Ibrahim Gardner
International students on an F-1 visa in the United States can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to receive temporary employment authorization directly related to their major area of study. OPT is available both before and after completion of academic studies, with a maximum of 12 months of authorization per degree level. Students can apply for OPT by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, within 30 days of receiving a recommendation for OPT from their school's Designated School Official (DSO). The application process requires unretouched photos and compliance with federal regulations, and students must maintain their F-1 status and abide by all F-1 regulations during their OPT period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for OPT? | F-1 students who have been full-time students for at least one academic year and are seeking employment in their major field of study. |
| What is OPT? | Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization that provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off-campus. |
| How long is OPT valid for? | OPT is valid for 12 months, with a minimum of 20 hours of work per week. |
| When to apply for OPT? | OPT can be applied for in the student's last semester. The application must be submitted within 30 days of the Date Issued on the OPT I-20. |
| Where to apply for OPT? | OPT applications are submitted to the USCIS Service Center. |
| Application fee | The application fee for OPT is $380. |
| Application requirements | Students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," within 30 days of receiving a DSO OPT recommendation. They must also submit unmounted and unretouched photos. |
| Reporting requirements | Students must report any changes in their legal name, address, or employment status to their DSO while on OPT. |
| Unemployment rules | Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment. If a student accumulates 90 days or more of unemployment, they are in violation of their F-1 status and must leave the U.S., transfer to another school, or change their visa status. |
| Extension | Students with a STEM degree can apply for a 24-month extension of OPT by submitting Form I-765 with a fee. |
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What You'll Learn
Eligibility requirements
To be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) as an international student, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be an F-1 student, which means you are enrolled in 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.
- You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two consecutive semesters) or, in some cases, three academic quarters.
- You must be seeking employment in the United States directly related to your major field of study.
- You must not have used all of your optional practical training available at your current level of study.
- You must maintain your student status, including not working on a terminated Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Working without authorization can result in serious consequences, including removal from the country.
- You must have a Social Security Number (SSN) for any paid employment in the United States. You can apply for this as part of your OPT application.
- You must not be studying English as a Second Language.
- You must have completed your studies or be in your final semester.
- Undergraduate students must be graduating, while graduate students may apply if only thesis or dissertation requirements remain.
- You must not have previously used Post-Completion OPT for the same degree level.
- You must have less than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same degree level.
- If you are applying for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension, you must hold a STEM degree (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) and be hired by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify government program.
It is important to note that eligibility requirements may vary depending on your specific situation and educational institution. If you are uncertain about your eligibility, you should meet with an International Student Services (ISS) advisor or a designated school official (DSO) for guidance.
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Application process
The application process for Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be complex, with strict rules and guidance to follow. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Eligibility:
First, confirm your eligibility for OPT. To be eligible, you must be an F-1 student with full-time status for at least one academic year (two consecutive semesters). You should not have used OPT before at the same degree level. Additionally, your employment must be directly related to your major area of study.
DSO Recommendation:
Next, consult your school's Designated School Official (DSO). They will verify your eligibility and recommend OPT in your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records. This recommendation is crucial and must be made within 30 days of your application.
Form I-20:
Request Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from your DSO. This form confirms your eligibility for OPT and contains important information like the OPT validity dates.
Form I-765:
After receiving your Form I-20, you can proceed to file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization." This form must be submitted within 30 days of your DSO's recommendation. Include the required fee and ensure your application is complete and accurate.
Supporting Documents:
Along with Form I-765, you will need to submit supporting documents, such as a recent passport-style photograph. Ensure the photo is unmounted and unretouched, complying with the specified requirements. You may also need to provide additional documents as per the instructions.
Submission and Processing:
Submit your completed application package, including Forms I-20 and I-765, to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You may opt for Premium Processing for faster processing times. During the processing period, maintain your student status and keep your information up to date with your DSO.
EAD Card:
Once your OPT application is approved by USCIS, you will receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. You cannot begin working until you have received this card and reached the start date on it. Your EAD card is essential for employment verification and maintaining your legal status while on OPT.
