- Immigration Services
- About Us
- International Students
- International Scholars & Employees
- Resources and Helpful Links
Post-Completion OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status that allows eligible students to work off campus in a job related to their field of study. Post-completion OPT occurs after you complete your program. You may use this benefit once per academic level.
This page focuses on post-completion OPT. If you're interested in pre-completion OPT, please speak with an International Services advisor during Zoom advising hours.
OPT Advising and Workshops
Virtual OPT Workshops
International Services offers workshops to guide you through the OPT application, travel guidance, and maintaining your status. Before applying, you are required to review the OPT Tutorial included in the Post-Completion OPT Request e-form in the iStart Portal. Still have questions? Join a supplemental workshop below.
Upcoming OPT Workshop Dates
Dates will be posted here soon. Sessions begin promptly at the listed time and are held via Zoom.
OPT Process Overview
Eligibility
To apply for post-completion OPT, you must:
- Be in valid F-1 status and enrolled for at least one academic year Have completed all degree requirements (or all coursework if you're a thesis/dissertation student) Apply no earlier than 90 days before and no later than 60 days after your program end date Be physically present in the U.S. when applying Not have exceeded 11 months and 28 days of full-time CPT
Important: You must request an OPT recommendation from International Services before submitting your I-765 to USCIS. Failure to do so may result in denial.
How to Apply
- Submit the OPT Request e-form in iStart
- Receive your new I-20 with OPT recommendation (within 5 business days)
- Mail your OPT application to USCIS within 30 days of the I-20 issuance
OPT Application Checklist
- Completed I-765 (signed by hand)
- G-1145 (for e-notification)
- I-20 with OPT recommendation (signed within 30 days)
- I-94
- Copy of passport and F-1 visa (or proof of Canadian citizenship)
- 2 U.S. passport-style photos (name and I-94 number on back)
- Filing fee (check/money order to U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
- Copies of previous EAD cards and CPT/OPT-authorizing I-20s (if applicable)
Use USCIS's website to confirm the mailing address for your I-765. Choose the correct service center based on the address on your form.
After Filing
Once USCIS receives your packet, you will get a receipt notice (I-797C) by mail and email (if G-1145 was included). Check the notice to confirm your name and address.
USCIS Processing
- Most cases are processed within 90 days.
- You can check case status at USCIS.gov.
- USCIS may issue an RFE (Request for Evidence) if more information is needed.
- If your application is rejected, contact International Services immediately to explore next steps.
Maintaining Status on OPT
Before Working
You must have your EAD card in hand and the start date must have passed. Working (including volunteering) before receiving the EAD or before the start date violates F-1 status and can result in:
- SEVIS record termination
- Accrual of unlawful presence
- Loss of future benefits (STEM OPT, H-1B)
Employment Requirements
- Must relate to your major
- Minimum 20 hours/week
- Paid or unpaid (must follow labor laws)
Types of Employment Allowed:
- Paid part-time or full-time work
- Multiple or short-term employers (e.g., gigs for artists)
- Freelance/contract (“1099”)
- Self-employment (with licenses and active business)
- Agency work
- Unpaid internships or volunteer roles
Reporting Requirements
Employment and Contact Updates
Report any changes in employment or contact info within 10 days via the iStart Portal’s “OPT Employment Update” e-form.
SEVP Portal (Optional)
DHS provides the SEVP Portal to review and report employment data. Updates here do not replace your responsibility to report to International Services. If locked out, submit a Portal Reset Request in iStart.
Travel on OPT
Before traveling internationally, review our Travel & Visa guidance and ensure page 2 of your I-20 lists your current employer. Submit an OPT Employment Update e-form well before your trip to allow time for processing.
Studying While on OPT
You may not be enrolled full-time in a new degree program while on OPT. If starting a new program, you must transfer your SEVIS record. See "Transferring Out" below.
After OPT Ends
24-Month STEM OPT Extension
If your degree is STEM-eligible, you may apply to extend OPT by 24 months. Visit the STEM OPT Extension page for details.
Transferring Your SEVIS Record
If admitted to a new school during OPT or the 60-day grace period, you may request a SEVIS transfer via iStart. Eligibility depends on factors like start date and unemployment history.
H-1B Cap Gap
If your employer files an H-1B petition and your OPT ends before October 1, you may be eligible for a Cap Gap extension. Submit your H-1B receipt notice to International Services to request a reprinted I-20 showing the extension.
60-Day Grace Period
If you do not transfer your SEVIS record, extend your OPT, or change status, you must leave the U.S. within 60 days after your OPT ends. You cannot travel and re-enter during this grace period.
Questions?
International Services is here to help! Contact us if you need assistance with your OPT application, maintaining your status, or exploring options after graduation.
