Post-Completion OPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT allows you to be employed in a job related to your major for up to 12 months at each education level (bachelor's, master's, PhD). We recommend that you contact ISS to start the OPT application process 3-4 months in advance.

Eligibility for OPT:

• Meet the one academic year enrollment requirement.

• Seek employment directly related to your major area of study.

Previous work impacts your eligibility for OPT:

• Part-time pre-completion OPT counts at half the rate (for example: 6 months of part-time OPT only deducts 3 months from total available 12 months).

• If you take more than 12 months of full-time CPT, you will be ineligible for OPT.

• Part-time CPT and on campus employment do not affect OPT eligibility.

OPT Application Process

ISS will need to update your I-20 by adding a recommendation for OPT. To do this, we will need:

OPT Canvas Course: Students must complete the course and quiz with an 80% or higher before submitting the requset forms below.

Proof of Graduation: Your success coach will help you fill out the form to confirm your graduation plans. This is not required for pre-completion OPT.

OPT Acknowledgement Form: Review the policy information on the form and choose a start date. For post-completion OPT, the earliest start date can be the day after the end of the semester and the latest start date can be 60 days after the end of the semester. You can choose any day from within this 60 day window as your start date.

Prepare OPT Application Materials

In addition to your OPT I-20 from ISS, you will need to prepare the following documents for your OPT application:

• Filing Fee: Visit the USCIS website for payment methods and current fee rates

• I-765 Form: Be sure to use the current form version from the USCIS website and follow USCIS instructions.

• Passport Photos: You will need two, recent passport photos. It is not recommended to use leftover photos from your passport or visa application. Use professional photos, not photos printed at home. U.S. Department of State has some general guidance about passport photos.

• Past Employment Authorization Documents: This may or may not apply to you. If you have been authorized for CPT, include a copy of your CPT I-20. If you have previously had OPT, include a copy of your OPT card. Information about on campus employment is not required.

• Valid Passport Copy

• F-1 Visa Copy

• I-94 Record

• Previous I-20 Forms: If you previously had an I-20 with a different SEVIS ID number, you will need a copy of this I-20 for your application.

View complete instructions for applying to USCIS for OPT. ISS can review your application materials based on our experience and current information. OPT is a personal application you make to USCIS and it is your responsibility to review the USCIS instructions thoroughly.

Please note applicants may receive a USCIS notice requiring them to attend a Biometrics Services Appointment at an ASC. Students should follow the instructions in the notice to schedule their appointment.