Obtain & Maintain Student Status

F-1 and J-1 visa holders are required to enroll full-time every fall and spring semester:

• Undergraduate students are considered full-time when enrolled in 12 or more credits.
• Graduate students are considered full-time when enrolled in nine or more credits.

Violating the full course of study requirement can jeopardize a student's immigration status and eligibility for benefits, up to and including the loss of F-1 immigration status.  

A student who loses F-1 status may request to regain F-1 status through the process of reinstatement with DHS. Reinstatement is costly and time-consuming, with no guarantee of a positive outcome. Note: Review the Maintain Your Status tab above for more information on regaining your status.

F-1 and J-1 students may be eligible to request an authorized reduced course load to maintain immigration status when enrolled less than full-time for a specific semester if they meet one of the DHS-approved reasons and obtain approval from the University. Please review the eligible reasons for an authorized reduced course load for DHS/immigration purposes and contact ISSS at [email protected] if you have any questions about your eligibility.  

Academic departments, Human Resources and other campus offices may have additional requirements for full-time status, such as those tied to student employment or scholarships. 

DHS regulations limit the number of online courses F-1 international students can count toward their full-time course load requirement. J-1 students are similarly limited by the Department of State.  

No more than one online course (or three credits) may count toward the minimum number of credits needed for full-time enrollment during the semester.  

Courses coded as off campus are considered online (distance education) courses.  If the student only needs one course to complete the program of study, that course cannot be fully online.
 

Online course limitations for undergraduate students

International undergraduate students are required to remain enrolled in at least 12 credits every fall and spring semester.  

If you wish to enroll in an online course, no more than one online course (or three credits) may count towards your required credits to be full-time. The remaining nine credits must be either in-person or hybrid classes. 
 

If your registration does not fit into any of these categories (or if you are on an authorized reduced course load), please contact ISSS at [email protected] before enrolling in any fully online classes.
 

Online course limitations for graduate students

International graduate students are required to remain enrolled for at least nine credits every fall and spring semester.  

If you wish to enroll in an online course, no more than one online course (or three credits) may count towards your required credits to be full-time. The remaining six credits must be either in-person or hybrid classes. 
 

If your registration does not fit into any of these categories (or if you are on an authorized reduced course load), please contact ISSS at [email protected] before enrolling in any fully online classes. 
 

Online course limitations for J-1 sponsored students

Please discuss any online course enrollment with your J-1 program sponsor. 

F-1 and J-1 students may be eligible for concurrent enrollment at another institution (such as enrolling for a course or courses at another school).  

However, at least 50% of your full-time enrollment credits must be taken at UAlbany and only a certain percentage may be fully online courses. (Please review Full-time Enrollment and Online Course Limitations accordions above for additional information.)

If you want courses taken at another institution to count towards your full-time enrollment at UAlbany for that semester, you must provide proof of enrollment to ISSS. You should also consult with your academic advisor about the transfer credit approval process for UAlbany.

The concurrent enrollment rules apply to fall and spring semesters when full-time enrollment is required, not the summer or winter terms — unless you intend to graduate over the summer or winter term. (Please review the Wintersession & Summer Sessions accordion below for additional information.)

You may take courses at other institutions during the summer or winter terms if approved by your academic department and advisor. 

UAlbany has four academic terms each Academic Year:

• Fall term, called the fall semester at UAlbany
• Winter term, called Wintersession at UAlbany
• Spring term, called the spring semester at UAlbany
• Summer term, called Summer Sessions at UAlbany

Enrollment requirements during Wintersession and Summer Session depends on international students’ graduation plans:

• If an international student plans to continue their studies during the next available fall or spring semester, then they are not required to register for classes during that winter or summer term. They may enroll in any combination of coursework allowed by the University, if desired, or treat it as a vacation term. 
• If an international student plans to graduate at the end of a winter or summer term, they must register for coursework during that term and meet all DHS reporting and registration requirements.
   

Guidance for students graduating at the end of a winter or summer Term  

To maintain F-1 or J-1 status — including eligibility to apply for Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) — and to stay in the US during your final term (winter or summer), you must follow the same registration requirements you normally would follow during the fall and spring semesters.  

This includes full-time enrollment (with at least 50% or more of the coursework taken at UAlbany) and a limitation on the number of fully online classes. (Please review the accordions above for additional information.)

Doctoral students enrolled in an 899 course during the preceding semester should contact ISSS at [email protected] for case-by-case assistance.

Please navigate to the OPT, CPT & Academic Training tab above for detailed information on OPT.

Additional guidance for winter graduates

International students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees are usually unable to fulfill registration requirements during the Wintersession because most courses are only offered online during that term.  

Therefore, if the required courses are not offered in person, these students must either take their final courses from outside the U.S. or complete their degree during the spring semester.

Additionally, bachelor's and master's students who graduate after Wintersession are typically not eligible for Post-completion OPT. 

Please navigate to the OPT, CPT & Academic Training tab above for detailed information on OPT. 

If you change your legal name, you must provide ISSS or IELP with updated documentation (such as a passport) reflecting the name change within 10 days.  

ISSS or IELP will report the change to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and you will be issued an updated I-20 or DS-2019.

In addition to reporting a name change to ISSS or IELP for immigration-related reporting, current and former students should report name changes to the Registrar’s Office to ensure accurate University records. Student employees should also report name changes to Human Resources.  

If you move, you must update your address in MyUAlbany within 10 days. ISSS or IELP will report your address change to DHS.  

DHS reporting requires a SEVIS USA address (where you physically reside in the U.S.) and SEVIS Foreign address (your permanent address in your home country).

To update or verify your address online, follow these instructions:

1. Log into MyUAlbany.
2. On the left panel, under the Student Record dropdown, select "Add or Update Pronouns, Gender Identity, etc."
3. Select “Addresses.”
4. Check the SEVIS USA address (where you physically reside in the U.S.) and the SEVIS Foreign address (your permanent address in your home country) sections.  
5. If an address needs to be updated, click the address to edit it. If you are missing an address, select the “Add Address” button. Refer to the address formatting guidance below as you edit and/or add addresses.
6. Press “Save.”

Guidance on SEVIS USA Address Formatting

• Line 1: List your building number and street name. For example: 123 Main Street.
• Line 2: List your apartment number, if applicable. For example: Unit 4.
• City: List your city of residence. For example: Albany.
• State: List your state of residence. For example: New York.
• Postal: List your five-digit ZIP code. For example: 12222.
• County: List the county your city of residence is located within. For example: Albany County.

If you live on campus, copy the residential hall address as it appears under the Campus Address section. 

Both a U.S. phone number and a foreign phone number are reported in SEVIS. If either number changes, you must report the change in MyUAlbany within 10 days.

To update or verify your phone numbers online, follow these instructions:

1. Log into MyUAlbany.
2. On the left panel, under the Student Record dropdown, select "Add or Update Pronouns, Gender Identity, etc."
3. Select “Contact Details” and check the phone number section.  
4. Make sure at least one phone number is selected as preferred. To add a phone number, select the button with a plus sign (+). Refer to the phone number formatting guidance below as you edit and/or add addresses.
5. Press “Save.”

Guidance on U.S. Phone Number Formatting

U.S. phone numbers should be formatted like this (using your phone number) in MyUAlbany: 999/999-9999.  

Do not include any special symbols, such as a plus sign (+).

Your default email address in SEVIS is your UAlbany email address, but you can also report a secondary address in MyUAlbany.  

