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Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Definition:

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of temporary employment authorization for F‑1 students in the U.S. It allows eligible students to gain practical work experience directly related to their major field of study.

The main purpose of OPT is to help students:

  • Apply what they have learned academically to real-world work settings
  • Gain professional experience in their field before or after completing their degree
  • Enhance career readiness and competitiveness in the job market

As an F-1 student you are eligible for a maximum of 12 months of optional practical training (OPT) that is directly related to your program of study at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ. To be eligible, you must be lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year in a degree-seeking program and be maintaining good academic standing. OPT can be used in the following time periods:

  • Pre-Completion OPT:
    • During summer vacation (full-time or part-time)
    • While classes are in session (part-time)
  • Post-Completion OPT:
    • After completing a degree program (full-time)

You can apply for less than 12 months of OPT, but the total of all OPT requests cannot exceed the 12-month maximum. Exception: When you have been authorized for part-time Pre-Completion OPT one calendar month of part-time OPT equals 50% of a month from the 12.

USCIS permits one year of OPT at each degree level that is higher than the most recently completed program (i.e. associate's, bachelor’s, master’s, PhD). However, unused OPT does not carry over to the next academic level. One year of OPT is the maximum at each level of education. Note: ESL students are not eligible for OPT.

  • If approved for post‑completion OPT, you may have up to 90 days of authorized unemployment during your OPT period. You must work full-time, at least 20 hours per week, and all employment, paid or unpaid, must be reported both in the SEVP Portal and to your international student advisor, via email or the to receive an updated OPT I-20 with employer details.

ASSOCIATE DEGREE APPLICANTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR 24-MONTH STEM OPT EXTENSION

How to Apply for Optional Practical Training

You may apply for Post-Completion OPT up to 90 days before completing your associate's degree program and no more than 60 days after completing your degree. We highly recommend that you apply as early as possible since applying near the end of your 60-day grace period may create delays that will keep you from receiving approval for the full 12 months.

Permission to work under OPT requires an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from USCIS. To apply for OPT with USCIS and obtain the EAD card you must first have a recommendation from your International Student Advisor.

Make an appointment with your International Student Advisor to discuss your eligibility to request OPT and the type of OPT you may be eligible for.

  • Submit the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ on-line along with all required supporting documents. On the form, you will need to specify the details of your request, including whether you are applying for Pre‑ or Post‑Completion OPT, whether the employment will be full time or part time, your requested OPT employment dates, and the type of training you are seeking. Once your request is submitted, please allow approximately 5–7 business days for processing. After your request has been reviewed by your International Student Advisor, you will be notified via email. You must receive your OPT I‑20 from your International Student Advisor before filing your OPT application to USCIS.

(Note: You are not required to have a job offer to submit your application).

  •  – (if mailing a paper application) make sure you are using the most recent version and sign in ink
  •  - (if mailing a paper application) Use this form to request a text message and/or email when USCIS accepts your form.
  • Check or money order with the appropriate filing fee written to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” (Do not abbreviate or shorten the name)
  • Copies of both sides of any previously issued EAD cards (if any)
  • Copy of the identification page of your valid/unexpired passport. If the expiration date of the passport is on another page, be sure you include a photocopy of that page as well.
  • Copy of your F1 visa or copy of your USCIS change of status approval notice (I-797A Notice)
  • Two recent photos: USCIS requires passport-style photos taken within the last 30 days. Do not use the same photo as your passport. Your photos must not be edited or digitally enhanced. If these requirements are not met, USCIS may delay your application or ask you to visit an Applicant Support Center to confirm your identity.
  • Copies of pages 1 & 2 for all I-20s issued to you since you first received F-1 status. (Include all previous school I-20s and Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ’s I-20 with OPT recommendation)
  • Proof of program completion or expected completion: Unofficial transcript or Enrollment verification letter (highly recommended for students applying for pre-completion OPT).
  • Schedule Meeting with your International Student Advisor: Bring OPT documents to review with advisor before filing with USCIS.

To file online: you must first create a USCIS online account at . After creating your account, you must complete and submit the Form I‑765 electronically along with supporting application documentation and track your case online. Be aware that you must submit the OPT application package online within 30 days of the date your Advisor/DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS not the date the I-20 form was printed. Applications received by USCIS after this deadline will be denied.

To file by mail, you must mail the complete OPT application package to USCIS within 30 days of the date your Advisor/DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS not the date the I-20 form was printed. Applications must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the OPT recommendation date, applications received after this deadline will be denied. Be aware that you must mail your application to the correct USCIS address listed below. It is highly recommended to use certified mail, priority mail, or a courier service with tracking to have proof of delivery.

Once you have gathered all required documents for your OPT application, OISS strongly encourages you to mail the application as early as possible to avoid processing delays.

If sending by USPS:
USCIS Attn: I-765 C03
P.O. Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680

If sending by Express mail (UPS/FEDEX/DHL):
USCIS Attn: I-765 C03
131 South Dearborn- 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517

Biometrics (USCIS Process for OPT): Although the biometrics request is not common for students applying for OPT at the associate degree level, please be aware that USCIS may select any OPT applicant for a fingerprinting (biometrics) appointment. If selected, you will receive an official notice with the appointment date, time, and location. Failing to complete this step may result in an OPT application denial.

If approved, you will receive the EAD card in the mail and on your OPT start date, you will receive an email invitation from Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to set up SEVP portal. Please make sure to set up your account as soon as you receive the invitation.

  • Find Employment: Please be sure to find appropriate employer as soon as possible. students on OPT can have up to 90 days of authorized unemployment during OPT period.
  • Log onto OPT Portal: This must be kept up to date in case you change jobs or take on more than one at the same time. If you have trouble accessing the portal contact your advisor for assistance.
  • Required employer details to update your SEVP Portal:
    • Employer & Supervisor contact (name, address, telephone, e-mail)
    • Job Title
    • Employer EIN Start and End date
    • Explanation of how this employment is related to your program of study
  • Receive Updated I-20: You must send your advisor a copy of your EAD card and employment offer letter so they can provide you with an updated OPT I-20. You will still need to have this signed if you travel out of the country during OPT.

Frequently Asked Questions

USCIS processing times: OPT and EAD processing is currently taking about 3–5 months or longer, but times may vary depending on the case.

As a result:

  • Your EAD card may be issued after your requested start date.
  • Your actual start date will be the date on your EAD card.
  • The end date still follows the 14‑month limit, which may shorten your OPT period if there are delays in processing the documents.
  • For USCIS processing time, please check .

What is the latest date that my Employment Authorization Document (EAD) can begin/end? You may be eligible for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which must be completed within 14 months of your program completion date. Your OPT must begin within 60 days after finishing your associate degree (the F‑1 grace period) and must end no later than 14 months after completion, even if your EAD is delayed.

Can I go home after I graduate and apply for OPT when I come back? No. U.S. immigration rules require that you be physically present in the United States when you file your OPT application (Form I‑765). If you leave the U.S. and are abroad, you cannot apply for OPT from outside the country.

Can I travel outside the U.S. after completing my program if my EAD is still pending? Yes, you may be able to travel; however, it is risky and generally not recommended unless necessary or until your EAD has been approved and you have a job offer.

Can I travel with an EAD card? Yes. However, you must have your I‑20 endorsed by an international student advisor, a valid F‑1 visa, and a letter confirming that you have a job offer and have been approved for time off from work.

Can I volunteer with a company before I receive my EAD card? No. You may not volunteer with a company if the activities are services for which individuals are normally paid. U.S. immigration and labor regulations distinguish true volunteer service from unauthorized employment, even when no wages are paid.