Is it required for the student to be on F1 for one year to get OPT?

[us56]

Hi,

 

Is it required for the student to be on F1 for one year to get OPT? Can the student be on H4 for one year during the course and be on F1 when applying OPT? will the course time of one year completed as H4 will count when applying OPT?

 

Thanks

[JoeF]

The law says that a person has to be enrolled full-time and in good standing for at least a year when applying for OPT. That year doesn't all have to be in F1 status.

However, universities can impose stricter rules. Check with the international office in your university.