Taking Classes on OPT

See also Beginning a New Program

Can I take classes while on OPT?
Since you are expected to be actively searching for full-time employment or actually working full-time, time spent going to school should only be an incidental part of your stay in the U.S. while on OPT.

If you decide to begin a new full-time program during your OPT, you must get a new I-20 from the school and forfeit the remainder of your OPT time, depending on when the new program begins. In some cases, you may need to apply for a transfer of your SEVIS record. See an Adviser at Berkeley International Office or at your new school if you are considering this option.


	Taking Classes on OPT	A-Z Index
Home Students Prospective Students New Students Current Students Exchange Students Practical Training Students Summer Students Returning Students Professors & Researchers Prospective J-1 H-1B TN O-1 Permanent Residents B-1/B-2 Visa Waiver Family UCB Departments Students J-1 Researchers & Faculty H-1B Staff TN Staff O-1 Staff B-1/B-2 Visitors Visa Waiver Visitors Permanent Residents Living at Berkeley Transportation Housing Money Health & Safety Legal Resources Cultural Adjustment Travel & Visas Programs & Workshops Calendar Resource Links About Berkeley International Office Staff Contact US	See also Beginning a New Program Can I take classes while on OPT? Since you are expected to be actively searching for full-time employment or actually working full-time, time spent going to school should only be an incidental part of your stay in the U.S. while on OPT. If you decide to begin a new full-time program during your OPT, you must get a new I-20 from the school and forfeit the remainder of your OPT time, depending on when the new program begins. In some cases, you may need to apply for a transfer of your SEVIS record. See an Adviser at Berkeley International Office or at your new school if you are considering this option.