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.
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Special considerations for doctoral students are outlined separately.
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.
