepare the notice, deadline and complete filing history for review.

More resources and an individual review
Explore the legal resource guide or request a consultation. Do not send confidential documents through a general website form before receiving submission instructions.

This page provides academic legal information for information and education; it is not legal advice.