50+ Expert Answers
OPT & F-1 Visa Answers
Clear, concise answers to every question international students ask about OPT, STEM OPT, H-1B, taxes, and US immigration.
OPT Basics
Everything about Optional Practical Training
What Is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?How Long Does OPT Last?How Do You Apply for OPT?When Should You Apply for OPT?Do You Need a Job Offer to Apply for OPT?What Is the 90-Day Unemployment Rule for OPT?What Happens When Your OPT Expires?How Many Unemployment Days Are Allowed on OPT?What Is STEM OPT Extension?What Is the OPT Grace Period?
Work & Employment
Working rules, employer changes, and compliance
Can You Work Part-Time on OPT?Can You Be Self-Employed on OPT?Can You Change Employers on OPT?Can You Work Multiple Jobs on OPT?Can You Work Remotely on OPT?Can You Volunteer on OPT?Can You Start a Business on OPT?How Do You Report an Employer Change on OPT?Can You Travel Outside the US on OPT?What Is E-Verify and Why Does It Matter for OPT?
USCIS & Immigration
Forms, tracking, and immigration processes
What Is an EAD Card?What Is Form I-765?What Is Form I-20?What Is SEVIS?What Is a DSO (Designated School Official)?What Is the SEVP Portal?How Do You Track Your USCIS Case Status?What Is an RFE (Request for Evidence) from USCIS?What Is a NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) from USCIS?What Is a USCIS Receipt Number?
Tax & Finance
Tax filing, FICA, and financial obligations
Do F-1 Students Pay Taxes in the US?Do F-1 Students Pay FICA Taxes?What Is Form 8843?What Is Form 1040-NR?What Is the Substantial Presence Test?What Are Tax Treaties for F-1 Students?Can F-1 Students Get a Social Security Number?Do F-1 Students File State Taxes?What Is an ITIN and When Do F-1 Students Need One?When Is the Tax Filing Deadline for F-1 Students?
H-1B & Career
H-1B transition, career planning, and sponsorship
What Is the H-1B Cap-Gap Extension?What Is the H-1B Lottery?What Is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?What Is the Difference Between H-1B and OPT?What Is the I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT?What Happens If Your H-1B Is Not Selected in the Lottery?What Is the Prevailing Wage for H-1B?What Is Day-1 CPT?How Do You Find an H-1B Sponsor?What Documents Are Needed for OPT Application?
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