OPT Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is OPT? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is designed for international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study. OPT is an opportunity for F-1 students to work for a total of up to 12 months, during their studies or immediately following their degree completion. 
  • Who is eligible for OPT? F-1 international students in both the undergraduate or graduate programs are eligible for OPT as long as they have been in valid F-1 student status for one academic year. 
  • What is the difference between Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT?  Pre-Completion OPT occurs before you complete your degree and Post-Completion OPT happens after the degree is completed.  Students cannot engage in either until they have been in valid F-1 status for one academic year, however you can apply as early as 90 days before you reach the one academic year requirement. 
    • Pre-Completion OPT: Pre-Completion OPT can be used during your studies. Students can work over 20 hrs per week between required terms of study (full-time Pre-Completion OPT), and less then 20 hrs per week while classes are in session (part-time Pre-Completion OPT).  Students who use part-time OPT, deduct days at half the rate.  For example if you work for 5 months on part-time, Pre-Completion OPT, only 2.5 months are deducted from the total 12 months.  Pre-Completion OPT is a great option for students who have found a job they really want or wish to work over summer vacation.  Please note that if you use part of your 12 months of OPT as Pre-Completion OPT, you will have to apply again, and pay the filing fee, to use the remaining time as Post-Completion OPT. Students can only work on Pre-Completion OPT within their period of study; once a student has finished their degree, Pre-Completion OPT is no longer available. Many students do not apply for Pre-Completion OPT so that they can have 12 full months of OPT after they graduate.
    • Post-Completion OPT:  Post-completion OPT can start as early as the day after a student completes the requirements for their degree, or as late as 60 days from their degree completion. All Post-completion OPT is full-time.
  • When to apply for Post-Completion OPT: It typically takes 3-4 months for an OPT application to be processed by the USCIS, so apply early. Students have a 5 month window to submit a completed OPT application to the U.S. immigration office (USCIS) to apply for Post-Completion OPT.  A student has from 90 days before degree completion to 60 days after degree completion date for USCIS to receive OPT application. After that, a student cannot submit an OPT application to USCIS. 
  • Choosing dates for Post-Completion OPT: A student who finishes all degree requirements can choose an OPT start date from one day after their program completion date to 60 days after that date. The end date for OPT will be 12 months after the OPT start date. The latest end date for a student on Post-Completion OPT is always 14 months after the student completed their studies.
  • How do I apply for OPT? You are required to attend an OPT workshop offered by ISSS before you can apply for OPT. Please visit our website to sign up for a workshop.  
  • When do I sign up for a ISSS OPT workshop? We recommend you sign up for an OPT workshop at least one semester before you graduate. For example, if you are graduating in Fall 2020, please sign up for an OPT workshop at the end of Spring 2020.
  • How long does it take for USCIS to adjudicate my OPT application? It takes average 90-120 days for USCIS to adjudicate your OPT applications, so it is good to plan ahead and apply early. 
  • Are OPT applications ever denied? USCIS reviews each application carefully. Applications can be denied due to an incomplete I-765 or with one with errors. Another reason we sometimes see an OPT denial is due to  a payment issue where the check is written incorrectly or there are not enough funds in the bank account. A third reason is that the OPT application was sent to USCIS more than 30 days from the day ISSS created the I-20. We recommend students apply early so if there are issues with your applications, you will still have time to reapply.  
  • Where can I work while I am on OPT?  Students on OPT can work anywhere in the United States in a paid or unpaid position, can work with multiple employers at one time, and can change employers as many times as they wish. However, all jobs need to be related to your degree of study. You need to report your employer through SEVP portal
  • What if I cannot find a job on OPT? Students need to work full-time (more than 20 hrs per week) or they will accrue days of unemployment. Students can only be unemployed for a total of 90 days during Post-Completion OPT. The 90 days of unemployment are cumulative and once a student has reached 90 days of unemployment they are considered “out of status” and should leave the U.S. immediately. Please report your employment through SEVP portal to ensure that you do not reach 90 days of unemployment.  Pre-Completion OPT students do not accrue days of unemployment and do not need to report their employment.
  • Can I volunteer and/or intern during OPT? Yes, you can volunteer or intern during OPT, but it needs to be related to your field of study. When volunteering or interning it is recommended that you get a contract or agreement from your supervisor that indicates your job description and your time commitment.  Work during OPT does not need to be paid but always needs to be related to your degree. Please report all internships and volunteer work at employment through SEVP portal to avoid accruing days of unemployment.
  • Grace Periods on OPT: Students have a 60 day grace period after their OPT has ended to stay in the United States to prepare for their departure, transfer to a new school, and change their visa status. Students cannot work during this grace period. 
  • Can I travel on OPT?  You can travel on OPT, however you will need to have your EAD work authorization card, an I-20 with a current travel signature that was given in the past six months by ISSS, a valid visa and passport and a letter from your employer. Travel before your OPT is approved is more complicated and you should ask about this at the OPT workshop. You can also find more information about the next steps on our OPT website.
  • What should I do next? All students wishing to apply for Post-Completion OPT need to attend an ISSS OPT workshop.  We will not process your application until you have attended a workshop. Please sign-up for a workshop.