Optional Practical Training (OPT)
SECTION 1: “What Should I Know Before I Apply for OPT?”
1. What is Optional Practical Training?
Optional Practical Training or OPT is temporary employment authorization for F-1 students. It gives
students the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have gained in the classroom to a practical
work setting. Eligible F-1 students can have 12 months of OPT for their academic program. Approval
for OPT is granted by the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and takes approximately
2-3 months to obtain.
Most students prefer to use their OPT benefit AFTER they have completed their program. This is
known as “Post-Completion OPT”. However, it is possible to use OPT before completion of your
program. This is known as “Pre-Completion OPT”. If students decide to pursue pre-completion
OPT, then that time will be taken out of their total 12 months of OPT.
2. What are the eligibility requirements for OPT?
To be eligible:
 You must have been in full time student status for at least one full academic year (3
quarters). (Full-time = taking at least 12 credits except during authorized vacation or
Reduced Course Load quarters).
 You must be in valid F-1 status at the time of your application.
 You must intend to work in a position that is directly related to your major field of study.
 You must be in the process of completing your academic program (for Post Completion
OPT). Note: Students of English Language Programs (ESL) are not eligible for OPT.
3. Is there a deadline to apply for Post-Completion OPT?
Yes. Your application must reach the immigration office (USCIS) no later than 60 days after your
official program completion date. * Please be sure to meet with your academic advisor if you are
not sure what your program completion date is. Please plan to have enough time to prepare all of
the application materials, meet your academic advisor, receive your new OPT I-20 (with the OPT
recommendation) from our office, and also send the application before the deadline.
4. What is my program completion date?
In most cases, the program completion date is the last day of final exams (or the grade due date) of
the quarter in which all of your degree or certificate requirements are completed. If you have
already completed the requirements for your degree and are just taking additional coursework to
transfer to university, your program completion date is still the previous date (when you completed
the requirements for your SCC degree).
5. When is the earliest I should apply for “Post-Completion” OPT?
You can apply up to 90 days before your program completion date.
6. What Dates Will I Be Given For OPT?
OPT is approved for a specific start date and end date. You can request what dates you want as
long as they are within the allowed time period. Before you come to IP for your OPT appointment,
please think about when you would like your OPT to start and end. For Post-completion OPT, the
start date can be up to 60 days after your program completion date. The end date of OPT must be
no later than 14 months from your official program completion date. Please keep in mind that the
dates granted for OPT may not be your exact preferred dates.
Program end date___________________
Grades available date of the quarter you complete
your program of study
OPT request starting date must be within the grace
period. ________________ -- __________________
Your OPT will end 12 months from the OPT
starting date or 14 months from the
program end date, whichever comes
earlier _____________________
7. What method should I use to mail out my OPT application?
You can use regular US mail or a courier service. If you are sending it by US mail (Post Office), we
recommend sending it as “Certified Mail with Return Receipt”. If you put a WA address as your
residence on your application address, please use the addresses below to send your OPT
application.
If sending by U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036
If sending by Express mail and courier services (like FedEx, UPS, or DHL):
USCIS
Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S
Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034
If you are not using a WA address on your application form, please see Page 10 of the I-765 Instructions at:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765instr.pdf to find out where to mail the OPT application, or check with
us.
8. Am I eligible to continue my international student health insurance while I am on OPT?
Please check at the front desk for more information.
Revised 8/2016
SECTION 2: “How Do I Apply for OPT?”
Step 1:
Read this entire handout (including the Frequently Asked Questions) carefully.
Step 2:
We recommend that you meet with your academic advisor BEFORE applying for OPT to make sure
that you are going to complete all of your degree requirements on time!
Step 3:
Make the 1st OPT application appointment at International Education. Immigration specialist will
review your OPT eligibility. Also you will be asked to decide your OPT starting date, which is going to
be on your OPT recommendation I-20.
Step 4:
Make the 2nd OPT appointment. You need to bring the following documents to your appointment.
Please bring the following documents to your 2nd OPT appointment:
1.
Form G-1145, e-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance (Online form:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/g-1145.pdf)
2.
Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization (Online form:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765.pdf) – See SAMPLE
Item 3:
 Enter U.S. address that will be valid for at least 3 months from when you apply. (If you are
using someone else’s address, we recommend that you put “c/o (= care of) Name of
Person who lives at that address)” before the address. This is the address USCIS
sends your EAD card.
Item 9:
 If you do not have a social security number, type “Apply later”
Item 10:
 Find the I-94 number on the electronic I-94 or on the paper I-94
Item 16:
 (c) ( 3 ) ( a ) if you are applying for Pre-Completion OPT
 (c) ( 3 ) ( B ) if you are applying for Post-Completion OPT
3.
Application fee - $380 made out to “Department of Homeland Security” A personal check, money
order, or bank draft
4.
Print out of electronic I-94 (print out from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html) or a copy of both
sides of paper Form I-94 card (the white card that is usually stapled to the passport)
5.
Photocopy of EITHER your passport picture page OR your visa page
6.
2 Passport Photos
 You must submit two identical color photographs of yourself taken within 30 days of
filing your application.
 Check photo requirements on Page 6 of the I-765 Instruction handout at:
http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-765instr.pdf
o The photos must have a white to off-white background, be printed on thin
paper with a glossy finish, and be unmounted and unretrouched.
o The passport-style photos must be 2" by 2". The photos must be in color with
full face, frontal view on a white to off-white background. Head height should
measure 1" to 1 3/8" from top to bottom of chin, and eye height is between 1
1/8" to 1 3/8" from bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are
wearing a headdress as required by a religious order of which you are a
member.
 Write your name and SEVIS ID (the number on the right side of your I-20 beginning with
“N”) on the back of the photos in pencil. Do not press to hard when writing and do not
staple photos (This might bend the photos and prevent them from going through the card
machine).
7.
Photocopy of your current 1-20 (all pages)
8.
Photocopy of all pages of your previous I-20s (if any)
9.
Photocopy of OPT recommendation I-20 (this will be issued you at the 2nd OPT appointment)
10.
Photocopy of any previous Employment Authorization Documents (if any – e.g. Pre-comp. OPT)
Step 5: At the 2nd appointment, the immigration specialist will review your application and documents.
After you sign the new “OPT I-20”, we will give you both the original and a copy of this I-20. You will need to
include a copy of this OPT I-20 as part of your application.
Step 6: Immigration specialist will give you “Next Steps” handout, which contains mailing address for your
OPT application and employment information form.
Revised 8/2016
SECTION 3: “What Should I Do After Applying For OPT?”
---Frequently Asked Questions
Application Status
1. How will I know whether the USCIS has received my application?
You can find out from your bank whether your check has been cashed. USCIS will also mail
you a Receipt Notice giving you estimated waiting time. This Receipt Notice will also include a
case # (LIN #). With this number you can track you application at the USCIS website at
websitehttps://egov.uscis.gov/cris/Dashboard.do. You can also look up how long it is currently
taking for applications to be approved.
2. What if I change my mind and want to cancel my OPT application but still save it for later?
It is difficult and sometimes impossible to cancel an OPT application. We strongly recommend
that you consider your situation carefully before sending in your OPT application. If you are
not sure about your program completion date and other factors that might affect your OPT
application, please make an appointment to see an advisor.
3. Can I begin working before I receive the Employment Authorization Document?
NO. You may not begin employment until you have received the EAD card. Working before
OPT has been authorized would be considered illegal employment.
4. How will I know whether my OPT application has been approved?
You will receive an email and/or text message notifying you when your application has been
accepted and receive your OPT card (Also known as an Employment Authorization Document
or “EAD card”). It has your photo and states the dates of your authorized OPT employment.
Verify the information on the card and contact International Education if there are any errors.
5. What do I need to do after I receive my OPT card?
Please follow the instructions in “Next Steps” handout, which you will receive when your OPT
application is completed.
Employment Status
6. Is there any requirement for me to be employed while I am on OPT?
Yes. During any 12-month period of standard post-completion OPT, a student may not be
unemployed for a total of more than 90 days.
