How to Apply for OPT


The Steps to Apply for OPT:

  1. Sign up for and attend an F-1 Employment Workshop.
     
  2. When ready to submit the request for OPT, schedule an OPT appointment with the OIS.
     
  3. Take the completed form I-765 with the required documents to your appointment with the OIS. If you will be completing your program prior to the official semester graduation date, we will need a letter from your department stating your completion date.
      
  4. During your OPT appointment at the OIS, an international student advisor will review your application and answer any remaining questions you may have about OPT. At that time, you will be issued a new I-20 with the OPT request reflected on page 3.

Required Documents for OPT Application:

  • Completed Form I-765 pdf
  • Check or money order made payable to US Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $380
  • 2 recent Passport-style photos
  • Legible copy of all previously issued I-20s including I-20 issued with OPT request on page 3.
  • Legible copy of Passport ID page
  • Legible copy of I-94 card and visa stamp
  • Copies of any previously issued work authorization cards you've ever been issued.
  • Mail completed application to USCIS. It can take up to 90 days for the card to be issued. You may not begin employment until you receive the card and reach the start date on the card.

OPT Timing Issues

  • Applications for OPT may be submitted up to 90 days before the student’s expected program completion date.
     
  • Applications for OPT must be received by USCIS no later than 60 days after the completion of the academic program requirements.  F-1 students should keep in mind that filing later will not give them additional OPT time. Click here for USCIS processing time estimates for OPT applications.  
     
  • The application must be received by USCIS no later than 30 days after the OPT I-20 is printed during your OPT appointment with the OIS.
     
  • Students who file OPT during their grace period may lose a portion of the 12 months of OPT time.  Filing at least 30 days before the program completion is recommended to take full advantage of the 12 months of OPT.

 The End of Your OPT

At the end of the OPT authorization, an F-1 student has a 60-day grace period to remain in the U.S. and prepare for departure, to begin a new program of study, or to submit an application for a change of status. 

Reporting Requirements While On OPT

There are reporting requirements for students who are on OPT.

All students on OPT must report to the OIS using OPT Reporting Form (pdf) within 10 days of any change in the following:

  • Any change in name or address
  • Any change in immigration status
  • Any change or interruption of employment, including a return to studies

Students who wish to transfer to another college or university in the U.S.: Transfer requests must be submitted and approved before beginning a new program. The transfer approval for these requests must be granted no later than the end of the 60-day grace period following completion of OPT.

Note: OPT will be automatically terminated when a new I-20 is created for a new program of study.

Employment Tracking and Reporting

It is the responsibility of each F-1 student on OPT to keep track of employment-related information. You will need to keep very careful track of your employment. This means exact dates, employer names, addresses, supervisor’s contact information, etc.

It will be very important for you to track your days of unemployment and also to retain supporting documentation of the periods of time when you are employed (including offer letters, pay stubs, etc.).

Unemployment Issues

Students granted post-completion OPT can accrue up to 90 days of unemployment.

Any period of unemployment will count toward the 90 total days of unemployment. 

  • This means that any day for which you are not employed will count toward the 90-day total.

Days spent outside of the US while unemployed DO count toward the 90 days of unemployment permitted.

If a student is not able to secure a paid job and is nearing the 90 days of unemployment limit, he or she may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern, where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT and students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that they worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of unpaid employment.  Be careful not to “volunteer without pay" for positions in which U.S. citizens would be paid.  This is designed to protect you, the employer, and other workers. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s Fair Labor Standards Act for more information.

The OIS is responsible to report employment information that you provide to us. Therefore, it is important for you to retain records in any event that government officials ask for evidence. 

Traveling while Employed

If a student on OPT is traveling outside of the U.S. for a vacation or for business while continuing to be employed, the dates spent outside of the U.S. do not need to be tracked or reported as days of unemployment. 

While traveling on OPT, students are advised to carry the following:

  • The most recent I-20, signed for travel (remember that each travel signature is valid for only six months during the period of OPT)
     
  • A valid F-1 visa stamp
       
  • A passport valid for at least 6 months into the future from the date of re-entry to the U.S.
      
  • A valid EAD card
      
  • A job offer or employment letter detailing your job duties.

If you are traveling outside the U.S. after your degree completion it is the OIS's recommendation you have the OPT card for re-entry.

For more information on travel, visit the SEVIS Travel Q&A page.

Some students experience difficulty when applying for renewal of their F-1 visa stamp while they are on OPT.  If your visa stamp is expired, or will soon expire, keep this in mind.