FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How do I apply to SPC?
Students who are not U.S. citizens Students who are not U.S. citizens have two options to take classes at SPC:
On Campus students will live in the U.S. and take classes in person, online or in a blended format.
Online students remain in their home country, taking all of their classes online.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $135 for international students on campus students and $35 for out of country online students.
How many credit hours must I complete to maintain my full-time status?
- 12 credits (Fall/Spring)
- If Summer is your first semester at SPC, you must maintain a minimum of nine credit hours.
Does SPC offer an English language program?
Yes, the English for Academic Purposes program offers five levels, Basic I and II, Intermediate and Advanced I and II. Each level is offered in the Fall, Spring and Summer terms.
Must I present a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores?
To determine your level of English language ability we require you to complete one of several testing options. However, if your English scores are not at college level, you will be referred to take the English test for placement in the English as a Second Language program. You will be placed at your skill level.
What must I do if I am unable to maintain full-time status?
If there is a legitimate reason (i.e. academic or medical problem), you should contact the international officer/advisor for advisement.
Do I need health insurance?
Yes. International students at SPC are required to have injury/sickness insurance that includes “repatriation and medical evacuation” coverage. You may purchase international health insurance online. When you receive your I.D. card, please bring to the International Center. If you have insurance from your country, please advise the International office.
Can I attend SPC with a B2 Tourist visa?
You may attend a vocational class (non-credit). To attend the English as a Second Language program or college level classes, you must apply for a change of status. Contact the International Student Services office nearest you for details.
What should I know about the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS)?
SEVIS is an internet-based system that requires schools and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to exchange data on the immigration and academic status of international students. It is critical that all F-1 students be SEVIS registered before federal deadlines. If not, then the student is reported in SEVIS as out of status.
SEVIS registration means reporting to the Department of Homeland Security that F-1 students are enrolled for classes and have legal immigration status. SEVIS registration occurs each semester. SPC reports the current session end date, next session start date and the student's US address. All F-1 students who have SPC issued I-20s must be enrolled full-time for classes by the last day of the drop/add period, and have their up-to-date U.S. physical address (no PO boxes).
How do I transfer to another school as an F-1?
- Be admitted to the school where you want to transfer.
- Contact their International Center and ask what they need in order to issue you an I-20 as a transfer student.
- Contact an advisor to obtain a transfer from SPC.
Can an F-1 student apply for work permission?
F-1 students are eligible to work on campus up to 20 hours per week. An F-1 student may not work off campus. Permission to work off campus may be granted by the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) when there is economic necessity due to unforeseen changes in financial circumstances. You cannot submit a request to CIS for work off campus until you have completed nine months of study.
How do I get a Social Security number?
You must have a job offer or work authorization to apply. Visit our Employment page for details.
Can the spouse or child on an F-2 visa work?
An F-2 dependent cannot work on or off campus under any condition.
What is the expiration date of my I-94?
For F1 students, I-94 cards have an expiration date of D/S. This stands for Duration of Status - the period during which the student is pursuing a full-time course of study in any education program.
When may I take a vacation or holiday from my academic study?
Breaks between terms and spring break are good times to travel for short periods of time. If you maintain full-time status for Spring term and will have full-time status in the Fall term, then you can take the entire Summer term off.
How do I visit Canada or Mexico?
You should first determine if a visa is required for citizens of your country to enter Canada or Mexico. If you need a visa, contact the nearest Canada/Mexico consulate office well in advance of your planned trip. In some cases, one month is needed to process a visa application.
For a trip less than 30 days in duration you will need to take these documents:
- Valid I-94
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Endorsed signature page or a new I-20 form with endorsement on front
- A U.S. visa stamp (does not need to be valid unless it is marked with 212 (d)(3)(28) and is exempt from automatic re-validation)
How can I have my family join me in America if I have an F-1 visa?
Your spouse and/or children may be permitted to enter the U.S. on an F-2 visa, which may be obtained with a new I-20. Proof of sufficient financial support for your dependent is required before the request can be approved.
Frequently Asked OPT Questions
What is OPT?
OPT - Optional Practical Training, either pre-completion or post-completion - is temporary employment authorization granted by USCIS that allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience (on- or off-campus) by applying their academic knowledge to a position directly related to their area of study.
