Optional Practical Training (OPT) Overview & Application Process

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is designed to provide you with an opportunity to gain temporary employment for practical training in your major field of study. There are three types of Optional Practical Training:

  1. Pre-Completion OPT: F-1 students may apply to participate in pre-completion OPT after they have been enrolled in school for one full academic year. Students authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT must work part-time (20 hours or less) while school is in session. They may work full time (20 hours or more) when school is not in session. You use pre-completion OPT before finishing your program of study. Any accrued time on Pre-Completion OPT counts towards your twelve-month total. For most students, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a better option. It allows for off-campus work authorization in your field of study without using any of the 12 months of OPT time. See our website for a detailed description of Curricular Practical Training.
  2. Post-Completion OPT: F-1 students may apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing their studies. Students authorized for post-completion OPT must work at least 20 hours per week or more.
  3. Extension of Post-Completion OPT for certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) students. For more information about the 24-month STEP OPT extension, click here.

Please Note: Students may participate in OPT both before and after completing their studies. However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT. Also, study for another degree or a higher educational level while engaged in optional practical training is not permitted. Full-time study is prohibited during OPT. You may study on an incidental basis which is defined as part-time, non-degree status, or a certificate program. If you do choose to pursue a new degree and a Form I-20 is issued, your OPT will be forfeited as of the start date listed on the new I-20.

Step 1: Overview

 

 

 

 

 

Attend WorkshopWorkshop dates and information are sent via the International Student & Scholar Listserv. Announcements are also published on the International Center social media pages. It is highly recommended that you attend the Work Authorization Workshop on OPT.

The OPT Workshop PowerPoint presentations can be downloaded by clicking here.

The following PowerPoint presentations will walk you through the OPT application process with USCIS.

 

Eligibility
  1. Student must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one full academic year before being eligible for OPT.
  2. Available both before and after completion of the educational objective, but different rules apply to pre- and post- completion OPT.
  3. Employment must be “directly related to the student’s major area of study.”
  4. Must not have used more than 1 year of full-time CPT during current degree level.
Offer of EmploymentNo offer of employment is required to apply for the initial OPT. However, once you have been approved for OPT, you will receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card in the mail indicating the validity period for employment. At which time, you are limited to an aggregate maximum of 90 days for unemployment.(See Step 3 in the Job Requirement and Unemployment section).

 

Timeline

Pre-completion OPT: Employment begins and ends before the completion of the academic program.

Post-completion OPT: No more than 90 days before the program end date No more than 60 days after the program end date.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Apply for OPT

 

 

 

 

 

Documents required to apply for OPT with USCIS
  1. Passport Size Photo – All photos must meet the following specifications:
    • Submit a color photo, taken in last 6 months
    • Use a clear image of your face. Do not use filters commonly used on social media.
    • Have someone else take your photo. No selfies.
    • Take off your eyeglasses for your photo.
    • Use a plain white or off-white background.
    • For more information on photo standards, visit the Department of State website.
  2. Copy of your passport photo/bio page, most recent visa, and I-94 printout.
  3. Copy of any previous and current Form I-20 endorsed for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
  4. Copy of any Form I-20 and/or EAD card that you may have from a previous educational level OPT period.
How to Apply
  1. Login to Terra Dotta and submit an OPT Recommendation request.
  2. Gather required documentation
  3. Properly file a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS marked with the proper eligibility code: (c)(3)(A) for pre-completion or (c)(3)(B) for post-completion. You must submit your application to USCIS within 30 days of the OPT recommendation date.
  4. Pay the fee in the amount of $470. For more information about paying with a credit card, visit the following website.
NOTE: You may submit a paper-based application to the appropriate USCIS mailing address or choose to file online. If you would like to submit the paper-based application, please visit the ISSS office for assistance.

 

Can I request premium processing?

USCIS offers premium processing for certain F-1 students seeking OPT who have a pending Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. To request premium processing, visit the following website for more information. It is recommended that you give careful consideration before submitting the Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service. Check current processing times, when your OPT application was received by USCIS, and the requested OPT start date before paying for premium processing.

 

How do I check the USCIS processing times?

Check the USCIS processing times website and select the following:

  • Form: I-765|Application for Employment Authorization
  • Form Category: Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]
  • Field Office or Service Center: Potomac Service Center

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: After Applying for OPT

After applying for OPT, you will be able to monitor the status of your application through your USCIS online account. You will receive a Form I-797 receipt notice in the mail to the address you indicated on the application. Verify that all information on the receipt notice is correct and email a copy to the . Be sure to keep a copy of your receipt notice.

 

 

 

 

 

Form I-797 Approval Notice and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card Once you have been approved, email a scanned copy of your EAD card (front and back) and the Form I-797 approval notice to the .

 

Remember: You are NOT authorized to begin employment until the start date indicated on your EAD card.

 

Reporting Requirements

You must submit the OPT Personal & Employer Information Form within 10 business days of any new or changes in employment, address, phone number, or email.

 

Job Requirement and Unemployment
  • A student must work at least 20 hours per week in a qualifying position to be considered employed. If a student has a variable schedule, within a month, it should average out to at least 20 hours per week.
  • During standard post-completion OPT, a student may not be unemployed for an aggregate of more than 90 days. Unemployment time is counted each day during the OPT dates indicated on the EAD.
  • If you travel outside of the United States while unemployed, the time spent outside the United States will still count as unemployment against the 90-day limit.
  • If you exceed the allowable period of unemployment while on post-completion OPT, you are considered to have violated your status.
Maintaining Medical Health Insurance You must maintain medical health insurance during the entire period of OPT. You can extend the University health insurance, purchase your own, or be covered by an employer. Keep records of insurance coverage in case you need these for any immigration purpose.

 

Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN)?

Yes, you will need a SSN to report your earnings to the United States government. You may request a SSN card on the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization when applying for your OPT.