Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional practical training gives students with F-1 visas the opportunity to work off-campus and gain practical experience in her/his area of study. Option practical training falls into 4 categories:

• During the student's annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session if the student is currently enrolled and eligible and intends to register for the next quarter;
• While school is in session, provided that the employment does not exceed 20 hours per week;
• Full-time after completion of all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or the equivalent), if the student is in a bachelor's, master's or doctoral program;
• Full-time after completion of the course of study.
  

When can I begin OPT?
Students must be in F-1 student status for 9 months before they are eligible for OPT. Time spent in F-1 status in a high school or English language program in the U.S. does not count towards the 9-month requirement.

How long can I be on OPT?
An F-1 student may be authorized for a total of 12 months of OPT during the first program of study in the U.S. F-1 students are eligible for an additional 12 months of OPT after completing a program of study at a higher level. For example, a student who has completed a Bachelor's degree can apply for an additional 12 months of OPT after completing a Master's degree.

How is the length of OPT calculated?
OPT is calculated on a daily basis. Part-time OPT is deducted from the 12 months available at half of the full-time rate. For example, if a student completes 6 months of part-time OPT, 3 months will be deducted from the 12 months available leaving the student with 9 months of OPT.

Students completing program at the end of Fall Quarter 2006 (University City campus):
Earliest date to begin OPT: December 17, 2006
Latest date to begin OPT: February 16, 2007
Earliest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: September 16, 2006
Latest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: December 16, 2006 (NOTE: the application must be received by USCIS on or before this date)

Students completing program at the end of Fall Semester 2005 (Center City and Queen Lane campuses):
Earliest date to begin OPT: December 16, 2006
Latest date to begin OPT: February 15, 2007
Earliest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: September 15, 2006
Latest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: December 15, 2006 (NOTE: the application must be received by USCIS on or before this date)

Students completing program at the end of Winter Quarter 2007 (University City campus):
Earliest date to begin OPT: March 25, 2007
Latest date to begin OPT: May 24, 2007
Earliest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: December 24, 2006
Latest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: March 24, 2007 (NOTE: the application must be received by USCIS on or before this date)

Students completing program at the end of Spring Quarter 2007 (University City campus):
Earliest date to begin OPT: June 17, 2007
Latest date to begin OPT: August 16, 2007
Earliest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: March 16, 2007
Latest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: June 16, 2007 (NOTE: the application must be received by USCIS on or before this date)

Students completing program at the end of Spring Semester 2006 (Center City and Queen Lane campuses):
Earliest date to begin OPT: May 5, 2007
Latest date to begin OPT: August 4, 2007
Earliest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: February 4, 2007
Latest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: May 4, 2007 (NOTE: the application must be received by USCIS on or before this date)

Students completing program at the end of Summer Quarter 2006 (University City campus):
Earliest date to begin OPT: September 9, 2007
Latest date to begin OPT: November 8, 2007
Earliest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: June 8, 2007
Latest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: September 8, 2007 (NOTE: the application must be received by USCIS on or beforethis date)

Students completing program at the end of Summer Semester 2006 (Center City and Queen Lane campuses):
Earliest date to begin OPT: August 4, 2007
Latest date to begin OPT: October 3, 2007
Earliest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: May 4, 2007
Latest date to submit OPT application to USCIS: August 3, 2007 (NOTE: the application must be received by USCIS on or before this date)

• Completed USCIS form I-765 (available in ISSS)
• A check or money order for $340, payable to "Department of Homeland Security"
• Two photos taken no earlier than 30 days before your application is submitted to USCIS. The photos should not be larger than 1.5" x 1.5". We suggest that you go to the trucks in front of the USCIS office (1600 Callowhill Street) because they will do the photos correctly. Photos taken at other places may be rejected by USCIS and will delay your OPT application.
• Your passport
• Your I-94 card
• ALL I-20s you have been issued by Drexel University and all other schools you have attended in the U.S. Your OPT application will be denied if you do not include copies of all I-20s you have received while attending a school in the U.S. (including English language programs and test prep courses).
• A copy of your change of status approval notice, if applicable.

YOU MUST USE THE OPT INFORMATION PACKAGE AVAILABLE IN ISSS. THIS INCLUDES A SPECIALLY-PREPARED FORM I-765.

DO NOT USE A FORM I-765 DOWNLOADED FROM THE USCIS WEBSITE!

To check the status of your OPT application, click here and enter your receipt number.