Janice Lozano
International students on an F-1 visa in the United States may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain work experience in their field of study. OPT is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study, and students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT authorization before or after completing their academic studies. The process involves applying to the Designated School Official (DSO) for a recommendation and then submitting an application to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While on OPT, students must adhere to various reporting requirements and employment conditions, and there are specific rules for STEM students and extensions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for OPT? | F-1 students who have completed at least one full academic year of full-time study and are at the end of their academic program. Undergraduate students must be graduating, and graduate students may apply if only thesis or dissertation requirements remain. |
| What is the duration of OPT? | Students are eligible for 12 months of OPT per degree level. It can be used before and/or after completing their academic studies, but the pre-completion OPT duration will be deducted from the post-completion OPT. |
| Can OPT be extended? | Yes, in two instances: 1) Students with a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) who are hired by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify government program can apply for a 24-month extension. 2) Students with a filed and pending H-1B petition will automatically receive an extension of status and work authorization. |
| What is the application process for OPT? | First, request that your Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT by endorsing your Form I-20. Then, submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documentation. |
| Are there any travel restrictions during OPT? | Travel is allowed during the OPT application process but is not recommended due to potential risks. Students on OPT can remain in the US to seek employment in their field of study and will need fresh travel signatures every 6 months. |
| What are the employment requirements during OPT? | Students on post-completion OPT are expected to be employed and can be unemployed for a maximum of 90 days. Employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study and can include unpaid internships or volunteer work that complies with labor laws. |
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What You'll Learn
OPT eligibility requirements
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to gain real-world work experience directly related to their major area of study.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for OPT, students must:
- Be enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students.
- Request that their Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution recommends the OPT by endorsing their Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), accompanied by the required fee and supporting documentation.
- Receive approval from USCIS and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning their pre- or post-completion OPT.
- Comply with all requirements for maintaining their student status, including reporting any changes in legal name, address, or employment to their DSO.
- Only work for U.S. employers, as employment for non-US entities does not meet OPT employment requirements.
It is important to note that students must carefully review the OPT tutorial and follow the application process to ensure their eligibility for OPT. Additionally, working in the United States without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country and reentry bars.
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Pre-completion OPT
To apply for pre-completion OPT, students must first request a recommendation for pre-completion OPT from their Designated School Official (DSO) on their Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. The DSO will make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students must then submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), along with the required fee and supporting documentation. USCIS advises that students should not submit their application until they have received the recommendation from their DSO, as applications submitted before this time will be denied.
Once a student's OPT application is approved, they will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. Students must not begin working before the start date on the EAD, and they must have the EAD card with them when starting work. Students are required to work or actively seek employment during the OPT authorization period, and they must report any changes in employment or interruptions to their DSO. Students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session.
It is important to note that working in the United States without authorization has serious consequences, including removal from the country and re-entry bars. Therefore, students should be mindful of the rules and regulations surrounding OPT and ensure they maintain their student status.
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Post-completion OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to gain real-world work experience directly related to their field of major area of study. Students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion).
To apply for post-completion OPT, you must have completed fewer than 365 days of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the degree level for which you are applying for OPT. You must also have completed all coursework and be inside the U.S. You must apply within 90 days before and up to 60 days after your expected program completion date.
If you have not used any pre-completion OPT time, you may request up to 12 months of post-completion OPT. You must select a start date within the 60-day grace period of your program. You can choose your own start and end date for OPT, even if you do not yet have a job offer. However, you must not begin your post-completion OPT until your Form I-765 is approved and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
While on post-completion OPT, you are expected to be employed. You can be unemployed for a maximum of 90 days, after which your SEVIS record may be automatically terminated. You must report any changes in employment or interruption of employment to your Designated School Official (DSO).
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OPT application process
The OPT application process can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to be aware of all the steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:
Eligibility for OPT:
Before starting the application process, ensure you are eligible for OPT (Optional Practical Training). OPT is available for F-1 students who want to gain practical work experience related to their field of study. To be eligible, you must have been enrolled full-time for one academic year at an institution certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students.
Requesting a Recommendation:
The first step is to request a recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO) at your academic institution. The DSO will endorse your Form I-20, "Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", and make the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). This recommendation is crucial for your OPT application.
Completing Form I-765:
After receiving the DSO's recommendation, you can proceed to complete Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization." This form needs to be properly filed with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and accompanied by the required fee and supporting documentation as outlined in the form instructions. You can submit the form online or by mail, but ensure you do not mail it without tracking information. USCIS processing times can be up to 5 months, so plan accordingly.
Receiving Employment Authorization:
Once your Form I-765 is approved by USCIS, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This document authorizes you to begin your pre-completion or post-completion OPT. Remember, you must not start working before the start date on your EAD, and you need to adhere to the work hour requirements for OPT.
Maintaining F-1 Status:
While on OPT, it is essential to maintain your F-1 student status. This includes reporting any changes in your legal name, address, or employment status to your DSO. Additionally, ensure that you do not work on a terminated EAD, as it will affect your authorization to work in the United States. Working without authorization can lead to serious consequences, including removal from the country.
Social Security Number (SSN):
You will need an SSN for any paid employment in the United States. You can apply for your SSN as part of your OPT application, but you will receive the SSN card only after your OPT is approved.
Travel During OPT:
Travel during the OPT application process is allowed, but it is not recommended due to certain associated risks. If you choose to travel, ensure you refer to the specific guidelines and requirements outlined by your institution and USCIS.
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OPT employment rules
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to gain real-world work experience related to their field of study. OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study.
To apply for OPT, students must first request that their Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution recommend OPT. The DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing the student's Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Once the DSO has recommended OPT, students must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), accompanied by the required fee and supporting documentation. Students must not file Form I-765 until after the DSO has recommended OPT in their SEVIS records and they have received the updated Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation.
After USCIS approves the student's Form I-765, the student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students may not begin their pre- or post-completion OPT until they have received their EAD. The EAD card must be in the student's possession before starting work.
During the OPT period, students are required to work a minimum of 20 hours per week, paid or unpaid, to maintain legal F-1 OPT status. Students must report any changes in employment or interruptions in employment to their DSO. Students on post-completion OPT can be unemployed for a total of 90 days; accruing 90 days of unemployment will result in automatic termination of SEVIS records.
It is important for students to keep records of their employment history while on OPT. Additionally, travel during the OPT application process is allowed but not recommended due to certain risks.
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Frequently asked questions
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study.
OPT is not a requirement for international students, but it is an option for those who wish to gain work experience in their field of study.
OPT allows international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study and extend their stay in the United States for employment purposes.
International students must first request a recommendation for OPT from their Designated School Official (DSO). They will then need to submit an OPT application, including supporting documentation and fees, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
