Optional Practical Training
Applying for OPT
Students with F-1 visa status are eligible to receive employment authorization through Optional Practical Training (OPT) for one year following completion of program. OPT may be authorized once per program level. Employment during OPT must be in an area related to the student’s program of study.
Students applying for OPT must complete the OPT tutorial through D2L. Through this tutorial, you will learn about the rules and regulations regarding OPT and be able to download application materials. All students must complete the D2L tutorial before bringing application documents to CIS.
Currently the OPT tutorial is not working. Here is the information from the tutorial.
Students currently participating in OPT
Reporting requirements
If your personal information changes (name, address, email) and/or your employment information changes (name/address of employer, dates of employment) please report that information in our online OPT Reporting application.
- Your personal information changes (name, address, email)
- Your employment information changes (name/address of employer, dates of employment)
- You change immigration status
- You plan to take classes while on OPT. Non-degree classes are okay, however if you wish to start a degree-seeking program, you should transfer completely and obtain a new I-20. Transfer of a SEVIS record to a new school/program will terminate your OPT.
- Students are advised to maintain evidence for each position (paid or unpaid) of the position held, proof of the duration of that position, the job title, contact information for the student's supervisor or manager and a description of the work. While you are only required to report the employer’s name/address and dates of employment to CIS, this could be used in the future to establish that the limit on unemployment has not been exceeded.
Unemployment during OPT
- You may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during your 1-year period of OPT authorization. Students approved for 17-month STEM extension of OPT receive an additional 30 days of unemployment.
- Volunteering for 20 hours/week or more may count as employment for unemployment reporting purposes during regular post-completion OPT. Volunteer work must be related to your program of study. Employment during the 17-month OPT extension must be paid in order to count toward the employment requirement.
Travel on OPT
- To re-enter the U.S. while on OPT, you must have an I-20 recently signed for travel (within 6 months), a valid F-1 visa, and an EAD card. It is also strongly recommended that you carry proof of U.S. employment (job offer letter or most recent pay stub).
- Traveling on an expired visa is okay ONLY if returning to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands within 30 days. Otherwise, travel is not recommended on an expired visa.
Completion of OPT
- Students receive a 60-day grace period following completion of OPT. Employment is not permitted during this period. If you plan to stay in the U.S., all arrangements must be finalized by the end of your 60-day grace period (e.g. transfer out, change of status, new initial I-20 issued, or leave the country).
- If you are beginning a new program of study, you must begin coursework within 5 months of the end date of your OPT.
H1-B Cap Gap
- OPT may be automatically extended if you have a pending Change of Status (COS) application to H-1B to be active October 1st. In order for work authorization to be extended, the H1-B application must be filed before your OPT period ends. If the H1-B application is filed during the 60-day grace period but after the end date of OPT, F-1 status (but not work authorization) may be extended through October 1st. Contact the Center for International Studies for more information about the H1-B cap-gap extension.
