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.
Definition:
"Benefit of the F-1 status to engage in temporary off-campus employment to gain practical and professional experience."
- Authorized by USCIS
- Employment must be related to the student's area of study
- Employment may be authorized for 12 months per higher educational level
- OPT is typically utilized after the completion of the degree program; however, it may also be used prior to graduation.
Optional practical training falls into 3 categories:
Eligibility Requirements for Standard OPT(PT/FT):
- Lawful enrollment on a full-time basis for one full academic year (9 months) prior to OPT request
- Proposed employment must be in student’s field of study and commensurate with educational level
- Students who have already completed one full academic year of enrollment may apply for OPT 120 days prior to the proposed start date
- Students who have NOT yet met the one full academic year requirement may apply for OPT 90 days prior to meeting the requirement
- Maximum 24 months of part-time is available (apply once per AY)
Application Procedure For Standard OPT (PT/FT):
- Pick up the OPT package from ISSS office/web site
- Gather the requested documents and schedule an appointment with an ISSS advisor
- Application must be mailed to the USCIS within 30 days after issuance of OPT I-20
- Receipt will be mailed from the USCIS to ISSS within 2-4 weeks
- 60-90 days is the regular processing time. (Attention! This time is NOT guaranteed!)
- Authorization to engage in employment prior to the completion of studies
- 20 hours or less per week during the quarter, and more than 20 hours (full-time) ONLY permissible during authorized vacation term and official school breaks
- P/T- OPT is counted cumulatively so time used will be deducted from available practical training at one-half the full time rate
After completion of the course of study, for a student in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree program. After completion of all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or equivalent)
Specific Requirements
- OPT application can be submitted no sooner than 90 days before the end of program date and no later than 60 days after your graduation date.
- ISSS advisor must:
- Endorse the form I-20
- Make an appropriate notation in SEVIS
Attention: Do NOT send any documents without the ISSS advisor’s approval first
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS WHILE ON OPT:
- Employer information/updates
- FT OPT must have employment within 90 days of authorization
- Personal address updates within 10 days of change
- Importance of ISSS having good contact info (phone/e-mail)
STEM stands for
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Math
Students who major (primary and secondary major) in qualified areas of study, falling within the STEM categories, may be eligible
Specific Requirements
- Primary/secondary major must be an approved STEM category
- Employer must be E-Verified
- Student must be engaged in his/ her period of post-completion OPT at the time of application
- Student can continue to work up to 180 days while the application is still pending for approval
Reporting Requirements While on STEM-EXTENSION OPT:
Immigration also requires the student to report ISSS every 6 months with the following:
- Full legal name
- Current U.S. address
- Name and address of the employer
- Other change on your status (if any)
Information must be submitted to ISSS even if nothing has changed !
Pending OPT
Students can travel while a post-completion OPT application is pending with USCIS; however it’s not recommended
Approved OPT
- Valid EAD (OPT) card
- Proof of employment
- Valid travel signature on the Form I-20
Please ALWAYS consult with ISSS prior to making any travel arrangements!
REMINDERS
- You will continue to be on F-1 status during your OPT participation
- You can change OPT employers as long as you are working at a position strictly related to your field of studies
- You can register for more than one or two classes per quarter/semester for recreational reasons, but you cannot be a degree-seeking student
You must report to the ISSS any changes on your personal and/or employment's information during OPT
ISSS updates your SEVIS record as we receive information from you. It is your responsibility to make sure we have your most current update information