Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a form of training, often paid, that directly relates to your program of study. You can apply for OPT during your program of study, which is known as pre-completion OPT, or after you finish your program of study, know as post-completion OPT.

In order to apply for OPT, F-1 students must request approval from their DSO. A DSO makes this recommendation in SEVIS and by endorsing a student’s Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” The student must then file the Form I-765, “Application for Employment Authorization” and supporting documents with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and if approved, USCIS will issue a Form I-766, “Employment Authorization Document.” You cannot begin your training until you receive your authorization from USCIS.

Pre-completion OPT is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session, but can be full-time during breaks and annual vacation.

You can apply for 12 months of OPT at each education level, (i.e., you may have 12 months of OPT at the bachelor’s level and another 12 months of OPT at the master’s level).

Whether you plan to apply online or by mail with USCIS you must first follow these steps to receive a new I-20 from ISSD specifically recommending you for OPT on page 2. Please follow the steps below:

When to Apply

F-1 students may submit their Post-Completion OPT application to USCIS:

• Earliest: Up to 90 days before the official semester end date of your final term

• Latest: Before the end of the 60-day grace period following your program completion

🔔 Note: ISSD begins accepting OPT requests starting the 4th week of the semester to allow time for SEVIS registration.

📌 Processing Timeline Overview

Once you submit your complete OPT request, please allow up to 10 business days for ISSD to review your request and issue your new OPT I-20.

After you receive your new I-20 with the OPT recommendation, you must submit your full OPT application to USCIS within 30 days of the I-20 issuance date.

Once USCIS receives your application, it may take an average of 1 to 3 months (or more) to process and approve your OPT request.

Please note: ISSD has no control over USCIS processing times, so we strongly encourage students to apply as early as possible within the allowed filing window.

⏰ Why Apply Early?

Submitting your OPT application early within the eligible filing window gives you the best chance of timely approval and allows you to plan more effectively for employment start dates.

📄 OPT Application Window Key Dates

(Dates below are in MM/DD/YYYY format — insert term-specific dates as needed) 

While You Wait for OPT Approval

After submitting your OPT application, you can monitor your case and stay informed by using the USCIS website:🔗 Visit USCIS.gov

✅ What You Can Do:

📌 1. Check Your Case Status

Once you receive your Receipt Notice (Form I-797) by mail (usually within 2–4 weeks), you can:

• Go to USCIS Case Status

• Enter your Receipt Number (found on the top of your I-797 notice)

📌 2. Check OPT Processing Times

• Visit the USCIS Processing Times page

• Select Form: I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)

• Use the Service Center listed on your receipt notice to view estimated timelines

📌 3. Create a USCIS Online Account

• Sign up at my.uscis.gov

• Allows you to:

  • Track your case status

  • Get email/text updates

  • Upload documents (if you filed online or want to link your paper application)

🔔 Tip: Keep a copy of your I-797 receipt notice—it’s required for tracking your case and for any follow-up with USCIS or ISSD.

✅ After your OPT is approved and you begin working, you must complete the mandatory OPT Reporting Form.

📅 When Can You Start Working?

• Only begin working after USCIS has approved your OPT and the start date listed on your EAD card (Employment Authorization Document).

• Do not work before the OPT start date or between your program end date and OPT start date—this is considered unauthorized employment.

⏱️ Employment Requirements

• You must work at least 20 hours per week in a position related to your degree.

• There is no maximum limit on hours—you may work full-time.

• Both paid and unpaid work (e.g., internships or volunteer positions) are acceptable if:

  • The work is related to your I-20 major.

  • It meets the 20-hour per week minimum.

  • The employer is U.S.-based.

🧾 Reporting Requirements

• Report your employment before reaching 90 days of unemployment, which begins from the OPT start date on your EAD card.

• All employment must be reported via the OPT Reporting Form, including:

  • Paid jobs

  • Unpaid internships

  • Self-employment

  • Multiple employers

💼 Self-Employment

• Self-employment is allowed during Post-OPT if:

  • Your business is directly related to your major.

  • You are working full-time (20+ hours/week).

• ISSD cannot provide legal business advice, but you can visit sba.gov for resources on starting a business in the U.S.

📍 On-Campus Work

• If you are currently working on campus:

  • You must stop once your final term ends (based on your updated I-20 program end date).

  • You may only resume work on or after your OPT start date listed on your EAD card.

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) launched the SEVP Portal, which streamlines the SEVIS update process by enabling F-1 students participating in post-completion optional practical training (OPT) to report personal and employer information directly to SEVP. Link to the SEVP Portal:  https://sevp.ice.gov/opt/#/login

Through the portal, students can now:

• Add or edit their phone number.

• Add or edit their mailing and physical address.

• Add or edit their employer information.

For more information on how the SEVP Portal works click  here.

When your Post-Completion OPT ends, you enter a 60-day Grace Period. Here’s what you can and cannot do during this time:

📌 What You Can Do:

• Stay in the U.S. for up to 60 days to prepare for:

  • Departure

  • Transfer to another school

  • Change of education level (e.g., enrolling in a new program at SFBC)

🚫 What You Cannot Do:

• No employment of any kind is allowed during the Grace Period.

• You cannot receive a new travel signature on your I-20 after OPT ends.

• You cannot leave the U.S. and return on your SFBC F-1 visa and I-20 once your OPT has ended.

🎓 Planning to Study at SFBC Again?

If you plan to start a new program at SFBC after OPT:

• Submit the Change of Education Level Request Form in Populi.

• ISSD will review your request and issue a new I-20 for the next degree level.

• Interested in a graduate program? Contact Admissions to complete program-specific requirements.

🎓 Transferring to Another U.S. School?

If you are accepted to a new school and wish to transfer your SEVIS record:

1. Send your acceptance letter and transfer release form (if applicable) to issd@sfbc.edu.

2. Request that ISSD transfer your SEVIS record to the new school.

3. You must receive a new I-20 from the new school within your 60-day grace period.

4. Your new program must begin within 5 months of your OPT end date.