7. Does it affect my immigration status if I am not employed?
Yes. Regulations only allow for 90 days of TOTAL unemployment. SEVP will terminate your
student record for exceeding 90 cumulative days of unemployment.
Revised 8/2016
8. What kind of employment satisfies the requirement for being employed?
The following are the kinds of employment that satisfy the requirement per the Policy
Guidance issued by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP):
Regular paid employment in a position directly related to the student's program of
study. For post-completion OPT, the work must be for at least 20 hours per
week. Students may work for multiple employers, as long as it is directly related to the
student's program of study.
Payment by multiple short-term multiple employers. SEVP says that "Students, such as
musicians and other performing artists may work for multiple short term
employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and
duration. The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration."
Work for hire. SEVP says, "This is also commonly referred to as 1099
employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual
relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by the
Department of Homeland Security, students should be prepared to provide
evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and
address of the contracting company."
Self-employed business owner. SEVP says, "Students on OPT may start a business and be
self-employed. The student should be able to prove that he or she has the proper business
licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to his or her degree program."
Employment through an agency. SEVP says, "Students on post-completion OPT must be
able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week
while employed by the agency."
Volunteers or unpaid interns. SEVP says, "Students may work as volunteers or unpaid
interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least
20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. A student should be able to
provide evidence, acquired from the student's employer, to verify that he or she worked
at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.” Note that a volunteer
position or unpaid internship would be a valid option for someone who otherwise might
not meet the minimum employment requirement.
Revised 8/2016
Travel outside of U.S.
9. What documents do you recommend I carry with me if I
travel outside the U.S. after applying for OPT?

Travel and re-enter BEFORE degree completion:
You must have
1)
A valid passport
2) A valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport
3) A valid I-20 with travel signature on page 2
We recommend carrying proof of registration and proof that you have funds available
to complete your studies (e.g., a bank statement).

Travel and re-enter AFTER degree completion but your OPT is pending:
1) A valid passport
2) A valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport
3) A valid I-20 with travel signature on page 2 (no older than 6 months)
4) USCIS receipt notice
If you have a job offer, we recommend that you carry a job offer letter. In our opinion,
traveling outside the US before OPT approval and without a job offer may present
some risks.

Travel and re-enter after degree completion and your OPT has been approved:
1) A valid passport
2) A valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport
3) A valid I-20 with travel signature on page 2 (no older than 6 months)
4) Employment Authorization Document (a.k.a. OPT card)
5) A verification of employment such as job offer letter or pay stub
Students without a job could be denied entry.
Reporting Requirements
10. Will I need to report if my employment status changes?
Yes. You are required to report any change of employment status (e.g. new employer,
unemployment).
11. Will I still need to report address changes to International Education while I am on OPT?
Yes. You are still required to report any change of address within 10 days of moving.
Revised 8/2016
Other situations related to OPT status
12. What do I do if my F-1 visa stamp expires while I am on OPT?
If you are maintaining status, you do not need a valid F-1 visa stamp to stay inside the U.S.
(This is the same as the rules for full-time F-1 students who are not on OPT). However, if
your visa has expired and you go outside of the U.S., you will need to get a new F-1 visa
stamp to re-enter the U.S. In order to apply for an F-1 visa stamp while you are on OPT,
please take your I-20 with a travel signature within the last 6 months, your OPT card (EAD
card), proof that you have a job (recommended), and your passport.
13. What if I want to transfer to university while I am on OPT or after I have finished it?
If you do not want to complete your OPT period, or if you have completed it and want to
transfer to a university, please submit a transfer-out form to our office, along with your
admission letter. We will release your SEVIS record to your new university. The deadline
for us to release your record is within 60 days of completing OPT. However, please do not
wait until the last minute to do this!
14. How long can I stay in the US after my OPT authorization ends?
You have a 60 day grace period during which you can stay in the US and make
preparations to leave the US or change your status. If you leave the US for a short visit
during this grace period and want to come back, you may not be allowed to re-enter on
your F-1 status.
Revised 8/2016