Optional Practical Training

What is Optional Practical Training?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization is designed to provide opportunities for employment to international students with F-1 status who wish to work in their field of study. During the period of OPT, a student will maintain F-1 visa status since it is considered to be part of the program of study.

An F-1 student may not begin optional practical training until the date indicated on his or her
employment authorization document, Form I-766.

What are the Eligibility Requirements?

To be eligible to apply for F-1 optional practical training after completion of studies:
1. A student may submit an application for authorization to engage in optional practical training up to 90 days prior to being enrolled for one full academic year, provided that the period of employment will not begin until after the completion of the full academic year as indicated by the DSO; and
2. The job is directly related to the student's major area of study.

Students enrolled in English language training programs are not eligible for practical training after completion of studies.

When to Apply?

A student may be granted authorization to engage in temporary employment for optional practical training:

(1) During the student's annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session, if the student is currently enrolled, and is eligible for registration and intends to register for the next term or session;

(2) While school is in session, provided that practical training does not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session; or

(3) After completion of the course of study, or, for a student in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program, after completion of all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or equivalent). Continued enrollment, for the school's administrative purposes, after all requirements for the degree have been met does not preclude eligibility for optional practical training. However, optional practical training must be requested prior to the completion of all course requirements for the degree or prior to the completion of the course of study. A student must complete all practical training within a 14-month period following the completion of study.

How long can I Work?

A student may be authorized 12 months of practical training, and becomes eligible for another 12 months of practical training when he or she changes to a higher educational level. Authorization to engage in optional practical training employment is automatically terminated when the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level.

What are the OPT Application Procedures under SEVIS?

Step 1: DSO Recommendation

The DSO will update the student's record in SEVIS as having been recommended for optional practical training. A DSO who recommends a student for optional practical training is responsible for maintaining the record of the student for the duration of the time that training is authorized. The DSO will indicate in SEVIS whether the employment is to be full-time or part-time, and note in SEVIS the start and end date of employment.

Step 2: Endorsement SEVIS Form I-20

The DSO will then print the employment page of the student's SEVIS Form I-20, and sign and date the form to indicate that optional practical training has been recommended.

Step 3: Application for EAD

The student must file with the USCIS service center, having jurisdiction over his place of residence, for an Employment Authorization Document, on Form I-765, with $120 filing fee and the SEVIS Form I-20 employment page indicating that optional practical training has been recommended by the DSO.

Step 4: Decision on application for employment authorization

The USCIS shall adjudicate the Form I-765 and issue an EAD on the basis of the DSO's recommendation unless the student is found otherwise ineligible. The USCIS shall notify the applicant of the decision and, if the application is denied, of the reason or reasons for the denial.
The applicant may NOT appeal the decision.

Shall I have to report any change of my OPT?

An F-1 student authorized by the Service to engage in practical training is required to report any
change of name or address, or interruption of such employment to the DSO for the duration of the authorized training. A DSO who recommends a student for optional practical training is responsible for updating the student's record to reflect these reported changes for the duration of the time that training is authorized.

For more information on F-1, please click on the following links:
Description
SEVIS
Application for an F-1 Visa
Obtaining an F-1 Status at the port of entry
Change into F-1 Status in the U.S.
Eligibility for change into F-1 Status in the U.S.
Maintaining F-1 Status
Change Name and Address
Transfer of School
Time limitation of F-1 Status
Extension of F-1 Status
Grace Period
F-1 Status reinstatement
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Change from F-1 Status to H-1B
Change from F-1 Status to immigrant status
Spouse and Children of F-1
Attorney and filing fees
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
The Impact of I-140 Filing on F-1 Students
Memo: Be Aware of Abandonment of COS and AOS Applications