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Optional Practical Training (OPT) Questions & Answers
- What is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?
- Who is eligible for OPT?
- When can I apply?
- Do I need a job offer in order to apply?
- How do I apply for OPT?
- Can I go in person to the USCIS office to apply for OPT?
- When can I start work under OPT? Does OPT employment need to be full time?
- What's the difference between OPT and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
- If I had CPT, can I still have OPT?
- Can I take classes if I have OPT?
- Can I change employers if I have OPT?
- Can I travel outside the USA if I have OPT?
- How long can I stay in the US after my OPT expires?
- Can I return to school after completing OPT?
- If I have OPT for a year and return to school for another degree, can I have another year of OPT?
- If I apply for OPT and then decide not use it, can I get my OPT time back?
What is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?
OPT is defined in the regulations as "temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study."
A person who has been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year is eligible for OPT. Eligible F-1 students may engage in optional training under any of the following conditions:
- After completion of a course of study. OPT is approved for full-time employment only for a maximum of 12 months. The current 12-month limit on OPT will be extended by 17 months, for a total of 29 months for certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) degree holders ONLY. In order to qualify for the 17-month extension, you must be employed by an employer enrolled in E-Verify. Please see our office for details.
- Before completion of studies if you are engaged in thesis or dissertation research; this is usually for graduate students.
- During the summer or over winter break (not recommended).
- During the regular academic year (on a part time basis which is deducted from the 12 month limit at 50%).
PLEASE NOTE: Application for OPT is 90 days before graduation or within the 60 day grace period after graduation. Please see our office for details.
You may apply for full-time OPT 90 days before completion of your course of study or within the 60 day grace period after graduation. Please remember there is a 12 month maximum timeframe except for STEM eligible students.
Do I need a job offer in order to apply?
You do not need a job offer to apply, but you are expected to work or be seeking employment in your field of study. It is advisable to obtain a job offer before submitting your request for OPT. It is difficult to recover all or part of a period of OPT once an EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card has been issued.
- Read this FAQ sheet and complete the following forms. Packets are also available at our office, and we can help you complete the packet.
- Follow the "Instructions for Filing Form I-765 with the USCIS" enclosed in the packet, and complete forms I-765 and I-538.
- When the forms are completed, please call my office to make an appointment so that we can complete the application process.
- Bring the following items to the appointment:
- The complete I-765 form (see sample). You can complete this form online.
- Your original (not a photocopy) I-20 form
- Photocopies of all prior forms I-20
- Your passport or travel document
- Your form I-94 (the white card)
- Two color passport photos (see sample)
- Documentation from your academic advisor indicating the current academic status and the expected date of completion of studies.
- A check written to the order of "USCIS" in the amount of $340.00
Can I go in person to the USCIS office to apply for OPT?
No. OPT applications must be submitted to a USCIS office by mail. Please be sure to send your application by certified mail, return receipt requested.
When can I start work under OPT?
When you receive the EAD and the beginning date of employment authorization (shown on the EAD) has arrived. Please see sample.
What are the reporting Requirements for Students and Employers While on OPT?
All students on OPT must report to the international student office at CSB/SJU:
- Any change in name or address
- The name and address of their employer
- Any change to the name and address of the employer
- Any interruption of such employement
What are the requirements while on OPT?
Students on post-completion OPT may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployement under the initial 12-month period of OPT. Students granted a 17-month OPT extention may not accrue an aggregate of more than 120 days of unemployement during the total 29-month OPT period.
What are the STEM requirements?
Students with an approved 17 month extension must report to the International Student Office within ten days.
- Any change in name or residential/mailing address
- The name and address of their employer
- Any change to the name and address of the employer
- Any interruption of such employement
Students with an approved 17 month extension must also make a validation report to the International Student Office every six months starting on the date the extension begins and ending when the OPT ends. The validation is a confirmation that the student's name, address, employer name and address, and /or loss of employement is current and accurate.
The employer of a student with an approved 17-month OPT extension must agree to report the termination of departure of the student to the International Student Office or by any other means or process identified by the Department of Homeland Security.
Does OPT employment need to be full time?
OPT has to be full-time, after graduation (post completion). Part-time OPT is allowed during academic year (20 hours per week maximum), but it is deducted from the 12 month limit at 50%. For example, 4 months part-time equals 2 months full-time and you would have 10 months full-time left.
What's the difference between OPT and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
CPT (usually an internship) must be "an integral part of an established curriculum in the student's course of study" and, therefore, before graduation. According to the regulations, there is no specified limit on either the number of times or the length of time a student may engage in either part-or full-time CPT, however, it does affect OPT (see next question).
If I had CPT, can I still have OPT?
Use of full-time CPT for one year or more eliminates eligibility for Optional Practical Training.
Can I take classes if I have OPT?
If you have graduated and have OPT, it is possible to take classes, but please check with my office before beginning any new program so that we verify that it does not affect your OPT.
Can I change employers if I have OPT?
Yes. You may work for more than one employer and/or change employers as long as the work is related to your field of study and education level.
Can I travel outside the USA if I have OPT?
Yes, you may travel outside the USA and then be readmitted to resume your employment for the remainder of the period authorized on your EAD. Your I-20 must be endorsed within the preceding 6 months, you must have a valid F-1 visa, a valid passport or travel document and your EAD must be unexpired. It is also wise to carry a letter from your employer, confirming that you are working. This applies to both pregraduation students and graduates.
How long can I stay in the U.S. after my OPT expires?
Sixty days.
Can I return to school after completing OPT?
Yes. You will need a new I-20 for the next program of study, and complete the USCIS procedure for moving to a "new level of studies" or the procedure for school transfer. Please contact me for advice if necessary.
If I have OPT for a year and return to school for another degree, can I have another year of OPT?
Yes, but it must be a different degree level.
If I apply for OPT and then decide not use it, can I get my OPT time back?
This is one of those situations where different USCIS offices do different things. Since laws have been changed, please contact my office as soon as you decide what you are doing, so that we can investigate the possibilities.