To update or verify your email addresses online, follow these instructions:

1. Log into MyUAlbany.
2. On the left panel, under the Student Record dropdown, select "Add or Update Pronouns, Gender Identity, etc."
3. Select “Contact Details” and check the email section. Make updates as needed.
4. Press “Save.”

UAlbany Email Access

UAlbany deactivates all students’ email accounts one year after the last semester they registered for and completed classes at the University. Learn more about email deactivation.

As long as your UAlbany email address is active, it will be listed as the preferred address in MyUAlbany and SEVIS.  

When your UAlbany email address deactivates, ISSS or IELP will switch your SEVIS email address over to the alternate email address provided in MyUAlbany.  

Note: Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT must have an alternate email address listed in MyUAlbany. Please navigate to the OPT, CPT & Academic Training tab above for detailed information.

If an F-1 and J-1 student intends to depart UAlbany and/or the U.S. for an extended period, they must report that departure to ISSS or IELP using a Departure Form within 10 days.

Please review the Depart or Transfer Out of UAlbany section for detailed instructions. 

How and why a student may change their immigration status

Individuals may change their immigration status in one of two ways:

1. Departing the U.S. and receiving permission from relevant government agencies — such as U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — to re-enter the U.S. in a new status
2. Filing for a change of status while in the U.S., a process that includes submitting an I-539 form, filing fee and other documents to USCIS

If you are an F-1 or J-1 student and you have either changed status or are considering changing status, please consult ISSS or IELP. If appropriate, UAlbany will refer you to an immigration attorney.

An individual must currently be in an immigration status that allows for study in the United States to be in compliance with regulations and not violate their status.  

• Categories that allow for study include but are not limited to F-1, J-1, H-4 and others.
• Categories that do not allow for study include but are not limited to B-1 and B-2.

If you choose to file for a change of status through USCIS, you are advised to:

• Always save copies of the documents you send to USCIS. Provide ISSS or IELP with a copy of your Receipt of Approval (I-797) when you receive it from USCIS.
• Do not leave the U.S. while your change of status request is pending because your application will then be considered abandoned, and your change of status will be terminated or rejected.
• Stay in close contact with ISSS or IELP during the process and seek advice on what to do if the approval is delayed.
• The change of status process may take six to 12 months, or longer, depending on the case. You may be eligible to apply for premium processing, for an additional fee, to get a quicker case decision. Please contact ISSS or IELP for more information.
   

Status changes may affect tuition and/or scholarships

Students with F-1 or J-1 status are not eligible for New York State tuition and are charged an International Student Fee for each semester or term they are enrolled. Learn more about tuition and fees for international students.

Students who change their immigration status to certain categories may be eligible for in-state tuition. Learn more about residency requirements for tuition purposes.

Note: If you were an F-1 or J-1 undergraduate student and you changed status and/or are deemed eligible for in-state tuition, you may no longer be eligible for the Global Excellence Scholarship. Please contact Undergraduate International Admissions at [email protected] with any questions. 
 

Report a change to immigration status

If your immigration status changes, you must provide ISSS or IELP with documentation of your new, approved status within 10 days. Documentation may include, but is not limited to:

• A naturalization certificate
• A green card
• A change of status approval notice from U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
• A new I-94,
• An immigrant visa with entrance stamp endorsed by a U.S. Customs & Border Patrol (CBP) officer

If you have changed from F-1 or J-1 status to a new immigration status, your UAlbany SEVIS record will be terminated to reflect this change. If you are currently enrolled, your status will also be updated on your University record.

If you are currently working at UAlbany, please also notify Human Resources of your status change.

To complete the Immigration Status Update form online, follow these instructions:

1. Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
2. Select “Immigration Status Update EForm” from the EForm menu.
3. Complete the form and upload supporting documents.  

Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.

ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing.

If there is a material change to your I-20 or DS-2019 — including, but not limited to, changing your major, adding a second major and/or a change in funding — you must request an updated I-20 or DS-2019 within 10 days. 

There are a limited circumstances when an enrolled student in F-1 or J-1 status can maintain their status while living outside the U.S. These include:

• A graduate student completing their dissertation or thesis research outside the U.S.
• A student is participating in a UAlbany-approved study abroad program

If you are a F-1 or J-1 student who falls into one of these two categories, you must report your plans to ISSS by completing an Out of Country Reporting form online.

Note: Your submission to the Out of Country Reporting form is only valid for one semester. You must complete the form each semester you plan to study or conduct research outside the U.S. 

Please review the Travel Guidance for International Students & Scholars page for important information on how to prepare for international travel. 
  

Complete the Out of Country Reporting form

To complete the Out of Country Reporting form online, follow these instructions:

1. Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
2. Select “Out of Country Reporting EForm” from the EForm menu.
3. Complete the form and upload supporting documents.

Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.

ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 
 

Note on overseas doctoral research and export controls

International doctoral students conducting research overseas who are enrolled in an 899 dissertation course, or equivalent, remain affiliated with UAlbany and therefore generally fall under the education exclusion of federal export controls.

Policies related to export controls are outside ISSS’s scope. Please instead review UAlbany’s export control policies with your academic advisor and/or dissertation advisor and contact the Office of Regulatory and Research Compliance (ORRC) with any questions.

Please review all steps before beginning:

1. Apply for undergraduate readmission.
   • Note: If you are currently studying at another school or have been away from UAlbany for less than five months, please stop after Step 1 and contact ISSS at [email protected] before proceeding. 
2. Gather all the documents you’ll need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019, including:
   • Financial documentation
   • Proof of readmission: You myst provide a copy of your readmission letter from the Office of Undergraduate Education.
   • Transfer information: If you’re currently studying at another, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school in the U.S must provide information about your plans to transfer back to UAlbany.  
3. Complete the New I-20 or DS-2019 form online:
   • Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
   • Select “New I-20/DS-2019 Request” from the EForm menu.
   • Complete the form and upload supporting documents. Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.
   • ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 
4. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee for your new SEVIS ID number. Note: This step is only applicable if you are returning to UAlbany using a new SEVIS ID number. 
5. Apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa, if the U.S. student visa in your passport is expired. Please navigate to the Apply for a Visa tab above for detailed instructions. Note: If your visa is not expired, please contact ISSS at [email protected] for case-by-case advice. 
6. Report your arrival to UAlbany. International students and scholars are required to report to the school listed on the I-20 or DS-2019 presented at the U.S. port of entry once they are admitted into the country. You cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before your program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

1. Obtain approval from your academic department to return from your leave. You will be required to provide a copy of the email.
   • PhD students returning from an approved leave of absence should contact the Graduate School and their academic department to discuss returning from leave.
   • Master's and graduate certificate students should contact their academic department to determine whether their program is still active.
   • Note: If you are currently studying at another school or have been away from UAlbany for less than five months, please stop after Step 1 and contact ISSS at [email protected] before proceeding. 
2. Gather all the documents you’ll need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019, including:
   • Financial documentation
   • Proof of approval to return (as outlined in Step 1)
   • Transfer information: If you’re currently studying at another, Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school in the U.S must provide information about your plans to transfer back to UAlbany.  
3. Complete the New I-20 or DS-2019 form online:
   1. Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
   2. Select “New I-20/DS-2019 Request” from the EForm menu.
   3. Complete the form and upload supporting documents. Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.
   4. ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 
4. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee for your new SEVIS ID number. Note: This step is only applicable if you are returning to UAlbany using a new SEVIS ID number. 
5. Apply for a new F-1 or J-1 visa, if the U.S. student visa in your passport is expired. Please navigate to the Apply for a Visa tab above for detailed instructions. Note: If your visa is not expired, please contact ISSS at [email protected] for case-by-case advice. 
6. Report your arrival to UAlbany. International students and scholars are required to report to the school listed on the I-20 or DS-2019 presented at the U.S. port of entry once they are admitted into the country. You cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before your program start date on your I-20 or DS-2019.

