Chapter 06 · Topic 06.4 · Study and exchange
F-1 (student) visa and OPT for Canadians
F-1 = U.S. student. Canadians visa-exempt but I-20 mandatory. On-campus work, CPT, post-completion OPT 12 months + STEM extension 24 months (36 total). Cap-gap to H-1B. Form I-765, USD 470 fee.
Direct answer · 60-second summary
The 60-second version
The F-1 is the U.S. student status for academic studies (college, university, intensive language school). Process: (1) admission by SEVP-certified school, (2) Form I-20 issued by DSO, (3) SEVIS I-901 fee (USD 350), (4) DS-160 + consular interview at the US consulate for their province (Canadians are often visa-exempt but the I-20 is still required at the port of entry), (5) U.S. entry ≤ 30 days before program start, (6) admission length = "D/S" (Duration of Status) on the I-94. Limited work (on-campus, CPT, OPT). After graduation: OPT (Optional Practical Training) = 12 months, extendable to 36 months total for STEM (additional 24 months). I-765 OPT fee: USD 470 (2024).
Acronyms used in this guide
- USCIS — U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- SEVIS — Student and Exchange Visitor Information System
- DSO — Designated School Official
- I-20 — Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student (F-1, M-1)
- I-765 — Application for Employment Authorization (EAD)
- I-94 — Arrival/Departure record kept by CBP for nonimmigrants
- EAD — Employment Authorization Document
- OPT — Optional Practical Training (post-F-1 work authorization)
- CPT — Curricular Practical Training
- STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics
- F-1 — Academic Student
- F-2 — Spouse / children of F-1
- H-1B — Specialty Occupation worker
- POE — Port of Entry
- DS-160 — Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Canadian specifics: visa-exempt
A Canadian citizen does not need an F-1 visa stamp in the passport. But must present at the POE:
- Form I-20 issued by the school and signed by the DSO.
- Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment (receipt).
- Proof of financial capacity (liquid assets ≥ annual program cost).
- Proof of nonimmigrant intent (Canadian bank account, family ties, etc.).
CBP records the status "F-1 D/S" on the I-94 — duration of status, no fixed end date.
For other Canadians (Canadian permanent residents, not citizens), an F-1 visa stamp is required via U.S. consulate.
Maintaining F-1 status
- Enrolled full-time in the program shown on the I-20.
- Normal academic progression — no more than one online course per term (max 3 credits) counts toward full-time minimum.
- Updated address in SEVIS (10 days to notify changes).
- No unauthorized work. On-campus employment ≤ 20 hrs/wk during sessions, full-time outside session.
- Travel outside U.S.: travel signature from DSO on page 2 of I-20 (1-year validity).
- I-20 expiration: don't pass the program end date. Request extension via DSO if delayed.
F-1 work options
| Option | When | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus employment | All program duration | ≤ 20 hrs/wk in session, full-time outside session. No USCIS petition; DSO authorizes. |
| CPT (Curricular Practical Training) | During program | Internship integral to curriculum. DSO authorizes on I-20. CPT ≥ 12 months full-time = OPT eligibility lost. |
| Pre-completion OPT | Before completion | Up to 12 cumulative months (≤ 20 hrs/wk in session, full-time outside). Counts against total OPT quota. |
| Post-completion OPT | After graduation | 12 months full-time. File I-765 within 90 days before program end up to 60 days after. |
| STEM OPT extension | After initial 12-month OPT | + 24 months = 36 months total. Eligible STEM degree, E-Verify employer, Form I-983 (Training Plan), file I-765 within 90 days before initial OPT end. |
OPT: detailed mechanics
- Request OPT: DSO enters recommendation in SEVIS, issues an I-20 with OPT endorsement.
- File Form I-765 with USCIS within 60 days of DSO endorsement and no earlier than 90 days before program end.
- Fee: USD 470 (2024 edition — verify latest).
- Approval time: 2 to 5 months.
- USCIS issues Form I-766 (EAD card) with validity dates.
- Work begins on the EAD start date, not before. Working before = unauthorized work.
- Work must be directly related to the field of study. Document the link in SEVIS.
- Unemployment period: 90 cumulative days allowed during the initial 12-month OPT. 60 additional during STEM. Beyond = loss of status.
STEM OPT extension: conditions
- Degree in a STEM category on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Programs list.
- Employer enrolled in and using E-Verify.
- Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students) signed by student, employer, DSO. Describes learning objectives, supervision, evaluation.
- Form I-765 with STEM edition, USD 470 fee.
- Mandatory quarterly reporting by student and employer in SEVIS.
- Evaluations at 12 and 24 months — student and employer must attest progress.
- Total with initial OPT: 36 months of U.S. work without H-1B.
From F-1 OPT to H-1B (cap-gap)
Many F-1 OPTs want to switch to H-1B (work visa). Typical process:
- Employer files H-1B in March-April (cap lottery; work begins October 1).
- If OPT expires between filing and October 1, cap-gap auto-extends F-1 and OPT to September 30, contingent on H-1B approval.
- If H-1B denied, status reverts to expired F-1 on October 1 = leave or change status.
- STEM OPT gives 3 years for 3 H-1B lottery chances (selection rate ~20-30% each year depending on volume).
End of status and grace period
- Program end without OPT: 60-day grace period to leave, transfer school, or change status.
- End of OPT: 60-day grace period.
- End of STEM OPT: 60-day grace period.
- Withdrawal: no grace period — departure required immediately.
- Travel with OPT pending: discouraged, return uncertain. Once OPT approved, travel OK with EAD + DSO-endorsed I-20.
Formulaires officiels (toujours utiliser la dernière édition)
Responsabilité du lecteur
Toujours télécharger la dernière édition du formulaire depuis le site officiel cité ci-dessous. Une édition expirée peut être rejetée par USCIS, DOS ou IRS. CanadaFlorida ne se substitue pas à un avocat licencié.
Every figure, rate, threshold, and deadline in this guide is drawn from a verifiable primary source listed at the bottom of the page. The article is updated whenever the underlying rules change, with a fresh review date stamped at the top.
Sources and references
Public sources verified as of the last review date.
- USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students. uscis.gov/opt
- USCIS — STEM OPT extension. uscis.gov/stem-opt
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part F, Chapter 5 (Practical Training). uscis.gov/policy/practical-training
- ICE/SEVP — Study in the States. studyinthestates.dhs.gov
- INA §101(a)(15)(F). cornell.edu/§1101
- 8 CFR §214.2(f) — F-1 regulations. cornell.edu/8-cfr-214.2(f)
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purpose only. Figures, rates, thresholds, timelines and rules are drawn from public sources at the date shown and may change.
For any concrete decision, consult a licensed US immigration attorney and a cross-border tax attorney.