F-1/J-1 students most commonly asked questions
Please visit our F-1 Post-OPT webpage to find more information on eligibility, and when and how to apply for Post-Completion OPT.
Additionally, we recommend that you review the Post-OPT frequently asked questions.
Attending the F-1 Immigration Webinar Series workshops on employment authorizations will assist you in understanding the eligibility requirements and application process of obtaining employment authorizations while on an F-1 student visa.
The application process for the STEM OPT Extension is very similar to the Post-OPT application.
We recommend submitting your STEM OPT I-20 Request eForm 100 days before the end date of your Post-OPT. Please be aware that you cannot apply for STEM after your Post-OPT end date, and your STEM application must be received by USCIS before your Post-OPT end date.
Please visit our F-1 STEM OPT Extension webpage to find more information on eligibility, and when and how to apply for Post-Completion OPT.
Additionally, we recommend that you review the STEM OPT frequently asked questions.
Attending the F-1 Immigration Webinar Series workshops on employment authorizations will assist you in understanding the eligibility requirements and application process of obtaining employment authorizations while on an F-1 student visa.
As an F-1 international student, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services provides you a variety of opportunities for employment in the U.S. during and after the completion of a degree. You must give special attention to maintaining your F-1 status while authorized for Post-OPT, STEM OPT extension and/or Cap Gap to avoid any negative implications on future immigration benefit requests.
- Maintaining status during Post-OPT
- Maintaining status during STEM OPT
- Maintaining status during Cap Gap
If you were unable to find the Optional Practical Training link or it is not showing on My ASU, you can access appropriate eForms through the MyISSC eForm Portal.
For questions regarding your student financial account, please email Student Business Services at sponsorbilling@asu.edu. You may also review our website for more information. Remember that your financial guarantee on file with ASU must be valid at all times and your sponsor may not pay for all charges on your student financial account (e.g., parking, late fees, health services, Sun Card purchase, etc.).
The SEVP Portal is an important tool that lets F-1 students on Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) meet their legal reporting requirements. Please visit the Create an Account page for specific instructions.
Please visit our SEVP Portal section on the Maintaining Status during Post-OPT webpage for more information.
Many sponsors have strict policies and limits regarding the number of online or hybrid classes you can take throughout your degree program at ASU while being a sponsored student.
Please review our Online and Hybrid Course Enrollment webpage for detailed instructions on how to enroll in online or hybrid classes.
Please visit our F-1 CPT webpage to find more information on eligibility, and when and how to apply for CPT.
Additionally, we recommend that you review the CPT frequently asked questions.
Attending the F-1 Immigration Webinar Series workshops on employment authorizations will assist you in understanding the eligibility requirements and application process of obtaining employment authorizations while on an F-1 student visa.
If you are a student, visit the Learn about your J-1 student status webpage to find more information.
If you are a scholar, visit the Learn about your J-1 scholar status webpage to find more information.
F-1 and J-1 students leaving ASU to attend another U.S. institution should request that ASU release their SEVIS record to their new school.
Please visit our Transfer Out Process webpage for detailed information.
To maintain F-1 status, international students must be enrolled in a full course of study at the start of the fall and spring semesters.
Please visit the Requesting a Reduced Course Load webpage for detailed information.
The mandatory SEVIS New Student Check-in can only be completed after you have arrived in the United States and can only be completed 30 days prior to the semester start date. For more information, please visit our SEVIS New Student Check-in webpage.
For questions regarding travel signatures, please visit our Travel Signature webpage.
If you need to apply for a Social Security number, please visit our Social Security number webpage. If you are employed by ASU, Follett Bookstore or Aramark, you will need to have a certified employer offer letter approved by the ISSC.
Unfortunately, no ASU staff member is able to provide personal assistance with the completion of tax compliance while in their official roles at ASU, including acting as tax consultants or providing tax advice related to the completion of the forms. For detailed instructions and forms you may need to file your tax returns, please visit our tax information webpage.