Automatic Termination of OPT for F-1s Who Transfer to a Different School or Begin Study at Another Educational Level
USCIS has issued a reminder that F-1 students’ OPT (and corresponding EAD) will be automatically terminated if the F-1 student either:
- Transfers to another school, or
- Begins study at another educational level (e.g., beginning a master’s program after completing a bachelor’s degree).
In the event one’s OPT is terminated due to either of the above, the F-1 student’s status will not be otherwise affected as long as the student complies with all requirements for maintaining his/her F-1 status, including not working with a terminated EAD.
Currently, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) informs USCIS of the OPT termination date, and USCIS will begin to enter the EAD termination date into these systems after being notified by SEVP. USCIS will notify affected students and provide them with an opportunity to correct any errors in the record via their designated school official (DSO).