• You must currently be in F-1 status.

• You must have been a full-time student for at least one academic year in the US. (with the same SEVIS number, generally directly prior to your application or you will meet this qualification by the time the OPT is approved).

• You must be in good academic standing and be making normal progress toward finishing your degree.

• You must not have used more than 12 months of OPT in the past at your current degree level.

• You do NOT need to have a job offer in order to apply for OPT, but you must intend to work in a field that is directly related to your major field of study.

• You have not left the US since completing your program and are currently in the U.S.

• You file a complete application for OPT during the filing period (between 90 days before your completion date to within 60 days of your completion date). The application must include a new I-20 with a recommendation for OPT from the OISVS. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you are getting your degree through ACU online, you are not eligible for OPT. Please contact us if you have any questions about your OPT eligibility.

You can be authorized for a maximum of 12 months of OPT for each (higher) degree level you complete. If you are studying within certain fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), you may be eligible for a STEM OPT extension.

Students on post-completion OPT must report your job information in the SEVP portal within 90 days of being on OPT. If you don't report your employment or find a job within that time, your OPT will automatically end. If your portal is not available, submit our E-FORM: Report your job information.

You can use your OPT:

• before you finish your studies (this is called Pre-Completion OPT)

• after you finish your studies (this is called Post-Completion OPT)

• or a combination of the two, as long as the total amount of OPT does not exceed 12 months.

It takes around 3-5 months for OPT to be approved, so we recommend you plan ahead. 

1. Your academic advisor signs off on a request form (1 week).

2. OISVS prepares your new I-20 (up to 1 week).

3. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates your application and proces and mails the Employment Authorization Document as evidence of your work authorization. 

Check the US government processing times. [You must select "I-765" for form type. For Field Office or Service Center, most of our students' applications go to the Potomac Service Center.] Generally the earlier you file during the semester, the quicker your application is adjudicated.

Expedited Processing for OPT Applications (Optional)

Premium processing is available for OPT applications for an additional fee. As of August 2024, that fee was $1,685, but check for current pricing here.

USCIS agrees to reviewed the application within 30 business days with one of the following outcomes: 

• issue an approval notice (+ add 2 weeks for EAD production & mailing)

• issue a denial notice

• issue a notice of intent to deny

• issue a request for evidence

• open an investigation for fraud or misrepresentation

Full details on how to request premium processing are on the USCIS webpage for the Form I-907. Premium processing can be requested at the time of your initial application, or at a later date, both through your My.USCIS account.

• To use OPT before you finish your studies, review the Pre-Completion OPT information.

• To use OPT after you finish your studies, review the Post-Completion OPT information.

If you travel outside the U.S. and reenter the U.S. before your program end date, check out the travel page in the handbook here. 

Students wishing to travel after your program end date are advised to discuss your plans with the immigration advisor in the OISVS. There are a few risks and complexities, and in some cases, leaving the U.S. may cancel your OPT application.

US government regulations state that optional practical training employment is automatically terminated when a student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level (online or in-person). Only recreational or avocational classes are permissible while on OPT.

Thinking of starting your own business? If you're an F-1 student on OPT, you may be able to become a self-employed business owner in limited circumstances. Unfortunately, this type of advising is beyond our area of expertise. So, if you're serious about getting a business started, discuss your plans with an immigration attorney who works with a corporate attorney. See international students and entrepreneurship for more information about your options while you are in F-1 status. You can also find information on the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Entrepreneur Visa Guide which itemizes US visa options beyond F-1 and J-1 status.

Because starting your own business constitutes work (as long as you are physically present in the U.S.), you MUST have employment authorization PRIOR TO starting your own business. Students in F-1 status must qualify and apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) if they plan to start a business. The business must relate to your program of study and can occur either before or after the completion of your program of study. For more information about international students and entrepreneurship, see this US government resource.

Please keep in mind that you are required to have employment authorization for any employment you engage in while in the United States. This includes work you may be doing remotely for a U.S. employer, or for an employer outside the U.S. 

Students are advised to consult an immigration attorney if you’d like to remain in the U.S. and work remotely for a non-U.S. employer.

 Please note, the information contained on this page is for general information purposes only. Due to frequent government updates, the OISVS may make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents on this page at any time without prior notice.