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Welcome to Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F-1 students who have maintained full-time student status for at least one academic year by their program completion date are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT.

Students must be in valid F-1 status at the time of application and must not have previously used OPT at the same or higher degree level. Students who have completed 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT does not affect eligibility.

Applications for OPT can be submitted up to 90 days before and up to 60 days after the program completion date. STEM students are eligible to apply for a 24-month OPT extension up to 90 days before the end of their current OPT period.

Table of Contents

Applying for 12-Month OPT:

  1. Submit the OPT Request:
    1. Check your I-20 to confirm the program end date. If you need to adjust it, submit a Change of Program End Date Request.
    2. Log into your portal to complete the application. Once submitted, it will take 5-10 business days for processing.
    3. Do not submit your application to USCIS until you have received an I-20 with OPT recommendatio
  2. Prepare Your Documentation:
    1. Your OPT application must be submitted while you are physically in the U.S., as USCIS will track your location during the application process.
    2. Once you receive your I-20 with OPT recommendation, you must send your application to USCIS within 30 days. Failure to do so will require you to cancel your request and reapply.
    Required documents:
    1. I-20 with OPT recommendation (issued within the last 30 days)
    2. Two passport photos (taken in the last 30 days)
    3. Passport, Form I-94, and any prior I-20s related to CPT or OPT (if applicable)
    4. Previous EAD cards (if applicable)
    5. A credit or debit card to pay the $410 filing fee
    If you complete the I-765 form online, ensure that all uploaded files are in accepted formats (PDF, JPEG, PNG, or TIF), and follow USCIS guidelines for file naming and e-signatures.
  3. Apply for OPT with USCIS:
    1. After receiving your I-20, sign it and upload it to your OPT application through the USCIS online portal.
    2. Complete the I-765 form online, paying the fee at pay.gov.
    3. You will receive a case number and updates via email or text.
  4. OPT Processing Time: The typical processing time for USCIS is 90 days or more. You can check your case status online, and if your case has been pending for over 5 months, you may submit a case inquiry.
  5. OPT Approval and SEVP Portal Access:
    1. Once your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued and your start date arrives, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your SEVP Portal to report employment.
    2. If you receive the SEVP instructions before your EAD card, contact USCIS for assistance.

Request for Evidence (RFE):

If you receive an RFE, you can request a support letter, syllabi, and attendance reports. Processing through your international services office may take 2-3 weeks, and gathering documents could take up to 4 weeks. It is your responsibility to keep records of past I-20s, transcripts, and other requested documents.

Updating OPT Employment Information:

Students are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during OPT. Any job must directly relate to the student’s major. Students must update employment information, such as job changes, supervisor changes, or employment location, within 10 days through the appropriate portal.

STEM Extension Application:

You may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your OPT expiration date. Ensure all employment is related to your degree, and report employment updates promptly. You may have a total of 150 days of unemployment during your combined OPT and STEM periods.

Traveling During OPT:

Travel during OPT can be risky, especially with pending applications. It is not recommended to travel before receiving your EAD card. Upon approval, you may travel with a valid passport, visa, I-20 with OPT recommendation, and proof of employment.

  • Pending STEM OPT Application: If your EAD has expired and your extension is still pending, travel is not advised.
  • Approved STEM OPT Extension: Ensure you have the necessary documents before traveling internationally.

Cap-Gap Extension:

If you are in the Cap-Gap period while awaiting H-1B approval, you may travel, but certain conditions apply. Ensure your Change of Status to H-1B has been approved before traveling.

Welcome to Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F-1 students who have maintained full-time student status for at least one academic year by their program completion date are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT.

Students must be in valid F-1 status at the time of application and must not have previously used OPT at the same or higher degree level. Students who have completed 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are ineligible for OPT, but part-time CPT does not affect eligibility.

Applications for OPT can be submitted up to 90 days before and up to 60 days after the program completion date. STEM students are eligible to apply for a 24-month OPT extension up to 90 days before the end of their current OPT period.

Table of Contents

Applying for 12-Month OPT:

  1. Submit the OPT Request:
    1. Check your I-20 to confirm the program end date. If you need to adjust it, submit a Change of Program End Date Request.
    2. Log into your portal to complete the application. Once submitted, it will take 5-10 business days for processing.
    3. Do not submit your application to USCIS until you have received an I-20 with OPT recommendatio
  2. Prepare Your Documentation:
    1. Your OPT application must be submitted while you are physically in the U.S., as USCIS will track your location during the application process.
    2. Once you receive your I-20 with OPT recommendation, you must send your application to USCIS within 30 days. Failure to do so will require you to cancel your request and reapply.
    Required documents:
    1. I-20 with OPT recommendation (issued within the last 30 days)
    2. Two passport photos (taken in the last 30 days)
    3. Passport, Form I-94, and any prior I-20s related to CPT or OPT (if applicable)
    4. Previous EAD cards (if applicable)
    5. A credit or debit card to pay the $410 filing fee
    If you complete the I-765 form online, ensure that all uploaded files are in accepted formats (PDF, JPEG, PNG, or TIF), and follow USCIS guidelines for file naming and e-signatures.
  3. Apply for OPT with USCIS:
    1. After receiving your I-20, sign it and upload it to your OPT application through the USCIS online portal.
    2. Complete the I-765 form online, paying the fee at pay.gov.
    3. You will receive a case number and updates via email or text.
  4. OPT Processing Time: The typical processing time for USCIS is 90 days or more. You can check your case status online, and if your case has been pending for over 5 months, you may submit a case inquiry.
  5. OPT Approval and SEVP Portal Access:
    1. Once your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued and your start date arrives, you will receive an email with instructions on how to set up your SEVP Portal to report employment.
    2. If you receive the SEVP instructions before your EAD card, contact USCIS for assistance.

Request for Evidence (RFE):

If you receive an RFE, you can request a support letter, syllabi, and attendance reports. Processing through your international services office may take 2-3 weeks, and gathering documents could take up to 4 weeks. It is your responsibility to keep records of past I-20s, transcripts, and other requested documents.

Updating OPT Employment Information:

Students are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during OPT. Any job must directly relate to the student’s major. Students must update employment information, such as job changes, supervisor changes, or employment location, within 10 days through the appropriate portal.

STEM Extension Application:

You may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your OPT expiration date. Ensure all employment is related to your degree, and report employment updates promptly. You may have a total of 150 days of unemployment during your combined OPT and STEM periods.

Traveling During OPT:

Travel during OPT can be risky, especially with pending applications. It is not recommended to travel before receiving your EAD card. Upon approval, you may travel with a valid passport, visa, I-20 with OPT recommendation, and proof of employment.

  • Pending STEM OPT Application: If your EAD has expired and your extension is still pending, travel is not advised.
  • Approved STEM OPT Extension: Ensure you have the necessary documents before traveling internationally.

Cap-Gap Extension:

If you are in the Cap-Gap period while awaiting H-1B approval, you may travel, but certain conditions apply. Ensure your Change of Status to H-1B has been approved before traveling.