Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 international students to work in the United States in a job directly related to their major field of study.

OPT gives you the opportunity to gain practical experience in your area of study before or after graduation. 

💡 What Is OPT?

OPT is temporary employment authorization granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

There are two main types:

• Pre-Completion OPT: before you finish your program.

• Post-Completion OPT: after you complete your program.

You may work up to 12 months per academic level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral).

📋 Eligibility Requirements

To apply for Post-Completion OPT, you must:

• Be in valid F-1 status.

• Have completed at least one full academic year at SFBC.

• Have not used more than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

• Be completing your current program of study.

• Plan to work in a position directly related to your major.

⚙️ Pre-Completion vs. Post-Completion OPT

💼 Types of Allowed Employment

You may work in any of the following, as long as the job relates to your major:

• Paid employment (full-time or part-time)

• Multiple employers

• Short-term contract or project work

• Self-employment or business ownership

• Employment through an agency

• Volunteer or unpaid internship (if it relates to your major)

🚫 Unallowed Employment

You cannot:

• Work before your OPT start date on your EAD card

• Work after your EAD expires

• Work in a position unrelated to your field of study

• Accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during Post-Completion OPT

🧾 How to Apply for OPT

Step 1. Complete the OPT Workshop

• Read through the online OPT Information Session and complete the quiz.

• You must score 100/100 to move to the next step.

Step 2. Submit the OPT I-20 Request Form

• Upload your quiz certificate, passport, visa, I-94, and 2x2 passport photo.

• Submit your OPT Request Form to ISSD.

• Allow 7–10 business days for your new I-20 with OPT recommendation.

Step 3. File Your OPT Application with USCIS

• Once you receive your new I-20, submit Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) to USCIS within 30 days of the I-20 recommendation date.

• You can apply up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after that date.

• You may file online or by mail.

Step 4. Wait for Your EAD Card

• USCIS processing usually takes 1–3 months.

• You cannot begin working until you receive your EAD card and your start date has arrived.

🕒 OPT Timeline Example

🌎 Travel While on OPT

You may travel outside the U.S. during OPT, but be careful.
You must carry:

• Valid passport

• Valid F-1 visa

• I-20 signed for travel within the last 6 months

• EAD card

• Proof of employment (job offer letter or pay stub)

⚠️ Traveling while your OPT application is still pending is not recommended. If you travel before your EAD is approved, re-entry is not guaranteed.

🧭 Reporting Requirements

Once your OPT is approved, you must report the following to the DSO or SEVP Portal within 10 days of any change:

• Employer name and address

• Job title and description

• Start or end date of employment

• Changes in personal address or contact info

Failure to report employment for 90 consecutive days will result in automatic termination of your SEVIS record.

📬 While You Wait for Approval

While your OPT application is pending:

• You must not begin working.

• You may stay in the U.S. and prepare for employment.

• You may check your USCIS case status at uscis.gov.

✅ After OPT Ends: Grace Period & Next Steps

When your OPT ends, you have a 60-day grace period to:

• Depart the U.S.

• Transfer to another SEVP-certified school.

• Start a new academic program at SFBC (request a new I-20).

• Apply for a change of immigration status (if eligible).

During the 60-day grace period:

• ❌ You may not work.

• ✅ You may remain in the U.S. to make travel or study plans.

🔁 Planning to Continue at SFBC?

If you are accepted into a new degree program at SFBC:

• Contact ISSD before your OPT end date.

• A new I-20 will be issued for your next program level.

• Your SEVIS record will remain active.

🎓 Transferring to Another U.S. School?

If you plan to transfer your SEVIS record after OPT:

• Submit the Transfer-Out Request Form to ISSD.

• Provide your new school’s SEVIS code and acceptance letter.

• The transfer must occur within 60 days of your OPT end date.

Common Questions: