F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) – Guide

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) Guide

Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides hands-on work experience in the U.S. related to your academic program.

The OPT Process

1. Read the F-1 OPT Overview

1. Eligibility
2. Types of OPT
3. Mandatory Online Tutorial
4. SEVP Policy Guidance

2. Submit Your OPT I-20 Request Form in iPenn

Learn more about OPT I-20 request on iPenn

3. Submit Application to USCIS

Submit within 30 days of receiving your I-20.

Follow the Reporting Requirements

See Reporting Requirements

Eligibility for OPT

To be eligible for OPT, you must:

  • Be lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year. 
  • Maintain a full-time program and valid F-1 status. 
  • Work in a job related to your major field of study. 

Important Notes:

  • No job offer needed to apply. 
  • Post-completion OPT has a 90-day unemployment limit. 
  • ELP students are not eligible. 

If unsure about eligibility, consult an ISSS Advisor.

Types of OPT

Pre-Completion OPT

  • Part-time/full-time during vacations or when school is not in session. 
  • Part-time while school is in session. 
  • Part-time/full-time after completing graduate coursework (excluding thesis/dissertation). 
Learn more about pre-completion opt

Post-Completion OPT

  • Full-time after completing your course of study. 

Filing Fees

Pre-Completion OPT: $470 USCIS fee

Post-Completion OPT: $290 Penn fee + $470 USCIS fee

STEM OPT Extension: $290 Penn fee + $470 USCIS fee

Optional Premium Processing: $1685 fee

Mandatory Online Tutorial

Complete the online tutorial 3-4 months before program completion. Access the tutorial via iPenn: 

  • Log into iPenn. 
  • Open the OPT I-20 Request eform. 
  • Select “Yes” for “Post-Completion OPT.” 
  • Click “Begin Tutorial.” 
  • Complete 100% of the quizzes. 

SEVP Policy Guidance

Review the SEVP: OPT Policy Guidance provided by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

Reporting Requirements 

After receiving your OPT EAD card, report via the “OPT Reporting” e-form in iPenn. More on OPT Reporting requirements. 

Important Considerations

Stem OPT Extension

Eligible STEM degree holders may get an additional 24-month OPT extension. More on STEM Extension.

Application Deadline

Submit your OPT application to USCIS within 30 days of the OPT I-20 issuance by ISSS. Late applications will be denied. 

What’s Next? 

Apply for your OPT I-20 on iPenn. 

OPT Webinar Recording

Visit the ISSS Media Vault to review a comprehensive overview of the Optional Practical Training (OPT) application process for F-1 students. OPT is a form of work authorization available both before and after graduation.

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