Pandemic OPT Eligibility
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a work authorization for F-1 (I-20) students. OPT allows you to work in your major, anywhere in the U.S., for 12 months after graduation. Most students apply for OPT during their final semester at W&M, or up to 60 days after their program end date (typically graduation).
To be eligible for OPT, you need to have been in F-1 status for at least 2 consecutive semesters directly prior to graduation.
Because some of you have had interrupted studies due to the pandemic, we want to explain your eligibility for OPT.
Eligibility for OPT
- F-1 status begins when you arrive in the US and attend classes from within the U.S.
- When you begin your studies in person (thus activating your F-1 status), you will be eligible for OPT after your second semester in F-1 status. Your second semester can be in person or remote.
- If you did your first semester of your program from abroad, your OPT eligibility only begins once you have begun your studies at W&M in-person.
- If you did one semester in the US in F-1 status, and then followed that with a remote semester abroad, you will be eligible for OPT.
- If you take a leave of absence, or withdraw mid-semester, your OPT eligibility restarts. It will only begin again once you have returned to W&M in person. There is sometimes an exception to this if you resume in-person studies within 5 months of when you withdrew. Talk to an ISSP staff member for details.
- To apply for OPT, you must be in the U.S. when you apply, even if you are abroad the rest of that semester.
Sample scenarios for students with F-1 status:
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
OPT Eligibility |
|
|
Student #1 |
F-1 status in-person at W&M | F-1 status in-person at W&M | ------------ | ------------ | Eligible for OPT |
|
Student #2 |
F-1 status in-person at W&M | Enrolled at W&M abroad | ------------ | ------------ |
Eligible for OPT |
|
Student #3 |
F-1 status in-person at W&M | Takes a leave of absence | F-1 status in-person at W&M | ------------ | NOT eligible for OPT |
|
Student #4 |
F-1 status in-person at W&M | Takes a leave of absence | F-1 status in-person at W&M | F-1 status in-person at W&M | Eligible for OPT |
|
Student #5 |
F-1 status in-person at W&M | Takes a leave of absence | Enrolled at W&M abroad | F-1 status in-person at W&M | NOT eligible for OPT |
Extensions
- In some cases, it may make sense for you to extend your studies at W&M. These extensions must be done for an academic reason, such as adding an additional concentration, major, or minor, or taking classes to otherwise enhance your academic program.
- For more information, see Extensions.
Questions?
If you have questions about your OPT eligibility, please contact an ISSP staff member, or schedule a meeting.