1. Contact ISSS at [email protected]. Change of immigration status requests can be very complicated, so you should contact ISSS before proceeding. ISSS may advise you to seek legal advice from an immigration attorney. Learn more about changing your immigration status.
2. Gather all the documents you’ll need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019, including:
   • Financial documentation
   • Information on how you will change status: You should decide if you will be changing status through travel and re-entry on an initial document or through a USCIS change of status before applying for a new I-20 or DS-2019. This will impact the type of document we issue. 
3. Complete the New I-20 or DS-2019 form online:
   • Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
   • Select “New I-20/DS-2019 Request” from the EForm menu.
   • Complete the form and upload supporting documents. Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.
   • ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 
4. Await further instructions from ISSS. Next steps will be provided based on your specific case.

Note: Undergraduate students who have been admitted to a new graduate program should contact the Graduate School at [email protected] for a new I-20.  

This option is only available to undergraduate students who are already admitted to a combined undergraduate/graduate program.  

In this circumstance, you should apply for a new I-20 reflecting graduate-level study once you are entering a semester during which most of your coursework will be at the graduate level (courses at the 500 level or higher).

1. Gather the financial documentation you’ll need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019.
2. Complete the New I-20 or DS-2019 form online:
   • Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
   • Select “New I-20/DS-2019 Request” from the EForm menu.
   • Complete the form and upload supporting documents. Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.
   • ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 

If you are a current UAlbany student who is a sponsored student (such as a Fulbright student) and would like to transfer your SEVIS sponsorship to UAlbany, please follow these instructions.

1. Have your SEVIS number transferred. Talk with the Designated School Official/Responsible Officer (DSO/RO) at your current school or organization and ask them to transfer your SEVIS number to UAlbany. They can transfer it as follows:
   1. I-20s can be transferred to University at Albany, State Univ. of NY, Campus Code BUF214F10162000
   2. DS-2019s can be transferred to University at Albany, State University of New York, Program Number P-1-04843 
2. Gather the financial documentation you’ll need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019.
3. Complete the New I-20 or DS-2019 form online:
   • Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
   • Select “New I-20/DS-2019 Request” from the EForm menu.
   • Complete the form and upload supporting documents. Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.
   • ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 

New students who are admitted to a new program should contact the Graduate School at [email protected] for a new I-20.

This option is only for currently enrolled PhD students who have chosen to end a PhD program and pursue a master's degree instead.

1. Gather the financial documentation you’ll need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019.
2. Complete the New I-20 or DS-2019 form online:
   • Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
   • Select “New I-20/DS-2019 Request” from the EForm menu.
   • Complete the form and upload supporting documents. Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.
   • ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 

This section is for students who are seeking to reinstate F-1 status following SEVIS termination.  

1. Review the Regaining F-1 Status section and contact ISSS to discuss your case’s specific details and eligibility. You should only move onto Step 1 if ISSS instructs you to do so. 
2. Gather the financial documentation you’ll need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019.
3. Complete the New I-20 or DS-2019 form online:
   • Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
   • Select “New I-20/DS-2019 Request” from the EForm menu.
   • Complete the form and upload supporting documents. Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.
   • ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 

If you are currently studying fully online outside the U.S. but want to come in-person for a future term, you will need to request an I-20 to do so.

1. Gather the financial documentation you’ll need to request a new I-20 or DS-2019.
2. Complete the New I-20 or DS-2019 form online:
   • Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
   • Select “New I-20/DS-2019 Request” from the EForm menu.
   • Complete the form and upload supporting documents. Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.
   • ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 

An extension to an I-20 or DS-2019 program end date may only be requested and approved if all the following are true:

• The student has a compelling academic or medical reason for the extension.
• The student has been maintaining status.
• The student has proof of funding.
• The student is making progress towards completing the academic program.  

Examples of reasons for an extension include but are not limited to:  

• Changed majors
• Changed research topics
• Unexpected research problems
• Documented illnesses

Delays caused by academic probation or suspension are not acceptable reasons for a program extension.

Students must submit a complete extension request, including approval from their academic advisor, to ISSS at least five to seven business days before the student’s current program end date on the I-20 or DS-2019.

Extensions can only be processed before the program end date. Failure to submit a timely request may result in a loss of active status, which would require the student to apply for reinstatement or depart the United States.

I-20 and DS-2019 extensions are limited to a maximum of one year at a time. Student who need additional extensions must apply again at a later date. 

Academic advisor recommendation

Your academic advisor will need to recommend the extension for either an academic reason or a medical reason.

When you submit your request for an extension online, your academic advisor will receive an email with a link to complete their own form online. Please talk with your academic advisor before you apply for an extension so they know to expect this email.

Without your academic advisor’s approval, the extension request cannot be processed.  
 

Request form

To complete the I-20 or DS-2019 End Date Extension form online, follow these instructions:

1. Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
2. Select “Extension of I-20/DS-2019 End Date” from the EForm menu.
3. Complete the form and upload supporting documents. The form will ask you to provide financial documentation.  

Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.

ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing. 

Reinstatement is a process by which a student submits an application to USCIS to request that their F-1 status be reinstated. USCIS will evaluate F-1 reinstatement applicants on the following criteria:

• The applicant has not been out-of-status for more than five months at the time of filing the request for reinstatement, or the applicant demonstrates that the failure to file within the five-month period was the result of exceptional circumstances and that the student filed for reinstatement as soon as possible under these circumstances.
• The violation of status was due to circumstances beyond the student's control. Some examples of circumstances beyond the student's control might include serious injury or illness, closure of the institution, or a natural disaster.
• The applicant must not have a record of repeated or willful violations of USCIS regulations.
• The applicant is currently pursuing a full-time course of study.
• The applicant must not have engaged in unauthorized employment before filing for the reinstatement.

If you are considering reinstatement and believe you meet the above criteria, keep the following in mind:

• You must obtain a new I-20. Please follow the instructions for current UAlbany students seeking to reinstate F-1 status.
• Reinstatement applications may take up to 12 months or longer for USCIS to process.
• You must be engaged in a full course of study while the reinstatement is pending.
• You cannot travel outside the U.S. while the reinstatement is pending.
• You are required to pay a filing fee to USCIS for the reinstatement request.
• If the reinstatement is approved, you will regain your prior status. This means you are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), if you meet all other eligibility requirements for those programs. Note: Please navigate to the OPT, CPT & Academic Training tab above for detailed information on eligibility.
• The reinstatement request is program specific, so if your program completes (meaning you meet all graduation requirements), you will need to consult an immigration attorney about what happens next.
• Students with a pending reinstatement application are not eligible for F-1 benefits, including on-campus employment. 

The second way to regain F-1 status is to travel outside of the U.S. and then re-enter the U.S. To do so, you must:

1. Request a new I-20 with a new SEVIS number (please follow the instructions for current UAlbany students seeking to reinstate F-1 status) and pay a new SEVIS I-901 fee. 
2. Depart the U.S. and re-enter using a valid F-1 visa. Note: Check with the embassy or consulate that issued the visa to determine if your current visa will still be valid for re-entry, or if you must apply for a new F-1 visa before re-entering. (Navigate to the Apply for a Visa tab above for detailed instructions.)