Remember, it is crucial to adhere to the deadlines, provide accurate information, and stay in close communication with your DSO and International Student Office throughout the process. Each step must be carefully executed to increase your chances of a successful OPT application.
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Employment rules
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of temporary employment authorization for international students in the United States who hold F-1 status. It allows students to gain practical work experience directly related to their major area of study. The OPT employment must be directly related to the student's field of study, and it cannot require physical presence in the US.
Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT authorization, which can be used either before or after completing their academic studies. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work 20 hours or less per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session. To be eligible for pre-completion OPT, students must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one full academic year at a college or university certified by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students.
Post-completion OPT is available to students who have completed their studies and plan to seek employment in their major field of study. Students on post-completion OPT are expected to be employed and can have up to 90 days of unemployment. If a student accumulates 90 days or more of unemployment, they are in violation of their F-1 status and are expected to leave the US, transfer to another school, or change their visa status.
Students can also apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT if they have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields and meet other requirements.
During the OPT period, students must follow certain rules and regulations to maintain their F-1 status, including reporting any changes in employment or address to the designated school official (DSO) and the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within a specified timeframe. Students are also required to report if they end their OPT early.
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Changing degree programs
Pre-Completion OPT
Pre-completion OPT is available for F-1 students who have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year at a college or university certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). During the pre-completion OPT, students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session.
Post-Completion OPT
Post-completion OPT can be applied for after completing your studies. If authorized for post-completion OPT, students must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time.
Now, if you are changing degree programs, here are some key points to consider:
- Same Education Level: If you are switching to a different degree program but remaining at the same education level (e.g., switching from one bachelor's degree program to another), you may be able to continue your OPT. However, you must ensure that your new program of study is directly related to your major area of study and that you have not exceeded the allowable OPT time.
- Different Education Level: If you are transferring to another school or moving to a higher education level (e.g., completing a bachelor's degree and starting a master's program), your OPT authorization will automatically terminate. In this case, you will need to reapply for OPT under your new program, and your F-1 status will not be affected.
- STEM OPT Extension: If you have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT. If you change to a different STEM degree program at a higher educational level, you may be able to apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension.
- Reporting Requirements: Remember to report any changes in your legal name, address, or employment status to your Designated School Official (DSO) while on OPT. Additionally, ensure that your employment is directly related to your major area of study.
It is important to consult with your DSO and international student advisors throughout this process to ensure that you are complying with all regulations and that your OPT application is correctly submitted.
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OPT extensions
Students can participate in the STEM OPT extension twice over their academic career, but they cannot apply during the 60-day grace period following the initial 12-month post-completion OPT. To participate twice, students must earn a second qualifying degree at a higher education level and be participating in an initial period of OPT when applying for the second extension.
To apply for the STEM OPT extension, students must submit Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, endorsed by their DSO within the last 60 days, along with a copy of their STEM degree. If the OPT period expires while the extension application is pending, the student's employment authorization will be automatically extended for 180 days.
Students must also work with their potential employer to complete Form I-983, which outlines the training opportunity's direct relationship to the student's STEM degree. The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and provide a formal training program that builds on the student's academic learning.
It is important to note that transferring to another school or beginning studies at a higher level will result in the automatic termination of OPT employment authorization. Therefore, students should carefully time their OPT and extension applications to align with their academic plans.
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Frequently asked questions
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, which is temporary employment authorization for F-1 students in the US. It allows students to gain practical work experience by applying knowledge from their field of study.
To be eligible for OPT, you must be an F-1 student with full-time status for at least one academic year. You should also be seeking employment in your major field of study.
You need to file Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," within 30 days of receiving your DSO OPT recommendation. You must also ensure that your OPT request in SEVIS is still in "Requested" status, otherwise, your application will be automatically canceled.
Yes, you can work full-time during breaks and part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session. You can also work as a volunteer or unpaid intern for at least 20 hours per week.
If your OPT application is denied, you will need to reapply and pay the fee again. You may also need to request reconsideration or consult an advisor to understand your options.
