Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides F-1 students with an opportunity for hands-on work experience (work authorization) related to the academic field of study.

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following criteria:

• You are currently in F-1 status.
• You have been enrolled in a full course of study for one academic year (three quarters, including final exams weeks) or will complete one academic year by the date the OPT approval begins.
• You have not been authorized for a total of 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT). (Part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility.)
• You do not need a job offer first; you can apply for the 12-month OPT authorization without a job offer.
• You have not previously completed 12 months of OPT at the same degree level.
• You are eligible for 12 months of full-time OPT per academic level. For example, you may apply for 12 months of OPT after completing a bachelor’s degree and then another 12 months after completing a master’s degree.
• You may apply for OPT authorization during your academic program, after your program completion, or a combination of both.

OPT authorization that begins after completion of your academic program is called “post-completion” OPT. This is the most common type of OPT.

Post-completion OPT is full-time, and it can begin after you complete your degree. You must apply for OPT based on your last registered quarter.  If you are not able to complete your program as expected, contact school adviser immediately to review your options.

OPT used while you are still enrolled in your course of study is called “pre-completion” OPT. Pre-completion OPT is rather uncommon. Usually current students are eligible for alternate employment authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Because pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of OPT eligibility, most students prefer to save OPT for after program completion. You may start the OPT application process up to 90 days before your requested employment start date. Pre-completion OPT can be approved for different rates:

• Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week or less) during your annual vacation quarter and between quarter  breaks
• Part-time (20 hours per week or less) while enrolled in a full course of study

While approved for OPT, you are still in F-1 status and must report address changes and employment information to school.

Step 1: Complete Your OPT Application

Gather the Following Documents

• Completed OPT Request Form
• Completed G-1145 Form (optional; it signs you up for email/text message notification of your application’s arrival at USCIS)
• Completed I-765 Form
  • For help completing the I-765, please see the I-765 instructions
• Photocopy of all previously issued I-20s
• Photocopy of passport identification page
• Photocopy of F-1 visa page
• Two passport-style photos
• Printout of your electronic I-94 information, which can be obtained at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/
• Photocopy of previously issued EAD (if applicable)
• Form I-765 filing fee paid by money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Choosing an OPT Start Date

• The “start date” is the date your work permission begins. You cannot work earlier than the start date, but you can start working later.
• Your requested start date must be within 60 days after your program completion date. For example, if you graduate or complete your program June 23, your start date can be no later than August 22.
• Changing the requested OPT dates after the application has been mailed to USCIS can be very difficult. Choose your dates carefully.

Photo Specifications

• Lightly print your name and your I-94 number in pencil or felt pen on the back of each photo.
• USCIS photo instructions (see the “Required Documentation” section on page 13)
• The photos must have been taken within the last 30 days (do not use the same photos used for your F-1 visa application; USCIS might notice and will return the application).
• The two photos should have a white background.
• They should be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretouched.
• The photos should show a passport-style, full-face image, with both ears visible.
• The photos should be 2 by 2 inches, with the distance from the top of the head to just below the chin about 1 3/8 inches.

Step 2: Submit Your Completed OPT Application to school for review

Submit your completed OPT application (except the USCIS filing fee check/money order/credit card form) to the front desk. An adviser will review your application, note any items missing or needing to be changed, and will issue a new, updated I-20 with an OPT recommendation printed on page 2. 

Step 3: Pick Up Your Application; Mail  to USCIS

1. Sign your OPT-endorsed I-20 at the bottom of page 1 before photocopying it and mailing it to USCIS.
2. Mail your application within 30 days of the new OPT-endorsed I-20 being issued. Late applications will be denied by USCIS.

• Do not mail your original passport, I-94, or I-20.
• It is recommended you send your application by certified mail, return receipt requested.
• Review the USCIS mailing instructions to find the correct mailing address.

USCIS will send you a receipt notice (I-797 Notice of Action) confirming receipt of your OPT application, assigning a “receipt date,” and assigning a receipt number. Carefully review the notice to make sure your name is spelled correctly. If it is not, contact the school adviser immediately.

You may use the receipt number on your receipt notice to check the status of your application online. It is normal for your case status to say “initial review” for most of the 3-5 month processing period.

You may not begin employment until USCIS approves the OPT application and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Authorized OPT dates will be on your EAD.