Optional Practical Training F-1 OPT
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Optional Practical Training, or OPT, is intended to provide hands-on practical work experience in the U.S., complementary to the academic program. Please note:
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Certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree holders may be eligible for an additional 24 month extension of OPT time. For more information review the F-1 Optional Practical Training STEM Extension.
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Duration of status and work authorization may also be extended with an OPT H-1B Cap-Gap Extension.
The OPT application must be received by USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) within 30 days of the date that ISSS issues the OPT I-20. If filed with USCIS after 30 days of the OPT I-20 issuance date, your application will be denied.
View a Recording of a Recent ISSS OPT Webinar (Recorded 1/31/2022)
To begin the OPT process, follow the instructions below:
The overview consists of:
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Eligibility
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Types of OPT
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Mandatory Online Tutorial for Post-Completion OPT
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SEVP Policy Guidance
Within 30 days of receiving your I-20, submit your Application to USCIS. Learn more about this application.
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Overview
To be eligible for Optional Practical Training, you must:
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have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year;
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currently be maintaining a full-time program of study and valid F-1 status; and
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work in a job directly related to your major field of study.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
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You do not need a job offer prior to applying for OPT.
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During post-completion OPT there is a 90-day limitation on unemployment; therefore, F-1 status is dependent upon employment.
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Please note that ELP Students are not eligible for OPT.
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If you are uncertain whether you meet the eligibility requirements, please meet with an ISSS Advisor.
OPT is available in the following cases:
1) Pre-Completion OPT
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part-time or full-time during the student's annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session, if the student intends to register for the following semester
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part-time while school is in session
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part-time or full-time after completion of graduate course work requirements excluding a thesis or dissertation
2) Post-Completion OPT
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full-time after completion of the course of study
ISSS recommends that you complete the mandatory online tutorial at least 3-4 months before your program completion. The tutorial must be completed before requesting your OPT I-20 from ISSS. To access the tutorial:
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Log into iPenn
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Open the OPT I-20 Request eform
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Select "Yes" for "Post-Completion OPT"
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Click "Begin Tutorial"
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To complete the online tutorial, you have to complete 100% of the quizzes hidden inside the online module.
Please read the SEVP: OPT Policy Guidance provided by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Once you receive your OPT EAD card, OPT reporting should be done by submitting the "OPT Reporting" e-form in iPenn. For more information on OPT Reporting requirements, please see the F-1 OPT Reporting requirements page.