What is the difference between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
CPT is always part-time and can be used during your studies if a specific program requires it. It is approved on a semester-by-semester basis. There are two OPT opportunities:
- Part-time while in school
This is a one-time authorization per academic level and is not renewable. However, this deducts from your full-time after graduation or completion of your degree program. A maximum of 12 months of OPT employment is permitted for each academic level.
- Post Completion after graduation
This is a one-time full time authorization per academic level and is not renewable, except for certain classifications. The maximum is for 12 months. You must work in your major field.
Who is eligible for OPT?
You are eligible for OPT if you:
- have had full-time student status for at least one full academic year
- have only used up to 12 months of CPT
- are currently maintaining your F1 status.
What is full-time status?
At SPC, full-time status for F1 students is 12 credit hours during the Fall and Spring terms.
What is a full academic year?
Two terms (Fall and Spring terms) are considered a full academic year. The summer is not taken into account when calculating a full academic year.
What if I changed status to F1 from a prior visa category? Does the time I spent in school prior to having F1 status count towards the full academic year requirement? For example, if you were in H4 visa status during the Fall term taking a full course load, but you became an F1 during the following Spring term and still maintained a full course load, then “yes” the Fall term as an H4 and the Spring term as an F1 will count towards the full academic year.
I earned both an Associate and a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. Does that mean I get 24 months of OPT?
No. You get ONE chance to do OPT per higher degree level. If you did not do OPT after you earned the associate degree, and went on to earn a bachelor’s, you have forfeited your chance to do the 12 months of OPT for the associate degree, but will have the opportunity to do 12 months of OPT for the bachelor’s degree.
I have done CPT while studying toward my degree. Does that affect my OPT?
Part-time CPT does not affect your ability to do OPT. Full-time CPT does. You can do up to 12 months of full-time CPT without affecting your chances of OPT. Once you do 12 months or more of full time CPT, you will have forfeited your opportunity to do OPT.
How many hours can I work while on OPT?
When given the authority to work full-time, you are allowed to work 21 hours or more per week. For employment purposes, you will most likely be asked to work at least 40 hours per week. You can do as much as you can handle above 20 hours per week.
Do I need to have a job in order to apply for OPT?
No, you do not need to have a job in order to apply for OPT.
Should I have a specific kind of job?
Yes, you must have a job directly related to your field of study.
Can I work for more than one employer?
Yes. You can work for as many employers as you like as long as the employment is related to your field of study.
Do I need to notify the International Center when I find employment, or if I switch employers?
No.
I will have to move to a new place to do OPT. When and how do I update my address?
You have 10 days from the time you move to update your address. There are three things you need to do:
- For certain NSEERS (National Security Entry-Exit Registration System) countries, you must Complete an AR-11NR.
- Update your personal info in MySPC
- Send an e-mail to your international student officer/advisor with your full name and new address and telephone number.
What if I need to withdraw my application for OPT because I cannot complete/graduate as planned?
You can withdraw your OPT as long as the start date of your OPT has not yet arrived/passed. If you have not graduated and need to continue your studies, you will be able to reapply for OPT at a later time, and will have to send another application fee.
*Please note, only students earning a bachelor’s degree MUST withdraw their OPT if they are unable to graduate as planned.
I have a job offer but the employer has asked that I start on a date that is three months after I graduate. What date should I choose as my OPT start date?
You must choose a date within 60 days of your graduation. For example, if you will graduate on May 4, the latest date you can choose to start is July 3, as that is exactly 60 days after your graduation. Unless your employer will allow you to start earlier, you will have no choice but to lose a month of your OPT in the beginning.
When is the deadline to apply for OPT?
You must apply and the USCIS must receive your application before the end of program date on your I-20. You cannot apply for OPT once you have graduated. You can apply for OPT as early as 120 days before your graduation date, and we advise no later than 60 days before your graduation date. The average processing time is 60-90 days. You cannot start working until the date on your OPT card has arrived or passed and you have your OPT card in hand.
How do I apply for OPT?
Contact an International Officer/Advisor.
The OPT application asks for passport regulation photos. I already have pictures which I took when I was applying for my visa in my home country. Can I use those?
