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Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorizes an F-1 student to engage in practical training for up to one year, generally following the completion of studies. OPT is authorized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Processing times vary, but you should anticipate at least 3 - 4 months before you receive employment authorization. We strongly recommend applying for OPT at the start of your final term of study.

Every quarter, ISSS offers workshops to explain eligibility and the application process for Optional Practical Training. Please visit the Events page for dates and times.

Eligibility for OPT

In general, you must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for OPT:

  • You are currently in valid F-1 status.
  • You have been enrolled in F-1 status for at least one academic year.
  • You have or will complete an undergraduate, Master's, doctoral, or professional degree program.

You may apply for OPT for each degree level that you complete. For immigration purposes, the primary degree levels are undergraduate, Master's, and doctoral. If you complete more than one degree at the same degree level, you may only apply for OPT once for that level.

Application Process

You may apply for OPT as early as 90 days before your anticipated completion of studies date and as late as the final day of your 60-day grace period following the completion of your program. We strongly recommend applying as early as possible to ensure you receive your employment authorization in a timely fashion. Expedited processing may only be requested if you have a pending job offer, but faster processing is never guaranteed.

To apply for OPT, you must request a recommendation from ISSS. Your complete OPT application will be forwarded to USCIS for processing. To request a recommendation, submit the following documents to ISSS:

OPT Application Packet

You may not begin working until you have received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. We will notify you as soon as the EAD is available. Your employment authorization begins on the date listed on the EAD. You may not begin working until this date.

Appropriate Forms of Employment

OPT authorizes a student to engage in practical training directly related to the major field of study. You should speak to your academic advisor or employment supervisor to determine whether the employment is appropriate for your degree program. Neither International Student and Scholar Services nor USCIS directly monitors the appropriateness of your employment. However, immigration officers may review your employment history if you apply for other immigration benefits in the future.

Immigration regulations now specifically state that a student's F-1 status is dependent upon engaging in qualifying practical training while on OPT. In order to qualify as practical training, the employment must be for at least 20 hours per week. Employment may be paid or unpaid. Volunteer work may qualify as practical training, provided it meets the minimum hours per week requirement and is appropriate for your major field of study.

Allowable Employment Activities while on OPT 

Reporting Requirements

While on OPT, you must continue to meet certain reporting requirements in order to maintain your F-1 status. You must report the following information within 10 days to ISSS:

  • Change of residential or mailing address including phone number or email address
  • Change of legal name
  • Change of immigration status
  • Start of employment
  • End of employment
  • Permanent departure from the United States

OPT Reporting Requirements