Optional Practical Training

What is Optional Practical Training?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that gives F-1 students an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off campus.  USCIS grants permission for practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study. Only 12 total months of practical training are allowed during or after the student’s studies.  Most students take the OPT upon completion of their programs. 

How do I know if I am eligible for OPT?

To be eligible for curricular practical training, you must have been in lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for nine consecutive months (one full academic year), be in valid F-1 status at the time of the application, and intend to work in a position directly related to your major field of study.

When should I apply?

If you are applying for OPT based on completion of your academic program, you must submit an application for optional practical training prior to your completion date. Applications received at USCIS after the completion date will be denied. Applications will first be accepted by the International Student Advisor at a pre-scheduled OPT appointment.  Because of the length of time to process, it is best to file OPT applications 90 days before the program completion date. 

Dates of OPT Authorization

The EAD card is approved for a specific beginning and end date. You must identify those dates on the OPT Request Form. For OPT after completion of studies or graduation, the beginning date can be no later than 60 days after the date you complete your program.

How do I apply for OPT?

OPT must be recommended by the International Student Advisor before submitting the application to USCIS.  The advisor will schedule an OPT workshop in small group format, with time for individual questions. Your OPT applications will be reviewed for completeness and accepted for processing after the session. 

You must bring the following documents to the workshop:

• OPT Request Form that is signed by your dean, department chairperson, or academic advisor
• Completed Form I-765 marked with the code “(c) (3) (B) at item 16.**  Make certain that the address you put in Item #3 will be valid for the next 90-120 days, as that is where your receipt and employment card will be sent.  Mail from USCIS will not be forwarded by the US Post Office.
• A copy of the I-94 form (front and back) and a copy of your visa and identification pages from your passport.
• Complete copies of all previous Forms I-20
• Two recent passport-style photos
• Check for $340.00 made payable to Department of Homeland Security
• Copy of your last EAD (front and back), if applicable

** The eligibility code for an F-1 student seeking optional practical training (OPT) has been changed.

The eligibility code (c)(3)(i) will no longer be used and has been replaced with the following three codes: (c)(3)(A) for pre-completion OPT; (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPT; and (c)(3)(C) for a 17-month extension for an F-1 student who has received a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), that appears on the STEM designated Degree Program List.

If you are a STEM student requesting 17-month extension of your currently authorized optional practical training, you must also submit a copy of your degree reflecting the conferred degree as well as your major field of study. In addition, the employer with whom you are seeking the 17-month OPT extension must be registered in E-Verify. Accordingly, you must list the employer's E-Verify Company Identification Number or a valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number in Item 17 of the Form I-765. Please refer to the section on Foreign Students in the form instructions.

The International Student Advisor will review your application and submit a recommendation for OPT by updating your record in SEVIS. The SEVIS system will produce a new I-20, a copy of which you will submit with your application for optional practical training.