No. Your photos must be a picture of you taken within one (1) month of when you will apply for OPT.
Can I send cash with my OPT application?
No. The service center accepts money orders or a cashier’s check.
Who will mail my application packet to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services?
Your international officer/advisor will mail your application packet to the USCIS service center via certified mail.
Once I have mailed my OPT application, when can I expect my OPT card?
The average processing time is 60-90 days. In about two to three weeks from the day your application packet is mailed, a receipt called a Notice of Action (NOA) is received in the International Student Services office, which is a confirmation of receipt. In about 60-90 days we will receive your OPT card and will contact you. Make sure to review your information on the card to make sure it is correct; it must be corrected immediately if it is not.
How and where can I check on the progress of my OPT application?
The Notice of Action (NOA) has a receipt number – 13 digits long comprised of 3 letters and 10 numbers – in the upper left hand corner that you can use to track the progress of your application. Go to www.uscis.gov and then click on Case Status.
I applied for OPT and the start date has passed, but I still do not have my OPT card. I do have receipt that the adjudication of my OPT is in progress. Can I start working?
No. You cannot start working until both the date has arrived/passed AND the OPT card is in your hand. The Notice of Action only serves as a receipt that you have applied for OPT, and does not give you authorization to work.
Do I have a grace period at the end of my OPT?
Yes, you have a 60-day grace period at the end of OPT.
Can I get a continuation/extension of my OPT?
No. OPT can be authorized for a maximum of 12 months per education level. Whether you have found a job or not, your OPT will expire 12 months from the OPT start date.
What is my visa status while on OPT?
You are still an F1 visa holder. OPT is simply an employment benefit of the F1 visa.
Can I travel outside of the U.S. while my OPT application is pending?
You can travel while your OPT application is pending if you have not yet graduated. If you have graduated and your application is still pending, we strongly advise that you do not travel outside of the U.S. if you do not have all of the following in hand:
- Valid passport
- Valid visa (or you plan to apply for renewal while in your home country)
- Current I-20 which has been endorsed for OPT
- Valid travel signature (signature good for six months while on OPT)
- Employment Authorization Document (OPT card)
- Letter of employment offer
Can I travel outside the U.S. while I am on OPT?
Yes, as long as you have a valid visa, passport, I-20 endorsed for OPT, a signature within the last six months (including the time you will spend outside of the U.S.), the OPT card, and a job offer letter on the employer’s business letterhead stating your name, a general idea of your expected start date, and a brief description of the work you will do.
My OPT card says "not valid for re-entry." Why?
Your OPT card alone is not valid for re-entry. You must also have a valid visa, passport, an I-20 signed within six months, your OPT card, and a job offer.
What will happen if I have my OPT card and I choose to travel outside of the U.S. but I do not have a job offer yet?
You may be denied re-entry into the U.S.
Can I take any courses while I am on OPT?
Yes, you can take courses incidental to the OPT employment. This means since you have graduated, the reason for your continued stay in the U.S. is OPT. You can take a course or two as long as you do not take a full-time course load. You do not have to advise the international center that you are taking the class.
What are my options after OPT?
Once you have completed a course of study you have a 60-day grace period to decide what you want to do. You have three options after OPT:
1. Leave the U.S. within your 60-day grace period
2. While on OPT, apply for a new program of study. You must know that you have been accepted before your 60-day grace period is over. Your new program must start within five months of the OPT expiration date.
3. Apply for a change of visa status. You must apply and receive approval before the 60-day grace period is over. A change of status takes an average of four months (usually within two to six months) to adjudicate.
How long after OPT do I have after I graduate to start a new degree program?
You must apply and know that you are accepted into a new degree program before the 60-day grace period is over. We recommend that you apply 90 days before graduation.
Your new degree program must start within five months of the expiration date of your OPT. For example, if your OPT expires May 15, the latest you will technically have to start your new degree program is Oct. 14. However, because the Fall Term starts in August (at SPC and many other universities), you will have to start the new program in August.
What should I do if I change visa status while I am on OPT?
Please bring or send a copy of your approval notice by mail or fax to the International Student Services office so that we can properly notate your record in our office. Unless you obtain a visa that allows you to work, you must also stop the OPT employment.
Return to the International Student Services home page.
