Responsibilities During 17-month OPT

I confirm that I have been informed by International Student Services (ISS) of my responsibilities for maintaining F-1 status during my OPT extension.  I must comply with the following:

  • USCIS must receive my OPT application within 30 days after my OPT I-20 is issued
  • Check my name and OPT dates when I receive OPT receipt, approval notice and EAD card. If error occurs, contact ISS immediately 
  • I must work a minimum of 20 hours per week
  • I must report  any changes to my employment within 10 days when it occurs through Forms Library under MyUB at www.bridgeport.edu
  • I can work up to 180 days while my OPT extension is pending with USCIS if my OPT application is properly filed
  • ALL my jobs must be DIRECTLY to my major; I can work for multiple employers but they ALL MUST BE E-verify employers. Examples for work:
    • Work for hire
    • Self-employed business owner
    • Employment through an agency or consulting firm
  • If I wish to change employment while my OPT extension application is PENDING, I must first contact a DSO at ISS
  • Within 10 days, notify ISS the following changes:
    • Name
    • Telephone number
    • Residential and mailing addresses
    • I will also contact USCIS by calling the number of National Customer Service as listed on my OPT receipt or by going to the USCIS website: https://egov.uscis.gov/crisgwi/go?action=coa if my OPT is pending
  • I CANNOT be without work for more than 120 days during the entire OPT period of 29 months (12-month post-completion OPT + 17-month OPT extension)
  • I understand that the following reasons could lead to my OPT termination or cancellation:
    • I transfer to another school or begin study at another educational level
    • I change my non-immigrant status to another category and the start date is in effect
  • During 17-month OPT extension, I must make a VALIDATION  REPORT to ISS every six months:
    • The reporting must be done from the date the extension begins and ending when my F–1 status ends
    • Report by going to MyUB at www.bridgeport.edu by filling out the OPT Employment Information Form under Forms Library
    • Report within 10 days of every 6 months
    • If I fail to report, my SEVIS record may be automatically terminated by USCIS
  • Traveling outside the U.S. for 5 months or more will lead to violation of my F-1 status and cancellation of my OPT. I need the following to travel outside the U.S. during OPT:
    • Visit myUB at http://www.bridgeport.edu/myub, select Travel Signature Request Form under Forms Library; Fill out the form and print it
    • Travel signature endorsed by an International Student Advisor within the last six months
    • If I cannot come in person to ISS for a travel signature, I must mail my original documents to ISS with a self-addressed and pre-paid envelope (No FedEx is accepted)
    • Valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
    • Valid F-1 visa and passport
    • Proof of employment (letter of permission for travel from employer)
    • If my 12-month OPT has expired and my OPT extension is pending, I cannot travel outside the U.S.
  • Following Travel, I must scan/e-mail my I-94 card to internationaloffice@bridgeport.edu