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
2. Types of OPT
3. Mandatory Online Tutorial
4. SEVP Policy Guidance
2. Submit Your OPT I-20 Request Form in iPenn
3. Submit Application to USCIS
Follow the 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).
Post-Completion OPT
- Full-time after completing your course of study.
Filing Fees
Pre-Completion OPT: $470 USCIS fee
Post-Completion OPT: $305 Penn fee + $470 USCIS fee
STEM OPT Extension: $305 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
Eligible STEM degree holders may get an additional 24-month OPT extension. More on STEM Extension.
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.
USCIS Biometrics Requirement for OPT/STEM OPT Applicants
USCIS now requires most Form I-765 applicants, including students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT extensions, to attend a Biometrics Services Appointment (BSA) at an Application Support Center (ASC).
USCIS will send a biometrics appointment notice through your myUSCIS online account and by mail. The notice will include the date, time, and location of your appointment.
You must attend your scheduled appointment or request a reschedule before the appointment date. Failure to do so may result in significant processing delays or denial of your application.
Rescheduling Your Biometrics Appointment
Before your appointment
- Request a reschedule through your myUSCIS account or by calling the USCIS Contact Center at 800-375-5283.
- Submit your request before your scheduled appointment.
- You must provide a valid reason (“good cause”) for the reschedule request.
If you’ve already missed your appointment
- Contact the USCIS Contact Center immediately to request a new appointment.
- USCIS reviews missed appointment requests on a case-by-case basis, and approval is not guaranteed.
If You Miss Your Appointment
If you miss your biometrics appointment and do not request a reschedule, USCIS may consider your application abandoned and deny your application.
Examples of circumstances USCIS may consider as good cause include:
- Illness or medical emergency
- Family emergency
- Travel conflicts
- Transportation issues
- Late delivery of the appointment notice
- Work or caregiving responsibilities
Approval of a reschedule request is entirely at USCIS’s discretion.
Processing Impact
USCIS must receive your biometrics before it can begin processing your OPT or STEM OPT application.
Rescheduling your appointment may delay:
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) approval
- Premium processing (if requested)
- Overall application processing
If you paid for Premium Processing, the 30-day processing period generally begins after USCIS receives your required biometrics and resumes adjudication of your application.
Recommended Actions
- Contact USCIS immediately if you miss your appointment.
- Keep documentation supporting the reason for any missed appointment.
- Monitor your myUSCIS account and your mail for appointment notices and updates.
- Attend your rescheduled appointment as soon as possible to avoid additional delays.
What’s Next?
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.