If you are considering travel and re-entry, keep the following in mind:

• You must obtain a new I-20. Please follow the instructions for current UAlbany students seeking to reinstate F-1 status.
• This process may be quicker than reinstatement, depending on whether you need to apply for a new F-1 visa and your consulate or embassy’s processing times. If you need to apply for a new F-1 visa, we recommend you do so in your home country. (Navigate to the Apply for a Visa tab above for detailed instructions.)
• You will only regain status upon successful re-entry as a F-1 visa holder at the port of entry. Entry into the U.S. is always up to the discretion of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer, and past violations can be considered when the CBP officer is determining whether to grant a F-1 student admission into the U.S.
• If you have less than one academic year remaining after re-entry, your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) eligibility may be jeopardized. Please navigate to the OPT, CPT & Academic Training tab above for detailed information on eligibility.
• If you cannot sufficiently demonstrate non-immigrant intent at your visa appointment, or you have past violations in your record, you should consult an attorney before choosing this option. 

To be eligible for OPT, a student must:

• Have an active F-1 status and be maintaining status at the time of application
• Have been enrolled as a full-time student for at least one academic year (one fall semester and one spring semester)
• Intend to only engage in practical training directly related to their major or field of study of the degree program for which they are applying for the OPT authorization

Students are allowed a maximum of 12 months (one year) of full-time OPT per degree level, which may be completed all at once or at several different intervals (for example, three months every summer).  

Students completing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible to extend their OPT beyond one year. Learn more about the STEM OPT Extension.

Full-time OPT is defined as more than 20 hours per week. Part-time OPT is defined as 20 hours or less per week and accrues half the time used as full-time OPT (for example, four months of part-time OPT is equal to two months of full-time OPT).  

Students are eligible to do one year of OPT for every higher degree level of study they complete in the U.S. (for example, a student may be eligible for one year of OPT for a bachelor’s degree, one year for a master’s degree and one year for a doctorate degree).

Students who are granted OPT work authorization by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be issued an Employment Authorization Document, or an EAD card.  

An EAD card will display the student's photo, the type of employment authorization and the specific dates that the student is eligible for employment.

For information on grace periods after an approved OPT period or STEM OPT Extension, please navigate to the Maintain Your Status tab above and review the Depart or Transfer Out of UAlbany section. 

While you are on OPT, all practical training must directly relate to your major or field of study, and you are responsible for proving this relationship.  

You must be able to articulate how the practical training is related to your major or field of study in a clear, concise and logical way. The explanation you provide is reported to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in SEVIS.

You may ask your academic department and/or Career and Professional Development for help explaining the relationship between your training and your studies.  

You can also review a list common occupations by academic major posted by O*NET Online, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Below are some examples of appropriate descriptions of the direct relationship between a student’s field of study and their practical training:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering: I work full time as an Electrical Engineer at ABC Corp., a government contractor. In my job, I analyze client requirements for electrical systems and provide them with cost estimates of such systems. My work requires understanding of electrical circuit theory, which I studied in-depth at the University of ABC.
• Bachelor's degree in Business: I work full time as a Loan Officer at a mortgage company, Happy Homes, where I meet with clients and evaluate, authorize and recommend approval of loan applications. On a daily basis, I use the knowledge I gained in my credit analysis, sales and marketing classes that I took as part of my major program of study.
• PhD in Computer Science: I am employed as a Computer and Information Research Scientist at ABC Research Institute. I work as part of a team of scientists and engineers that designs experiments to test the operation of various software systems. My work builds on research in complex algorithms and machine learning, which I studied as part of my dissertation. 

If you’re not working, or you’re working for an employer that does not offer adequate health insurance, you may purchase international insurance in three-month intervals.

If you are currently enrolled in health insurance as a graduate, teaching or research assistant but want to switch to international insurance after the completion of your program, you must do so before the program completion date.

If you need insurance coverage at any point while on OPT, please contact [email protected] to find out if you are eligible for insurance through the University.

Health insurance through ISSS is only available to students in F-1 status. If you change status, this can impact your coverage. Please plan accordingly and email [email protected] for more information. 

You are considered to be in active F-1 status if you have filed your OPT application in a timely manner and your application is still pending with USCIS. You may remain in the United States while the OPT application is pending.  

If your OPT is approved by USCIS, your 60-day grace period will take place at the end of your Post-completion OPT period. For information on grace periods after an approved OPT period, please navigate to the Maintain Your Status tab above and review the Depart or Transfer Out of UAlbany section.

If your application is denied, revoked or withdrawn:  

• And you are less than 60 days past your I-20 program end date, please contact ISSS at [email protected] immediately so we can help you determine whether you can refile for OPT.
• And you are more than 60 days past your I-20 program end date, in most cases, you must leave the United States immediately. Please contact ISSS at [email protected] first, so we can discuss your situation. See additional guidance below.

OPT application denials could have potentially serious consequences.  

If you receive a denial, request for evidence (RFE) or notice to appear (NTA), please contact ISSS at [email protected] immediately so you can be referred to an immigration attorney if appropriate. Individual circumstances may determine how you should proceed.  

Generally, if your OPT is denied and you are past your 60-day grace period, you should make plans to depart the U.S. immediately. Unlawful presence may begin accumulating, which can result in being barred from entry to the U.S.
 

Working while a STEM OPT Extension application is pending

You may continue working for up to 180 days after your Post-completion OPT EAD card expires and while your STEM OPT Extension application is pending, as long as you are following all STEM OPT Extension regulatory requirements.  

If your STEM OPT application is denied, revoked or withdrawn, you must stop work immediately if your Post-completion OPT EAD card has already expired and you have no other valid US work authorization. 

Note: While on OPT, you must also continue to meet all F-1 reporting requirements (such as reporting changes to your contact information, name, immigration status, etc.) For detailed information, please navigate to the Maintain Your Status tab above and review the Meet Reporting Requirements section.
 

What employment updates needs to be reported

You must report any changes to your employment information to ISSS within 10 days. Employment changes include but are not limited to:

• Starting a new job, changing employers and/or ending employment
• Your employer’s name and/or address changing
• Your hours per week, payment/compensation, job title, supervisor and/or duties/responsibilities changing
• A change in how the employment relates to your major or field of study

If you are on STEM OPT Extension, you are responsible for additional reporting requirements, including:

• Completing and maintaining an I-983 training plan. You must submit an amended Form I-983 to ISSS any time you notify our office of changes related to OPT employment reporting requirements and/or F-1 reporting requirements. 
• Completing check-in reports with ISSS every six months. The report is due every six months from the date your EAD card is issued and must be completed, even if no details have changed or even if you have reported changes to ISSS within 10 days. You’ll be asked to verify your legal name and residential address, the status of your current employment, and employer’s name and work site address.
• Completing an annual I-983 self-evaluation. You and your employer must complete and sign an annual self-evaluation (page five on the I-983) at the following times:
  • The first annual evaluation must be submitted to ISSS no later than 10 days after the one-year midpoint in your two-year STEM OPT Extension period.  
  • The second annual evaluation must be submitted to ISSS no later than 10 days after your STEM OPT Extension period ends (whether it ends because your immigration status has changed or because the two-year period has ended).
  • You must also complete an evaluation any time you end a training position with an individual employer. The evaluation must be submitted to ISSS no later than 10 days after your employment ends.

You, your employer and ISSS must all maintain copies of your I-983, including any revisions.
 

How to report employment updates

To report an employment update to ISSS, follow these instructions:

1. Please be sure you have all materials ready, including an updated I-983 if you are reporting an employment update related to a STEM OPT Extension authorization.
2. Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
3. Select the correct form from the EForm menu:
   • If you are reporting an employment update related to a Post-completion OPT authorization, select "Post Completion OPT Employment Reporting Form."  
   • If you are reporting an employment update related to a STEM OPT Extension authorization, select "STEM OPT Employment Reporting Form.”
4. Complete the form and upload supporting documents. 

Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.

ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing.

Alternative reporting option (not recommended)

Some students have the alternative option to report employment updates via SEVP Portal; however, ISSS strongly recommends using the AccessISSS portal for the following reasons:

• If you enter any information incorrectly in the SEVP Portal, it will be entered into SEVIS. (For example, if you accidentally delete a prior employer, you may appear unemployed and could risk having your SEVIS record terminated.) ISSS advisors are experienced in entering information into SEVIS.
• Students on STEM OPT Extension must provide a revised I-983 when they report employment updates, which they can only do through the AccessISSS portal. If you are on STEM OPT Extension, please do not use the SEVP Portal to report employment updates.

Access SEVP Portal help.

If a student has a timely filed H-1B petition requesting an employment start date of October 1 for the following fiscal year, the student may be eligible for a “cap-gap extension” of the duration of F-1 status and/or work authorization.

The extension of duration of status and work authorization will terminate upon the rejection, denial or revocation of the H-1B petition filed on the student’s behalf. The only proof that students will receive of their cap-gap extension is a new I-20 from ISSS.

If you believe you are eligible for a cap-gap extension, please request an updated I-20 and include any proof of filing and/or receipt notice(s) from USCIS. Note: ISSS cannot advise on H-1B applications or H-1B status. 

Students completing/graduating in Fall 2025

• Post-completion OPT Filing:  
  • Opens September 18, 2025
  • Closes February 13, 2026
• I-20 Program End Date:
  • The I-20 program end date for undergraduate and master's students graduating in Fall 2025 is December 16, 2025.
  • Doctoral students should refer to the program end date and OPT requested start date instructions in the OPT Workshop. A doctoral student graduating in Fall 2025 may have an I-20 program end date no later than December 16, 2025.
  • Note: On-campus employment authorization ends on the I-20 program end date.
• Post-completion CPT Start Date:
  • Undergraduate and master's students may request Post-completion OPT to start any date between December 17, 2025, and February 13, 2026.
  • Doctoral students should refer to the program end date and OPT requested start date instructions in the OPT Workshop. A doctoral student graduating in Fall 2025 may have a start date no later than February 13, 2026.
     

Students completing/graduating in Spring 2026

• Post-completion OPT Filing:
  • Opens February 13, 2026
  • Closes July 11, 2026
• I-20 Program End Date:
  • The I-20 program end date for undergraduate and master's students graduating in Fall 2025 is May 13, 2026.
  • Doctoral students should refer to the program end date and OPT requested start date instructions in the OPT Workshop. A doctoral student graduating in Spring 2026 may have an I-20 program end date no later than May 13, 2026.
  • Note: On-campus employment authorization ends on the I-20 program end date.
• Post-completion OPT Start Date:
  • Undergraduate and master's students may request Post-completion OPT to start any date between May 14, 2026, and July 11, 2026.
  • Doctoral students should refer to the program end date and OPT requested start date instructions in the OPT Workshop. A doctoral student graduating in Spring 2025 may have a start date no later than July 11, 2026. 

Your program end date is the date your academic degree program is considered completed for immigration purposes. It is not necessarily the end date on your current I-20.  

• The program end date for undergraduate and master's students is the last day of final exams during the semester you are graduating, according to the Academic Calendar.
• Doctoral students should consult with their academic advisor and ISSS to determine their I-20 program end date. A doctoral student's program end date may be one of the following:
  • The date you defend successfully, if all other coursework is completed
  • The date you submit your thesis or dissertation, if all other coursework is completed
  • The last day of final exams of the semester you are graduating, according to the Academic Calendar (Note: You must be registered for classes during that semester to be eligible for this option.)

Please consult with your academic advisor and ISSS to determine the expected date of completion of coursework and program requirements.  

After the program end date, you cannot work paid or unpaid positions, either on or off campus, until you receive an EAD card, reach the start date approved by USCIS, and are offered a position directly related to your major or field of study.

F-1 regulations do not allow students to postpone completion of their program for any reason, except unfinished academic requirements for the degree.  

If you do not complete the program as expected due to unforeseen circumstances and you have already applied for Post-completion OPT, please contact ISSS at [email protected] immediately as this may jeopardize your F-1 status and OPT eligibility.
 

What if I don't graduate as planned?

Note: The following information only pertains to undergraduate and master's students. Doctoral students should contact ISSS for case-by-case assistance.

It is critical that you and your academic advisor are both confident that you are graduating by the I-20 program end date listed on your post-completion OPT application.  

If you are unsure whether you will meet the degree requirements, you should wait to apply. The filing period for post-completion OPT remains open up to 60 days after the student’s program end date.  

If you apply for Post-completion OPT but do not graduate as planned, both your F-1 status and OPT authorization are jeopardized, and ISSS can make no guarantees on the outcome for your status and/or OPT eligibility.

If your OPT application is pending and you will not graduate as planned, please contact ISSS at [email protected] before your I-20 program end date to inform us that you will not be graduating and request an I-20 extension. You may also write to USCIS to formally withdraw the OPT application.  

Failure to request an extension from ISSS before the program end date on the I-20 could result in loss of your F-1 status, requiring you to apply for reinstatement, in addition to withdrawing your OPT application.

Reinstatement applications take six to eight months, or longer, which means it may not be approved before you complete your degree, therefore making you ineligible to apply for OPT.

If your OPT has already been approved before the I-20 program end date but you do not graduate, you must notify ISSS immediately.  

Students already approved for post-completion OPT who do not complete required coursework and graduate as planned must complete their degree at the next available opportunity and maintain status under the regulations for Post-completion OPT.  

These students are eligible to work no more than 20 hours per week until all required coursework is completed. If a student is not engaged in a practical training experience for exactly 20 hours per week, they are not fully employed and are accumulating unemployment time. 

Students may request a Post-completion OPT start date that falls within 60 days of their program end date. When selecting a start date, please keep in mind that:

• You cannot begin work until your Post-completion OPT is approved by USCIS and you have the EAD card in hand.
• USCIS may take up to 90 days or longer from the date they receive your application to process and approve it. Processing times vary.
• Your authorized employment and 90 days of allowed unemployment will begin on the start date on the EAD card (not the program end date).

USCIS officers processing your application ultimately decide your start date and end date.  

If you request a specific start date and USCIS is unable to process and approve your application by that date, USCIS may:

• Update your start date to the date your application is approved, with or without updating the end date
• Leave your start date as requested, which means unemployment began accruing from the approved start date, even if it is in the past

USCIS cannot authorize Post-completion OPT end dates that are more than 14 months after the program end date, regardless of when the OPT is approved. 

The application process for Post-completion OPT is a three-step process:

1. Request a new I-20 from ISSS recommending OPT.
2. Apply to USCIS for OPT authorization and an EAD card.
3. Monitor your case status while awaiting authorization and an EAD card.

USCIS may take 90 days or longer for processing, so allow at least four months for the entire application process.

Please review the information below for detailed instructions. Always save a copy of your application materials for your records.

Before applying, you must watch ISSS' Post-completion OPT Workshop and review the information available on this webpage. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure you understand all OPT policies and requirements.
 

