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Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to the student’s major area of study. A student must apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for OPT employment authorization.
You are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT per program level. Before you can apply, you must have been enrolled on a full-time basis for at least two consecutive semesters/one academic year. Full time status for undergraduate students is a minimum of 12 credits per semester and for graduate students a minimum of 8 credits per semester.
Pre-Completion OPT
Post-Completion OPT
This is the most common type of OPT. It allows students to work off campus to get experience in their field of study after graduation. Post-completion OPT is always full-time, which means working more than 20 hours per week. You apply to the U.S. government for work authorization. Post-completion OPT must directly relate to your field of study that is listed on your I-20.
Obtain your new OPT I-20 from your International Student Advisor
Applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
When to Apply
Pre-Completion OPT
You can apply after you’ve been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year. Apply up to 90 days before you want work authorization to begin
Post-Completion OPT
You can apply up to 90 days before your program end date, and up to 60 days after your program end date.
OPT applications are generally processed within 60 to 100 days (including mailing time), so we highly recommend applying early so that you will be able to start working when you want to after your program end date
How to Apply
Schedule a meeting with your International Student Advisor or attend an International Services Open Forum where this is discussed and outlined.
Submit a request for Optional Practical Training
Resources for Filing for I-765 Online
We have put together instructions for filing online.
Please be sure to review prior to starting your application!. Detailed instructions for completing the I-765 are also available through the USCIS website. Link here
There is also a Step by Step Guide from USCISto assist you with filing your I-765 online. Link here
- I-94 Record, most recent (obtain online here)
- When gathering and scanning your supporting documents:
- We recommend having digital versions of all required documents ready in a folder to drag and drop into the USCIS system.
- Make sure the files are clear and readable, not encrypted or passport-protected, in English, and in one of the following accepted file formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF.
- Supporting documents include, but are not limited to:
- Biographical page of your passport
- F-1 visa
- I-94
- Copies of previous l-20s
- Passport style photo
- Copies of any previous EAD cards
- Keep in mind USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date you are issued your OPT Recommended I-20
- To complete the I-765, you must be prepared to pay the fee (once you are ready to submit your form, the system will automatically direct you to the secure Department of Treasury site, pay.gov, to pay your fee online)
Please note, these directions/resources are meant to help you in completing your application but should not be considered legal advice. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) ultimately provides the decision on your OPT application. It is your responsibility, as the OPT applicant, to ensure that your OPT application is accurate and complete before you submit it to the US government. Incomplete applications could result in a delay in processing time or denial. Anna Maria College shall not be held liable for any delay, denial, or mistake on your OPT application.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Requirements While on OPT
- You must be engaged in practical training (working) at a job that is directly related to your field of study.
- Your total working hours must be more than 20 hours per week.
- You must report any changes of address or employment to SEVP using the SEVP Portal within 10 days of any change.
- Keep proof of your employment for your records.
- Limit time that you are unemployed to 90 days or less during your OPT. Unemployment days accrue throughout the 12 months of your OPT.
Travel While on OPT
Unless international travel is absolutely necessary, we advise that you remain in the United States while your OPT application is pending.
Once your OPT is approved, you should carry with you the following documents when you travel:
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa
- Printout of your most recent I-94 information
- I-20 with OPT endorsement and travel signature that is signed within the past six months on P. 2.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD card)
- Proof of employment (job offer letter, employment contract, etc.)
Travel while on OPT is riskier if you do not have proof of employment, as Customs and Border Protection officers at the Port of Entry may refuse your entry into the United States.
If you need to get a new F-1 visa while on OPT, please contact the International Programs and Services Office prior to leaving the U.S. to make sure that you are prepared for your visa interview.
If you have questions about traveling while on OPT, please contact the Office of International Programs Services
When Your OPT Ends
Students in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT if their employment meets certain qualifications.
Please contact the International Services and Programs Office if you have questions about qualifying or applying for this extension.
To find out if your degree is a STEM eligible degree you can view the most recent STEM list. Link here
STEM OPT EXTENSION
Students in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields may apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT if their employment meets certain qualifications.
Please contact the International Services and Programs Office if you have questions about qualifying or applying for this extension.
To find out if your degree is a STEM eligible degree you can view the most recent STEM list click here
Frequestly Asked Question (FAQ)
What is F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Practical training is the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in your program of study to off-campus work in your major field. OPT is authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The authorization process takes an average of 3-5 months to be processed by USCIS. The maximum amount of time granted to work on F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level. F-1 students may apply to use some or all of the available 12 months of practical training during the course of study or may save some or all of the full twelve months to use after graduation. Your application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the IS Advisor signature on page 1 of the Form I-20
Who is Eligible for OPT?
To be eligible for OPT, you must:
- Have been in full-time student status for at least one academic year by the requested start date of your OPT, and
- Be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application, and
- Have not used OPT at the same degree level previously.
What type of status do I have during OPT?
OPT is not a different visa status. A person with OPT authorization is still an F-1 student holding an EAD for OPT.
When can I start working under OPT?
When you possess the OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by USCIS, and the effective start date listed on the employment document has been reached.
How can I use OPT while I am still in my program?
You may use OPT while you are still in your degree program as follows:
1. part-time while school is in session,
2. full-time during annual vacation periods.
The periods of OPT used before graduation will be deducted from the total allowable period of 12 months. Part-time OPT will be deducted at one-half the full-time rate. However, since students are only permitted to work part time (no more than 20 hours per week) during the semester, youwould only lose 2 full months of OPT
How long does it take to get authorization for OPT and when should I apply?
Authorization for OPT is granted by USCIS and processing takes an average of 3 to 5 months. Therefore, it is important that you apply for the authorization well in advance of the date you wish to start working. You may apply up to 90 days before the start date that you choose. Your application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the IS Advisor signature on page 1 of the Form I-20.
How do I complete the Form I-765*?
Guidance provided by Anna Maria Colleges Office of International Services.
*Note: Form I-765 must always be retrieved from the USCIS website to ensure use of the most current version
Where should I receive my EAD card?
Applicants can provide their own address or the mailing address of a third party on Form I-765. OGS recommends using an address that will not change for several months (U.S. addresses only). Students whose housing will change while the OPT application is pending should consider using the address of a trusted friend or family member to receive USCIS correspondence.
What should I do if my mailing address changes before my EAD card is delivered?
It is best to use a mailing address on the Form I-765 that will be valid through EAD delivery and to avoid changes to the mailing address, if at all possible. Applicants who need to change the mailing address associated with their pending Form I-765 application must notify both USPS and USCIS. USPS does not forward USCIS mail
