The Ultimate F-1 Student Guide to Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Are you an F-1 international student looking to gain valuable work experience in the U.S. after your studies? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is your pathway! This guide, presented by the International Student Services Office, breaks down everything you need to know about this key employment authorization.
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization for F-1 students to gain experience directly related to their major area of study.
Types of OPT
The main types of OPT allow you to work at different stages of your academic program:
- Pre-Completion OPT: For use before you complete your program. While school is in session, you are typically limited to part-time work (less than 20 hours/week).
- Post-Completion OPT: For use after you complete your program. This is the most common type and generally allows for full-time employment (20–40 hours/week).
OPT Eligibility and Application Checklist
To be eligible for OPT, you must meet the specific requirements outlined in the presentation. The OPT application process involves a sequence of steps, culminating in an application to USCIS.
It is extremely important not to submit the I-765 form without the proper I-20. The general compliance checklist includes:
- Academic advisor MEMO
- OPT Request Form
- New I-20
- Apply through USCIS
- Received EAD
- Offer Letter (Recommended)
Key Application Documents
- Academic Advisor MEMO: This must be on Barry letterhead and confirm your major, scheduled completion date, and recommend/approve your participation in OPT.
- OPT Request Form: Students use the MS Teams Form to request OPT.
- Employer Offer Letter (Recommended): While not always required for initial application, a sample letter verifies employment, including the position title, description of duties, employment start date, and whether it is full-time or part-time.
- New I-20: Your I-20 will be updated with the OPT recommendation.
USCIS Filing Tips
- The work authorization for OPT is ultimately granted by USCIS.
- Pro Tip: Create a personal USCIS account at myaccount.uscis.gov and save your confirmation number and full application PDF for your records.
Maintaining F-1 Status During OPT
Maintaining your F-1 status is critical while on OPT. You must:
- Report employment updates.
- Avoid exceeding the allowed number of unemployment days.
- Warning: Failing to report or exceeding unemployment days can result in SEVIS termination.
Traveling on OPT: What You Need to Know
If you plan to travel internationally, be aware of the following requirements and risks:
While Your OPT Application Is Pending
- Traveling before your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is approved is risky.
- If you leave the U.S. and your OPT is not yet approved, you may be denied re-entry.
- Best practice: Wait until your EAD card is in hand.
After OPT Is Approved
To re-enter the U.S. after your EAD is approved, you must carry:
- Your valid passport (valid at least six months into the future).
- Valid F-1 visa (if expired, you must renew it before re-entry).
- I-20 with OPT (Approval) and a recent DSO travel signature (within six months).
- Original EAD card.
- Offer letter from the employer.
STEM OPT Extension (24-Month)
If you completed a degree in a DHS-approved STEM field, you may be eligible for a STEM OPT Extension, which provides an additional 24 months of work authorization.
Eligibility Highlights
- Must have completed a degree in a DHS-approved STEM field.
- Must currently be on Post-Completion OPT.
- Must have no more than 90 days of unemployment.
- Most apply before the end date of employment on the Employment Authorization Card.
Employer Requirements
- The employer must be E-Verified.
- The employer must agree to complete and sign Form I-983 (Training Plan).
Timeline
- You may apply up to 90 days before your current OPT EAD expires.
- USCIS processing time is typically around 90 days.
- The extension grants an additional 24 months, potentially extending the total OPT period to 36 months.
- During STEM OPT, you must maintain F-1 status, report employment updates, and submit six-month validations to ISS.
- Must report any employment changes within 10 days to the International Student Services office.