Part 1: Request a new I-20 from ISSS recommending Post-completion OPT

Please follow these instructions:

1. Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
2. Select “Post Completion OPT Request Form” from the EForm menu.
3. Complete the form and upload supporting documents, including:
   • Your current I-94
   • Most students can download their current I-94 online. If you have a paper I-94 (for example, due to a USCIS change of status approval), please upload a scanned copy.
   • Photocopy of identity pages in passport, including expiration date
   • Photocopy of F-1 visa stamp
   • Photocopy of previous EAD cards, if applicable
   • A personal email address that will remain active for at least the next three years

Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.

ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing.
 

Part 2: Apply to USCIS for Post-completion OPT authorization and an EAD card

You can file your request for Post-completion OPT with USCIS online or by mail. Note: ISSS recommends completing the online application. If you choose to file by mail, you must contact ISSS for further instructions.

No matter how you file, USCIS must receive your request by whichever of these two dates comes first:

• Within 30 days of the date ISSS issued an I-20 recommending Post-completion OPT
• Within 60 days of your I-20 program end date

USCIS processing times vary and may take 90 days or longer. You cannot begin practical training without the approved EAD card from USCIS.

To file online, please create a USCIS Online account and then complete Form I-765. You must:

1. Complete all form fields.
   • For guidance, watch ISSS’s I-765 for Post-completion OPT webinar and review USCIS’ Tips for Filing Forms Online.
   • If you are listing ISSS as your mailing address, please use: 1400 Washington Avenue, Science Library G-40, Albany, NY 12222. 
2. Upload all required documents. Have clear and easily readable files ready, including:
   • A passport photograph, meeting all passport photo specifications
   • Your current I-94
     • Most students can download their current I-94 online. If you have a paper I-94, please upload a scanned copy of both sides.
   • A photocopy of a prior EAD card, if applicable
   • A photocopy of identity pages in passport, including expiration date (required if you have no prior EAD card)
   • A photocopy of F-1 visa stamp (optional if you upload copies of a passport and/or EAD card)
   • A photocopy of the new I-20 issued for OPT, pages 1 and 2
     • You must sign your I-20 in ink.
   • Photocopies of any previous I-20s authorizing CPT or OPT (including authorizations connected to prior institutions, degree levels or SEVIS IDs) 
3. Pay the I-765 filing fee. Once you submit the I-795 Form, you will be directed to the pay.gov website to pay this fee.

The I-765 filing fee is the only required fee and covers regular application processing.  

You may choose to also request premium processing by completing Form I-907. However, premium processing is optional, and the premium processing fee is in addition to the regular filing fee — meaning you must pay both fees.
 

Part 3: Monitor case status while awaiting authorization and an EAD card

• Monitor your case status with USCIS.
  • Save all mail you receive from USCIS for your records.
    • If you filed online, you can view electronic communications from USCIS on your online account. Paper versions of these notifications will still be mailed to you. You can also respond to requests for evidence and information through the online account, but please contact ISSS first for guidance.
    • If you filed by mail, you will receive a receipt notice in the mail approximately two to four weeks after your case is received at the USCIS Lockbox facility. The receipt notice will have an electronic case ID code, which is valid for 90 days. You can use this code to add the case to a USCIS Online account and track your case online.
  • Your EAD card will be delivered by U.S. Postal Service mail to the mailing address listed on your Form I-765. Government mail cannot be forwarded, so you must notify USCIS immediately if your mailing address changes.
    • Once you receive your EAD Card, please send a photocopy of the front and back to ISSS for your student records.
• Notify ISSS of any case change.
  • Please contact ISSS at [email protected] if you receive:
    • A request for evidence or initial evidence
    • A case denial
    • A request for biometrics
    • Any other non-routine communication from USCIS
• Report changes to personal Information and/or employment.
  • While the OPT is pending and once it's approved, you must continue to update your changes to your personal information within 10 days of the change. Please navigate to the Maintain Your Status tab above and review the Meet Reporting Requirements section for detailed instructions.
  • Your UAlbany email address will deactivate about one year after graduation. When you completed Step 1 above, you provided ISSS with a personal email address. Be sure to keep that address active for at least the next three years.
  • Once your OPT is approved, do not forget to report employment and, during your OPT period, report any changes to that employment information within 10 days. 

To maintain status on Post-completion OPT, you must be fully employed — meaning you are spending at least 20 hours per week in one or more practical training positions directly related to your major or field of study.

You may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during the Post-completion OPT period. This includes weekends if the student is not currently employed.

Note: Exceeding unemployment limits is considered a violation of F-1 status, meaning your F-1 status may be terminated and/or your future benefits may be denied, if those benefits depend upon maintaining F-1 status.

Unemployment stops accumulating from the date you start a training position, not the date the offer is made. And you must report the training to ISSS to stop unemployment from continuing to accrue.  

Paid, unpaid and other volunteer activities may count as training under OPT, if the training meets all requirements. These activities should be reported to ISSS as practical training to stop the unemployment clock.

Report a change in employment.

You can view an Unemployment Counter in your SEVP Portal account. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) uses the portal’s Unemployment Counter to track the number of unemployment days for which you are eligible and the number you have accrued.  

SEVP may send you emails and/or have your SEVIS record automatically terminated, ending your F-1 status and OPT, based on this Unemployment Counter. Please contact ISSS if you are at risk of exceeding 90 days of unemployment or if you have questions.

Students at risk of exceeding unemployment days should do one of the following before exceeding 90 days of unemployment to avoid violating status:

Start a qualifying practical training position and report the employment

Depart the U.S. before exceeding the unemployment limit

Transfer or change level to begin a new full-time course of study in accordance with all transfer eligibility requirements

Change status before the unemployment limit is reached 

To be eligible for a STEM OPT Extension, you must:

• Be maintaining active F-1 status
• Be currently authorized for Post-completion OPT
• Be engaged in practical training directly related to the STEM field
• Have successfully completed a degree in a field on the STEM-designated degree program list
  • The qualifying STEM degree’s CIP code (as defined by the institution which awarded the degree) must match the eligible program CIP codes on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s list.  
  • You can find your degree CIP code (a six-digit code formatted 00.0000) on page one of your I-20.  
• Meet the following degree requirements:
  • Your most recent degree must be from a currently accredited Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified school.
  • You must have received your STEM qualifying degree from a school in the U.S., at a bachelor’s level or higher, and within 10 years of when you are applying for the STEM extension with USCIS. You cannot have previously used this degree for a STEM OPT extension.
• Have a job or a job offer for employment when you apply for a STEM OPT Extension, with the position meeting the following requirements:
  • You will be fully employed (20 or more hours per week) in a paid position (commensurate to other similarly situated American employers) that directly relates to the STEM degree under which you are applying for the position
  • The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and must be willing to complete, submit and maintain the Form I-983 Training Plan with you.
     

What Is E-Verify?

E-Verify allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees. 

Not all employers are enrolled in E-Verify. Contact your employer’s Human Resources office to determine if they are in E-Verify.  

The E-Verify Employer Search may also be helpful. 

To be eligible to employ a student authorized to complete a STEM OPT Extension, an employer must:

• Be registered in E-Verify and provide you with proof of their registration (Note: For information on E-Verify, please review the Eligibility for STEM OPT Extension accordion above.)
• Develop a Training Plan (Form I-983) for the student and submit the plan to ISSS (Note: If material changes are made to this plan after it is submitted to ISSS, you must notify ISSS with 10 days.)
• Agree to report your termination or departure to ISSS within five business days

You are allowed to change employers while on a STEM OPT Extension as long as the new employer meets all eligibility requirements and you complete the Form I-983 final evaluation for the employer you are leaving.

For additional information about these requirements, please visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s STEM OPT Hub.

