OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)? –

  • OPT is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students to work off campus 
  • It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study 
  • A student may participate in 12 months of OPT once per degree level 


Types of Optional Practical Training –


Pre-Completion OPT  –

  • Occurs before your program end date 
  • Not for students that want to work after graduation. 
  • Ideal for students that are planning to go home after graduating or go immediately to graduate or post-graduate school 


Post-Completion OPT  –

  • Begins after you graduate 
  • Most common 


Eligbility –

To apply for Post-Completion OPT, an F-1 student must: 

  • Have completed a full academic year on the same SEVIS record 
  • Fall and spring or spring and fall semesters 
  • Summer courses do not count 
  • Intensive English courses do not count 
  • Be in good academic standing 

 

The following situations will make a student ineligible: 

  • Completed 365 days of full-time CPT at the same degree level 
  • Completed 12 months of Pre-completion OPT at the same or higher degree level 
  • Completed 12 months of Post-completion OPT at the same or higher degree level 


OPT Application Process –

  1. Attend the OPT Workshop. 
  2. Log into emporia-isss.terradotta.com. Select Start New Request and find F-1: OPT Document Review Request. Select Start Request and complete required fields. 
  3. After submission, OIE will review your documents. If approved, you will receive an OPT I-20. 
  4. Use this I-20 within 30 days to apply for OPT with USCIS and wait 3-5 months for the USCIS decision. 


Employment and Unemployment –


Employment –

  • You must find employment in your field of study. 
  • Your employer must guarantee you at least 20 hours per week.   
  • You may work remotely in the US. 
  • No limit to how many hours you can work. 
  • You cannot start working until you have your EAD in hand, and it is on or after your OPT start date. 


Unemployment –

  • You get a maximum of 90 days of unemployment. 
  • The 90 days of unemployment counter starts on the EAD start date. 
  • It is cumulative. 
  • If you receive the EAD after the authorized employment start date, you will accumulate some unemployment days. 


Reporting Requirements –

To maintain status, you must keep your own SEVIS record up to date via the SEVP portal, or through the OIE. The following information must be reported within 10 days: 

  • Change of address 
  • Start of employment 
  • Complete the F-1: Add STEM OPT Employer on emporia-isss.terradotta.com 
  • End of employment 
  • Change of supervisor 
  • Change of positions with same employer 


International Travel –

Pending USCIS Application before Graduation 

  • Should be for emergencies only 
  • USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence which will need to be returned in a timely manner 

 

Pending USCIS Application after Graduation 

  • Strongly not recommended 
  • USCIS may send you a Request for Evidence which will need to be returned in a timely manner 
  • Customs and Border Protection (CBP) does not have to let you back into the U.S. 

 

Traveling after Receiving EAD without Employment 

  • It is not recommended. Students have done it before, but there is no guarantee for re-entry. 
  • Travel with the following documents: I-20 with travel signature (good for only 6 months!), valid passport, valid F-1 visa, EAD, proof of job search 

 

Traveling after Receiving EAD with Employment 

  • Most recommended, safest option for re-entry 
  • Travel with the following documents: I-20 with travel signature (good for only 6 months!), valid passport, valid F-1 visa, EAD, proof of employment 


Frequently Asked Questions –

When can I apply for OPT? 

You can apply for OPT through USCIS as early as 90 days before your I-20 Program End Date. You can apply as late as 60 days after your I-20 Program End Date. 

 

What if I applied for OPT, but I didn't end up graduating? 

If it is before your Program End Date, mail USCIS a request to cancel your application. If it is after your Program End Date, you’ll need to go home. 

 

When can my OPT start? 

You can select a start date as early as the day after your Program End Date and as late as 60 days after your Program End Date. 

 

Can I work more than one job on OPT? 

Yes, but all jobs must meet the same criteria of 20 hours or more per week and in your field of study.  

 

What if I don't find a job?  

You are only permitted 90 days of unemployment. If you exceed 90 days, your record will be terminated. You must take action before the 90 days runs out. Actions include starting a new program (if it is within 5 months), applying for a change of status, or going home.  

 

What if I want to start a new program? 

You can apply and participate in OPT until your new program starts. As soon as your record transfers to your new university or ESU registers you for your new program, your OPT will end.