Can I return to school after completing 12-month standard OPT?
Yes. You need to obtain an I-20 for the new program of study, and complete the immigration procedure for moving to a “new level of study” (if you resume studies at UST) or the procedure for school transfer (if you go to a different school). Students on 12-month standard OPT who intend to continue in F-1 status must be admitted to a new academic program and obtain an I-20 before the 60th day following the end of your OPT. Please note that if you transfer to a new school, you are allowed to remain in the U.S. for up to 5 months between the time your 12-month standard OPT ends and the new program of studies is to begin as long as you have already received your new I-20; if the time period is greater than 5 months, you will be required to leave the U.S. and can only re-enter within 30 days of the start of your new program of study.