The application process for STEM OPT Extension is a three-step process:

1. Request a new I-20 from ISSS recommending STEM OPT Extension.
2. Apply to USCIS for STEM OPT Extension authorization and a new EAD card.
3. Monitor your case status while awaiting authorization and an EAD card.

USCIS may take up to five months for processing, so allow at least six months for the entire application process.

Please review the information below for detailed instructions. Always save a copy of your application materials for your records.

Before applying, you must watch ISSS’ STEM OPT Extension Workshop and review the information available on this webpage. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure you understand all OPT policies and requirements.
 

Part 1: Request a new I-20 from ISSS recommending STEM OPT Extension

All students and alumni requesting a new I-20 from ISSS recommending STEM OPT Extension are required to pay a processing fee.  

The fee is charged at a tiered rate, based on the date you submit your request to ISSS and the date your Post-completion EAD card expires.  

Note: ISSS requires five to seven business days to process requests. If you submit your request with less than seven days remaining on your Post-completion OPT EAD, you risk not receiving your I-20 in time to file with USCIS.

The processing fee does not mean a request can or will be expedited, and the fee cannot be refunded after ISSS issues the I-20.

To pay the fee, please follow these instructions:

1. Open the STEM OPT Extension Processing Fee page on E-Pay.
2. Click the shopping cart icon.
3. In the first dropdown, select the correct fee for your situation:
   • Pay the $200 processing fee if you intend to request a new I-20 from ISSS 90 days to 31 days before your current EAD card expires.
   • Pay the $300 processing fee if you intend to request a new I-20 from ISSS 30 days to one day before your current EAD card expires.
   • Pay the $100 correction fee if you paid the $200 fee but submitted your request 30 days to one day before your current EAD card expires. Paying the wrong fee amount may delay processing.
4. Click “Continue.”
5. Select “Checkout,” and complete the payment process
6. Save your receipt by taking a screenshot of the confirmation screen or saving the receipt email as a PDF.

Next, please follow these instructions to request a new I-20 from ISSS recommending STEM OPT Extension:

1. Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
2. Select “STEM OPT Extension Request EForm” from the EForm menu.
3. Complete the form and upload supporting documents, including:
   • A screenshot of your receipt email for the STEM OPT Filing Fee
   • A completed I-983 Form
     • Be sure to review the instructions for completing an I-983. You may also wish to review ISSS’ sample I-983.
   • A copy of your Post-completion OPT EAD card
   • Your current I-94
     • Most students can download their current I-94 online. If you have a paper I-94 (for example, due to a USCIS change of status approval), please upload a scanned copy.
   • Your employer's E-Verify Number
   • A completed Form I-765 (only required if you plan to file your application with USCIS by mail)
     • ISSS does not review the I-765 form for accuracy; the student is responsible for completing the form correctly, so please follow your form according to all USCIS instructions.
     • ISSS recommends filing your application online. If you file online, you do not need to provide ISSS with a completed I-765 to obtain a new I-20. However, you are welcome to download a copy of your completed I-765 after you file your application with USCIS online and share it with ISSS for your student file.

Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.

ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing.
 

Part 2: Apply to USCIS for STEM OPT Extension authorization and an EAD card

You can file your request for Post-completion OPT with USCIS online or by mail. Note: ISSS recommends completing the online application. If you choose to file by mail, you must contact ISSS for further instructions.

No matter how you file, USCIS must receive your request by whichever of these two dates comes first:

• Within 60 days of the date ISSS issued an I-20 recommending STEM OPT Extension
• Before your current Post-completion OPT EAD expiration date

USCIS processing times vary and may take 90 days or longer.

To file online, please start by accessing USCIS’s online portal:

• If you already have an account, sign into USCIS Online and ensure the mailing address associated with your account is accurate.
• If you don’t have an account yet, create a USCIS Online account.

Next, you must complete Form I-765:

1. Complete all form fields. For guidance, watch ISSS’s I-765 for STEM OPT Extension webinar and review USCIS’ Tips for Filing Forms Online. 
2. Upload all required documents. Have clear and easily readable files ready, including:
   • A passport photograph, meeting all passport photo specifications
   • Your current I-94
     • Most students can download their current I-94 online. If you have a paper I-94, please upload a scanned copy of both sides.
     • Photocopy of all previous EAD cards, including your current one
   • A photocopy of identity pages in passport, including expiration date (optional if you upload all previous EADs, but still highly recommended)
   • A photocopy of F-1 visa stamp (optional if you upload copies of a passport and EAD card)
   • A photocopy of the new I-20 issued for OPT, pages 1 and 2
     • You must sign your I-20 in ink.
   • Photocopies of any previous I-20s authorizing CPT or OPT (including authorizations connected to prior institutions, degree levels or SEVIS IDs)
   • A copy of your transcript that proves you earned a STEM-designated degree and includes the date the degree was conferred
     • Order a UAlbany transcript online. UAlbany diplomas typically only state the degree level, not the specific degree field, so you should send the UAlbany transcript rather than the diploma.  
     • If you are applying for the STEM OPT based on a prior degree, you must also include:
       • The transcript or diploma for your most recent degree for which you are currently on OPT
       • Evidence of institutional accreditation and SEVP certification (contact ISSS for additional information)
   • Official job offer letter on company letterhead with an employer’s signature (optional but recommended)
3. Pay the I-765 filing fee. Once you submit the I-795 Form, you will be directed to the pay.gov website to pay this fee.

The I-765 filing fee is the only required fee and covers regular application processing.  

You may choose to also request premium processing by completing Form I-907. However, premium processing is optional, and the premium processing fee is in addition to the regular filing fee — meaning you must pay both fees.
 

Part 3: Monitor case status while awaiting authorization and an EAD card

Monitor your case status with USCIS and save all mail you receive from USCIS for your records.

• If you filed online, you can view electronic communications from USCIS on your online account. Paper versions of these notifications will still be mailed to you. You can also respond to requests for evidence and information through the online account, but please contact ISSS first for guidance.
• If you filed by mail, you will receive a receipt notice in the mail approximately two to four weeks after your case is received at the USCIS Lockbox facility. The receipt notice will have an electronic case ID code, which is valid for 90 days. You can use this code to add the case to a USCIS Online account and track your case online.

Your EAD card will be delivered by U.S. Postal Service mail to the mailing address listed on your Form I-765. Government mail cannot be forwarded, so you must notify USCIS immediately if your mailing address changes.

Once you receive your EAD Card, please send a photocopy of the front and back to ISSS for your student records.

You may continue working up to 180 days (six months) after your 12-month Post-completion OPT expires while the STEM OPT Extension is pending, as long as you follow all STEM OPT Extension regulations. You must provide a copy of your receipt notice and I-20 to your employer.  

Students on STEM OPT Extension are allowed an additional 60 unemployment days — making for a total of 150 unemployment days between the Post-completion OPT and STEM OPT Extension periods.

If you lose employment, you must complete the final evaluation section on Form I-983 (Section 6) and report the loss of employment to ISSS within six business days.

Report a change in employment.

Use the Unemployment Counter on your SEVP Portal account to track the number of unemployment days for which you are eligible and the number you have accrued.

SEVP may send you emails and/or have your SEVIS record automatically terminated, ending your F-1 status and OPT, based on this Unemployment Counter. Please contact ISSS with any questions. 

CPT can only be done before you complete your academic program, and it cannot be authorized to extend your academic program after all degree requirements are met.

CPT can only be used for academic practical training experience, not employment experience. If you are interested in non-curricular experiences before you complete your academic program, please consider Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) instead.

