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Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit available to international
students who have maintained F-1 status for at least one academic
year. OPT is a period when students can work in fields directly
related to their studies.
The OPT may be used either before or after a student completes a
program of study.
When can I participate in OPT?
International students have 12 months of OPT which may be used in
a series of combinations permitted by the regulations, as follows:
- During summer vacation (part-time or full-time)
- During a regular term (part-time only)
- After completion of all coursework with only thesis or dissertation
left for completion (full-time only)
- After completion of a degree program (full-time only)
Please note that:
- Students must apply for OPT no later than 60 days after graduation or completion of studies.
- OPT must not end more than 14 months after completion
of studies or graduation.
- OPT can be part-time or full-time. Part time OPT will count half
against the 12 months limit, i.e., two months of part-time OPT
equals one month full-time.
- A student who has used 12 months of OPT is eligible for another
12 months after changing to a higher education level.
When should I apply for OPT?
You must plan ahead when applying for OPT:
- You may apply up to 90 days before you graduate or complete studies, or up to 60 days after completing your studies or graduating. Please note that it takes up to 90 days to process the application.
- Students are not required to have a job offer in order to apply
for this benefit.
- OPT time counts whether the student has a job or not, and cumulative unemployment is limited to only 90 days.
- Once it has been granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
Services (USCIS) OPT cannot be cancelled.
- Graduate students who complete all the degree requirements early
in their graduating semester must apply for OPT before completing
degree requirements.
- No employment should commence nor should students depart from
the United States before having their employment card in hand.
- Students who depart the United States during OPT can reenter the United States to resume employment only. Students on OPT who do not have a job cannot reenter the United States.
What do I need to apply for OPT?
You will need:
- Your current I-20
- Passport - valid for at least 6 months into the future and most recent visa page
- I-94 (original)
- I-765 (Question 16 should be coded (c) (3) (B)
- OPT certification form signed by your advisor
- Two passport type pictures with small envelope
- Any previously issued EAD
- $ 340 check made payable to: Department of Homeland Security
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