Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) as an International Student

Question

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

What are the rules concerning OPT?

Answer

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

1. What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
   • As defined by USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services), Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s field of study (major for undergraduate students/program for graduate students)
     Types of OPT:
     ✓ pre-completion
     ✓ post-completion
     ✓ STEM extension
2. Who is eligible?
   To be eligible to apply for OPT:
   • Students should have been full time enrolled for at least 1 academic year (spring and fall terms or fall and spring terms, depending on when they started their USD program) before submitting their OPT application to USCIS.
   • Students have maintained valid F-1 status at the time of the application.
   • Students have not used more than 12 months of full-time CPT during their current degree level (part-time doesn't affect OPT eligibility).
   • Students have not used OPT at the same degree level previously.
3. What is my status while on post-completion OPT? What visa do I have?
   • If your OPT application is approved, you will still have an F1 status. Your visa will still be F1.
4. May I apply for post-completion OPT again if I have completed a second program?
   • If the second program is at the same degree level, no.
   • If the second program is at a higher degree level, yes.
5. May I save any unused post-completion OPT months and use them later?
   • No. Any unused OPT months may not be saved nor used at a later date.
6. Do I need a Social Security Number (SSN) to work in the U.S.?
   • Yes. If you do not have an SSN already, you can apply for one at the time of your OPT application.

Application Process

Students must be physically present in U.S. at the time of their OPT application.

While the process is between the student and USCIS, it starts with the USD OPT form request.

Once the request form is filled out, signed by the student and advisor, and reviewed by our office, if approved, an I-20 with the OPT recommendation on it will be issued to the student.

The student will need to submit their OPT application to USCIS for adjudication within 30 days of having his OPT I-20 issued or before the end date of their 60-day grace period, whichever is earlier.

1. When should I apply for OPT?
   • You may apply up to 90 days before your program completion date and no later than 60 days after that date. Your application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the OPT I-20 recommendation issued by the DSO or before the end date of your 60-day grace period, whichever is earlier.
2. What start date should I add to the OPT Request form?
   • Your start date must be a date within the 60-day grace period after your program completion date on your I-20 form. The decision should be made by taking into consideration any employment offer start dates and hiring times in your field of study.
3. Can I change my start dates?
   • If you did not send your OPT application to USCIS, you may ask your DSO to cancel the previous OPT recommendation and then submit a new request with the new dates.
   • If you already submitted your application to USCIS, and they have approved it, you cannot change the start dates of your OPT recommendation.
4. May I cancel my OPT application once I have applied?
   • Depending on the status of your OPT application, this may be possible or not. Contact your DSO as soon as possible if you have decided to cancel your application.
5. Do I need to have a job or job offer to apply for OPT?
   • No, a job offer is not required to apply for OPT.
6. How do I apply for OPT?
   Students are encouraged to apply online at this time.
   • Create an online account with USCIS:  https://myaccount.uscis.gov/ 
   • Enter the verification code
   • Click  myUSCIS, file a form online
   • Click Application for Employment Authorization (I-765)
   • Fill out the I-765 form
   • Upload your photo
   • Upload the rest of the required documents (see below); do NOT forget to add a copy of your OPT I-20!
   • Check your application and fix any alerts.
   • Pay the fee (check the USCIS website for the most up to date fees).
   • Read and sign the application statement.
   • Submit your application.
7. What documents are needed for my OPT application?
   • Completed I-765 form
   • Scanned copy of your OPT I-20 is required
   • If you had CPT or OPT approved in the past, scanned copies of those I-20s are required; scanned copies of all your previous I-20s (highly recommended)
   • Scanned copy of your EAD card if you had one approved before (front and back)
   • Scanned copy of your passport (identification page, visa page)
   • Scanned copy of your most recent I-94
   • Scanned passport photo style (check the USCIS photo requirements)
8. What is a Request for Evidence (RFE)?
   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Sometimes USCIS might request additional information for your application. If you receive an RFE and have questions, contact our office. Respond as soon as possible by following the USCIS instructions and deadlines listed in the RFE packet.

​​​​​​​After you have submitted your OPT application to USCIS, you will receive the following pieces of mail from them: a receipt notification for paying the fee, a decision notice, and if approved, your EAD card. Keep them all in a safe place.

Link to USD Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request Form