To be academically eligible for CPT:

• You must complete at least one academic year of full-time study (one fall semester and one spring semester)
  • If you are a graduate student and your academic department requires all students to immediately participate in an internship or fieldwork placement, please contact ISSS to see if you qualify for an exception. Note: Very few UAlbany programs include this requirement. 
• The experience must be “an integral part of an established curriculum” and “directly relate to the student’s major area of study,” as determined and supported by the student’s academic department. 
• Your academic advisor, department chair and any other required officials must recommend you participate in the experience. 
• You must meet the academic component or requirement during the same semester or term you are requesting the CPT experience take place. The academic component or requirement may be one of the following:
  • Enrollment in an academic experiential learning course, internship course or independent study course for the term the CPT will take place (most common)
  • Not-for-credit field work or practicum hours required for the completion of your degree (common for MPA and MIA students)
  • Enrollment in graduate research credit, such as 899, or other approved pre-candidacy credits (for students whose CPT experience is directly related to dissertation/thesis research)

CPT will be authorized for one semester/term at a time and for no more than the length of that semester/term, as measured by the Academic Calendar.  

A new application must be submitted for authorization each semester/term, with some exceptions as outlined below.
 

Academic registration for summer CPT

Summer term, which is called Summer Sessions at UAlbany, is considered an academic term for CPT application purposes.  

To participate in a summer internship, most F-1 students must enroll in academic experiential learning or internship credit during Summer Sessions.

Exceptions to the summer enrollment requirement for CPT authorization include:

• Students in an academic program that requires a not-for-credit internship, field-work placement or practicum for graduation in the program's published curriculum
• Students registered for eligible dissertation or thesis credits, such as 899, during the prior spring and/or following fall semester may devote those credits to summer CPT if the internship/practical training requested is directly related to that student's dissertation research.
• If a student's academic program cannot offer appropriate academic credit for summer CPT, the student should consult ISSS and their academic department for case-by-case assistance.
   

CPT between terms or during Wintersession

F-1 students with approved CPT for the fall, spring or summer term may qualify for an extension of CPT between terms, defined here as the time frame between when one term ends and the other starts, as measured by the Academic Calendar. This includes the winter term, which is called Wintersession at UAlbany.  

During these between-term periods, most students do not need to enroll in additional academic credit, but they must demonstrate Advance Registration for the upcoming fall or spring semester as evidence of their continuing student status. 

CPT authorization is temporary and limited. Students are only authorized to work for the specific practical training employer/supervisor, on specific dates and for a specific number of hours per week (part-time or full-time). These details are listed on page 2 of the student's I-20 upon authorization.  
 

Training dates

The practical training dates must fall within the semester dates, as measured by the Academic Calendar, for the term for which CPT is requested.  

Below are the time frames for CPT authorization time frames for upcoming semesters and terms:

• Spring 2026: January 21 to May 13, 2026

If the dates for your training fall outside the stated time frame, please contact ISSS for case-by-case assistance.
 

Part-time versus full-time CPT

Most students may only request part-time CPT (20 hours or less per week) during the fall and spring semesters. Generally, the use of part-time CPT won't affect your OPT eligibility.

You may be eligible to request full-time CPT (more than 20 hours per week) in the following circumstances:

• During Summer Sessions and Wintersession
• During your final semester of coursework, if you are enrolled in nine or less credits and, if enrolled less than full-time, have a reduced course load authorization
  • Note: Please navigate to the Register for Classes tab above and review the Reduced Course Load (RCL) Authorizations section for detailed information.
• If you are a graduate student who has completed all coursework and the training experience is directly related to your thesis/dissertation research

As you plan out your CPT usage, please keep in mind that participating in full-time CPT for more than 12 months eliminates your eligibility for OPT.
 

Other employment considerations

• While CPT is typically for off-campus practical training experiences, there are limited circumstances where a student may be offered a practical training experience on campus. If the student and/or experience does not qualify for F-1 on-campus employment authorization, the student may be eligible to apply for CPT — but only if all other eligibility requirements are met and the position is directly related to a research, academic or professional experience within the student’s field of study. 
• It may be possible for a student to hold an on-campus employment position (no more than 20 hours per week during the fall or spring semester) at the same time they are pursuing CPT authorization for practical training off campus.  
  • Undergraduate students: Please consult ISSS if you are considering holding two positions at once.
  • Graduate students: You must obtain an additional service waiver from the Graduate School, as outlined in the application instructions below. 
• If a student is seeking employment with two or more New York State agencies, there are dual employment considerations. Contact your respective Human Resources departments for further details. 

Step 1: Review required information

Review all the information above and watch ISSS’s CPT Workshop. 
 

Step 2: Obtain a letter from a prospective practical training supervisor

The letter must contain the following information:

• Specific start and end dates for the practical training opportunity (Note: CPT is only authorized for one semester or term at a time, and the dates of the practical training must fall within that semester or term.)
• Number of hours per week (Note: More than 20 hours per week is considered full-time.)
• Specific duties and responsibilities (Note: These must directly relate to your major or field of study.)
• The practical training employer/supervisor's signature  

If the start date on the offer letter has passed by the time you apply, your request will be denied. You must obtain CPT authorization before starting the position, as authorization can never be backdated.

You will be required to upload the practical training letter as part of your online submission to ISSS (Step 5). Here is a sample employer letter you can share with your supervisor if they need assistance. 
 

Step 3: Share the practical training employment offer with your academic advisor and department chair

Your academic advisor and department chair must agree that the position directly relates to your major or field of study and can be included as part of your curriculum before you proceed with the CPT request.

If your academic advisor and department chair approve, they will need to indicate the recommended academic reason for the CPT on the academic advisor's CPT authorization form.  

Either an electronic signature or an ink signature on the academic advisor form will be accepted. You will be required to upload the completed forms as part of your online submission to ISSS (Step 5).

If you are a graduate student with on-campus employment, you must also obtain an additional service waiver from the Graduate School. You will be required to upload an approved waiver as part of your online form submission to ISSS (Step 5). 
 

Step 4: Enroll in the experiential learning or internship-dedicated course recommended by your academic department

ISSS will not authorize CPT unless you are registered for the required course.

Note: If you meet one of the exceptions to enrollment outlined in the Academic Requirements for CPT accordion above, you do not need to register for the required course. However, if the CPT will occur between terms, ISSS may require proof of Advance Registration for the upcoming fall or spring semester as evidence of your continuing student status.

Step 5: Submit the application form online

To submit a CPT authorization request, please follow these instructions:

1. Log into AccessISSS via the AccessISSS portal or the Sunapsis app (available on the App Store and Google Play).
2. Select “"CPT Work Authorization Application Form” from the EForm menu.
3. Complete the form and upload supporting documents.  

Note: Visit the AccessISSS Instructions page for detailed guidance on using AccessISSS, including how to upload files.

ISSS will send updates on your request to your UAlbany email address. Please allow up to five to seven business days for processing.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also need to submit additional forms:

• If the position is paid and you don't yet have a Social Security Number (SSN), you must also obtain an SSN. 
• If you are requesting CPT for a fall semester, a spring semester or your final semester and you are enrolled less than full-time, you must have a reduced course load authorization before CPT may be authorized.  
  • Note: Please navigate to the Register for Classes tab above for detailed information on full-time enrollment requirements and to apply for a reduced course load authorization. 
     

Step 6: Wait for authorization before beginning your training

You may not begin your training until receiving CPT authorization from ISSS — including a new I-20 as evidence of this authorization.  

If your training is paid, please share the new I-20 with your employer/supervisor for I-9 processing.