#  Frequently Asked Questions 

 



This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our advisors receive on topics including taxes and government ID numbers, OPT, STEM OPT, and more.

Click below to review FAQs by topic.



 

##  FAQs 

 



   ![The word "UPDATE" superimposed over a blurry background of a city street](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/Update%20image_resized.jpg?itok=WmP_t1UY) 

 



 

 [### Immigration FAQ

 ](/visas-immigration/faq)Review frequently asked questions on recent U.S. immigration enforcement actions, including the federal government’s actions targeting Harvard’s ability to enroll and host international students and scholars.



 

 

   ![A group of people having a discussion around a table in a glass conference room](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/Office%20workers2.jpg?itok=oaeYkWef) 

 



 

 [### OPT FAQ

 ](/resources/faq/opt)Find answers to common questions related to F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT), including eligibility, how to apply, reporting requirements, and more.



 

 

   ![A chemical engineer in a white lab coat works at a monitor in a lab](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/thisisengineering-8yS04veb1TQ-unsplash_resized.jpg?itok=Ud5jsZ_o) 

 



 

 [### STEM OPT FAQ

 ](/resources/faq/stem)Find answers to common questions related to F-1 STEM OPT, including eligibility, how to apply, and reporting requirements.



 

 

   ![A red question mark standing on top of a gray background with the word "taxes" written across it](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/Tax%20questions.jpg?itok=TAzsX5hS) 

 



 

 [### Tax FAQ

 ](/resources/faq/tax)Find answers to common questions related to taxes, Sprintax software, and ITINs and Social Security numbers.



 

 

   ![National flags of many countries fluttering in the wind](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/International%20Flags.jpg?itok=8XsTODtL) 

 



 

 [### 24-month Bar FAQ

 ](/resources/faq/24-month-bar)Find answers to common questions about the 24-month bar for J-1 research scholars and professors.



 

 

   ![A close-up view of a person's hands working on a laptop](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/Application_resized.jpg?itok=Jfq7Y9I6) 

 



 

 [### SEVP Portal FAQ

 ](/resources/faq/sevp)Find answers to common questions about the SEVP portal, which F-1 students on OPT or STEM OPT use to report required information.



 

 

   ![A close-up view of a visa stamp in a passport](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/Visa%20stamp_resized.jpg?itok=_adNffCs) 

 



 

 [### Visa Application and DS-160 FAQ

 ](/resources/faq/visa-application-ds-160)Find answers to frequently asked questions about the visa application process and F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 submission of the DS-160.



 

 

   ![A loading screen showing lines arranged in a circular pattern on a dark background](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/Loading%20screen_resized.jpg?itok=_MeNknj1) 

 



 

 [### Administrative Processing FAQ

 ](/resources/faq/administrative-processing)Find answers to frequently asked questions about what happens when a visa application undergoes administrative processing.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [ FAQ For International Students and Campus Stakeholders: What You Need to Know arrow\_circle\_right ](https://www.presidentsalliance.org/faq-for-international-students-and-campus-stakeholders-what-you-need-to-know/) 

 

 

 

 

##  Additional Resources 

 



  [### J-1 Home Residency Requirement & 12/24-month Bars

 ](/resources/j-home-residency-bars)The J visa carries several bars and requirements that J visa holders and their departments should be aware of. These are referred to as the **two-year home residency requirement** and the **12- and 24-month bars**.



 

   ![National flags of many countries fluttering in the wind](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/International%20Flags.jpg?itok=8XsTODtL) 

 

 

 

  [### Harvard Business School MBA Upcoming Events

 ](/resources/hbs-events)Find information on advising hours and other HIO events for Harvard Business School MBA students.



 

   ![A sign reading "Harvard Business School" on a grassy lawn in front of a red brick building with white columns](/sites/g/files/omnuum10411/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/Harvard%20Business%20School_resized.jpg?itok=3oDFHPCm)