FAQs

F-1

1. I am a part-time commuting Canadian student. How often do I have to renew my I-20?

Unlike full-time commuting Canadian students, your I-20 will be reissued every semester and it is good only for the semester that you are enrolled. If you plan to continue taking classes, you need to secure your new I-20 before the first day of classes. We recommend that you submit the request for new I-20 along with other support documents at least 2 -3 weeks in advance.

2. I am a full-time commuting Canadian student. What do I have to do if I want to change to part-time commuter?

Please be proactive in communicating with OISS. Before you drop below full-time course load (12 credits for undergraduates and 8 credits for graduates), you will need to request for a new I-20 that is issued for part-time. You will have to take this initial I-20 to the border to obtain a new stamp and a new I-94 card. Then bring back these documents to OISS.

3. How do I qualify for CPT?

To qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), you must:

- Show that CPT is required by your degree or program, or

- Show that CPT is an integral part of your academic program, or

- Show that you are participating in WSU Co-operative Education Program.

- Register for CPT credit(s).

- Submit a CPT application and other support documents approved by your academic advisor.

- Have maintained your F-1 student status continuously in the past one academic year.

- Have been offered a job at a specific time (within a semester), employer, and location.

Note that if you have accumulatively used 12 months or more of full-time CPT, you are ineligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

4. How do I qualify for OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) can either be pre-completion or post-completion. To qualify for pre-completion OPT, you must:

- Have completed all graduate course requirements (for graduate students) excluding thesis or dissertation, or

- Be on pre-completion OPT while school is in session (work must not exceed 20 hours per week), or

- Be taking an annual vacation semester and intend to register for the following semester.

- Have maintained your F-1 student status continuously in the past one academic year.

- Submit an OPT application and other support documents approved by your academic advisor.

Note that it normally takes approximately 3 moths for OPT approval. It is a good idea to plan much in advance. Also, the time spent during pre-completion OPT will be deducted out from your total 12 months of OPT.

To qualify for post-completion OPT, you must:

- Have maintained your F-1 student status continuously in the past one academic year.

- Submit an OPT application and other support documents approved by your academic advisor.

- Have an expected date of completion.

Note that the OPT application must be received by the immigration office before the completion of your program. Once you receive n new I-20 from OISS that has OPT recommendation on the 3^rd page, you need to mail it out within 30 days.

5. How do I determine the begin date of my post-completion OPT?

You have a grace period of 60 days beyond the completion of your program. Your post-completion OPT start date must begin within this grace period. For example, if you complete your program on August 31, your start date can be between September 1 and October 30.

Note that your OPT application must be received by the immigration office before the completion of your degree/program.

6. How many days can I stay in the U.S. after my OPT end date?

You also have 60 days after the end date of your OPT. You are not permitted to work or take classes. The purpose of this 60 days grace period is to prepare to leave the country or get admitted to another degree program or change to another immigration status.

Note that the 60 days grace period after the OPT end date is different from the 60 days after the completion of your program.

7. Can I travel while my OPT application is on pending?

Though the law does not prohibit you from traveling out side the U.S. while your OPT application is on pending, we recommend that you should wait until your have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and have received a job offer letter. You also need to have your I-20 endorsed by an OISS advisor before traveling.

8. I plan to visit my home country. What do I need to do before I depart?

You must have your I-20 endorsed by an OISS advisor. You should also take a copy of your transcript and/or employment contract (if you are a GRA or GTA). Upon returning to the U.S., you will need to have a valid passport, a valid student visa, and a copy of your financial support.   

H-1B

1. I will have a gap between my OPT end date and the H-1B start date (October 1). Do I have to maintain my immigration status?

Yes, you need to always maintain your immigration status while you are in the U.S. You can either go back to your home country to wait for the H-1B approval or go back to school and take full-time course load. We recommend that you do not drop your classes until your H-1B time has started (not based on the receiving date of your I-797).

2. What is premium processing? Do I need it?

Premium processing is an optional service provided by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The request for premium processing will sent to DHS along with the H-1B petition. This service will guarantee a response (either the petition is approved, denied, or need more support documents) within 15 business days.