Optional Practical Training (OPT) is one type of work permission available to eligible F-1 students. It allows students to enhance their academic experience in the U.S. by engaging in job training that is directly related to their field of study. It is important for students interested in OPT to understand the eligibility requirements, application process, and reporting requirements of the program in order to take full advantage of the benefit and properly maintain status.
There are three types of OPT available to F-1 students. While this page addresses post-completion OPT only, you can learn a bit about the other two types below.
Pre-completion OPT is work authorization available to F-1 students while actively enrolled in a program of study. Work is limited to 20 hours per week while class is in session and approved time for pre-completion OPT subtracts from the 12-month allotment for post-completion OPT. Pre-completion OPT requires an OPT recommendation from OIS and application to USCIS. While most students decide against pursuing pre-completion OPT due to the lengthy application process, work hour limitations, and impact on post-completion OPT, interested students are invited to attend a Pre-Completion OPT Workshop to learn more.
Post-completion OPT is a 12-month work authorization available to F-1 students after successfully completing an academic program. Post-completion OPT requires an OPT recommendation from OIS and an application to USCIS. Students typically apply for post-completion OPT three to four months prior to program completion. If you are interested in post-completion OPT, carefully review the information on this webpage and attend a mandatory OPT Workshop hosted by OIS. Most students attend a Post-Completion OPT Workshop sometime during their final two semesters of study.
STEM OPT is a 24 month extension of post-completion OPT and is available to F-1 students who have completed programs within science, technology, engineering or math and are currently on an approved period of post-completion OPT.
Basic eligibility requirements for post-completion OPTApplying for post-completion OPT involves you, OIS, and U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) in addition to others. The process can take anywhere from three to five months and the ultimate goal is to have USCIS issue you an employment authorization document (EAD) valid for work in the U.S. which you can then use for training in a job directly related to your field of study.
Steps to apply for post-completion OPTDuring this two hour workshop, OIS Advisors explain post-completion OPT in detail, including:
We recommend that you attend an OPT Workshop sometime during your final two semesters of study. You must attend the whole workshop in order to receive the application materials and move forward in the process. If after attending a workshop you have questions about your situation, feel free to make an appointment with an OIS Advisor.
Time: OPT Workshops are offered approximately twice per month. Check the workshop calendar early to find a time that works best for you.
During the OPT Workshop, you will receive detailed instructions on how to correctly complete the Optional Practical Training E-Form and supporting documents such as the USCIS Form I-765.
An important part of completing e-form involves meeting with your academic advisor or thesis/dissertation advisor to determine your personal program completion date. This academic milestone is the date by which you will complete all the requirements for your degree. You will receive additional guidance on how to determine your program completion date during the OPT Workshop.
Time: Since completing the OPT Application E-Form involves a meeting with your academic advisor, plan for at least five days to complete this step.
After you submit your OPT Application E-Form through myOIS, an advisor will confirm that your records are up to date and process the request. This includes adjusting your I-20 program end date to reflect the program completion date confirmed by your academic advisor, adding a recommendation for post-completion OPT, and listing the name and address of your employer (if available). Note that your new I-20 program end date becomes your last day of on-campus employment eligibility.
Once your new Form I-20 has been issued, an OIS advisor will email you with options to collect it, along with suggestions for your draft USCIS Form I-765. You must physically sign the Form I-20 for it to be valid.
Time: Please allow five business days for processing. Additional time may be required if your OPT Application E-Form is incomplete or if additional updates are needed on your OIS or SEVIS records. Delivery of the Form I-20 varies from 1-3 business days for express courier and approximately 2 weeks via regular mail.
USCIS accepts OPT Applications online or by mail. The documents you must include in your application will depend on which submission method you choose. You will receive detailed instructions on how to prepare your USCIS OPT Application in the materials you receive after your OPT Workshop Attendance Confirmation e-form is approved. If you like, you can make an appointment with an OIS advisor to review your USCIS OPT Application prior to submitting it.
Time: It typically takes around five business days for students to collect and prepare all documents needed for the USCIS OPT Application. You may gather these documents while OIS processes your OPT Application E-Form.
Again, you can submit your USCIS OPT Application online via the USCIS website or by mail to one of their lockbox facilities. The submission method you choose will depend on your personal situation and the pros and cons of each are discussed during the OPT Workshop.
Whichever method you choose, make sure your application is complete, you have signed all documents, paid the USCIS filing fee in full, and retained a copy of the application for your records.
Lastly, your OPT Application must be received by USCIS within your application window which is no earlier than 90 days before the I-20 program end date and no later than 60 days after the I-20 program end date. In addition, the application must arrive no more than 30 days past the OPT I-20 recommendation date.
Time: The time it takes for your OPT application to reach USCIS depends largely on the submission method you choose. Online submission is the fastest with mailed submission taking one to three days for express shipping (e.g. FedEx or UPS) and approximately two weeks for regular mail via the U.S. Postal Services.