Optional Practical Training FAQs
If you are currently in F-1 status and have, at a minimum, been enrolled as a full-time student for at least one academic year (in either valid F-1 status or another valid nonimmigrant status that permits full-time study), you are eligible for OPT.
Types of OPT
- During the student's annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session; can request part-time or full-time.
- While school is in regular session, authorization can be part-time (up to 20 hours per week) or full-time (20 hours or more per week) after completion of all required coursework for the degree while the student is completing a thesis or dissertation.
- After completion of the course of study; only full-time (20 hours or more per week) can be requested.
- After submission of all degree requirements (excluding thesis or equivalent) for students in a master's or doctoral degree program; only full-time can be requested.
- Watch the OPT videos.
- Submit OPT Application Packet to ISSS.
- ISSS will then review documents and recommend OPT in SEVIS.
- Receive new I-20 with OPT recommendation and guidance materials from ISSS. Processing time is 7-10 business days.
- Submit OPT application materials, including Form I-765, to the USCIS.
- Mail in application to USCIS Service Center
- File online (recommended) by creating a USCIS account.
Applications can be filed up to 90 days before the program end-date and up to 60 days after the program end-date. All OPT applications must be filed within 30 days of the date the OPT recommendation is entered in SEVIS. The application process is NOT complete until USCIS has received your materials.
Pre-Completion OPT:
You can apply 90 days before the requested OPT start date.
Post-Completion OPT:
You can apply 90 days prior to the program end-date and up to 60 days after the program end-date. The "program end date" is the last date of the semester OR the final date you submit all required documentation to the Graduate School.
You are not authorized to begin work until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.
During the period of OPT, maintaining your status is dependent on employment. During the initial, 12-month period, you may not be unemployed for more than an aggregate of 90 days from the start date on your EAD.
If you have been authorized (in total) for one year or more of Full-Time Curricular Practical Training, you do not have any remaining OPT eligibility. Full-time CPT that has not met (or surpassed) the one year mark does not affect your eligibility for authorization of OPT. Part-time CPT does not affect your OPT eligibility.
If your OPT application is approved you will receive an Approval Notice from USCIS. This notice will include an authorization card called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
If your employer has questions or concerns about hiring international students, please refer them to our employment page to read through "What Employers Should Know About Hiring International Students."
Two general guidelines are as follows:
¨ Once you have completed your program and you have received the official Receipt Notice, you can leave the US and re-enter only to resume or begin work in F-1 status as long as you have
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa (If your F-1 visa will NOT be valid, then you must apply for a new one at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.)
- I-797 Receipt Notice
- I-20 with travel signature within the last 6 months.
¨ Once you have completed your program, you have received approval for OPT AND you have your EAD, you can leave the US and re-enter only to resume or begin work in F-1 status as long as you have
- Valid passport
- Valid F-1 visa (If your F-1 visa will NOT be valid, then you must apply for a new one at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad.)
- EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
- I-20 with travel signature within the last 6 months.
- Proof of employment
You must provide a copy of your EAD to ISSS once you receive the approval notice. If you are on post-completion OPT, it is your responsibility to notify ISSS within 10 days of any changes to your name, address, employer, relationship of employment and/or interruption in employment.
NOTE: Even if no changes have occurred, you must update your record with ISSS 6 months and 12 months from the start date listed on the EAD.
To do so, please complete the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Update Form available on the ISSS website or through your SEVP portal. Failure to do so may be seen as a violation of your F-1 status.
Alternatively, you could report your updates through the SEVP portal.
Who is eligible for the Cap-Gap Extension?
The Cap-Gap Extension is available to a student who is on OPT and is a beneficiary of a timely-filed H-1B petition requesting change of status and an employment start date of October 1 of the following fiscal year, the student’s legal status and work authorization will be automatically extended
How do I apply for the Cap-Gap Extension?
To apply for the Cap-Gap extension, you must submit proof that your petition has been filed to ISSS. You will then receive a new I-20 from ISSS indicating your eligibility for the Cap-Gap extension. You should contact ISSS with updated information regarding your petition status. We will then issue the appropriate documentation according to your petition status.
What else should I know about the Cap-Gap Extension?
- If the H-1B petition filed on the student’s behalf is rejected, denied or revocated, these privileges would automatically terminate.
- It is the student’s responsibility to be in contact with your sponsoring employer and ISSS so that you are aware of your petition status and that you have the appropriate documentation to verify your work authorization and status in the U.S.
- Your status continues to be dependent on employment. The 90-day limitation on unemployment continues during the cap-gap extension.
- Do not travel while on the Cap-Gap extension.
*Note: Contact an International Student Advisor at the ISSS for additional information regarding the extension options.
Yes, you can continue to enroll in the United Healthcare Insurance. While you are on OPT or Academic Training, you will pay United Healthcare directly. To do this, send an email to ISSS with the months you want coverage as well as the information listed below.
- First Name
- Last Name
- Student ID
- Gender
- Date of Birth
- Current Address
- Phone Number
We will send this information to United Healthcare and they will then send you a request for payment. You coverage will not be active until they receive your payment.