F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
About OPT
What is OPT?
F-1 post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows for F-1 students to be employed in the United states for up to one year after the completion of their studies. Employment must be directly related to their field of study (major). Multiple employers are permitted during the year, so long as they are related to the student’s major.
Graduates on post-completion OPT are only permitted a total of 90 days unemployment during their initial 12-month OPT employment period.
Who Can Apply?
You must:
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Have completed one full academic year (consecutive fall/spring semesters) directly prior to the completion of your studies
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Have a valid passport
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Be in valid F-1 status
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Be in good academic standing making normal progress toward the degree
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Have not completed more than 12 months of CPT at your degree level
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Be in the final semester of your undergraduate degree (to apply)
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Be in the United States
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Make your application no more than 90 days prior to your program end date and no later than 60 days after your program end date
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Have received an OPT-endorsed I-20 from International Student Affairs
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Be pursuing practical training opportunities related to your major(s)
A job offer/offer of employment is not required to apply for OPT.
Dates and Deadlines
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You may apply up to 90 days before your program end date.
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The deadline for OPT application is the 60th day after your program end date.
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You must select an OPT start date within the 60 day grace period after your program end date. Note: USCIS will actually determine your OPT start date. It may be outside of the grace period.
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Average application processing time ranges from 90-120 days.
The OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the creation of a new I-20 by ISA, endorsed for OPT. If the application is submitted beyond that 30 days, it will be denied.
OPT Application Process
The information shared below refers to the Digital I-765 OPT application. Students preferring to apply by mail should reach out to International Student Affairs.
1. Determine Your OPT Start Date
You will need to choose a start date to request as part of your OPT application. This date should be any time during your post-graduation grace period; in other words, the 60 day window after your program end date.
Factors to Consider in Choosing Your Start Date
- Job offer start date
- Potential start date for job that student is in negotiations for
- Latest date it’s possible to request (60 days after program end date)
You are not able to change your requested start date once your OPT-endorsed I-20 has been created. Ultimately, USCIS will determine your start date.
Keep in mind: You will not be able to begin working until the OPT start date on your EAD and until you have received your EAD.
2. Submit Your OPT-endorsement Request
OPT applicants are required to submit an updated I-20, endorsed by their sponsoring institition (in this case, DePauw) for OPT. DePauw manages the endorsement process through the International Student Portal, requiring students so submit the OPT Endorsement Request which requires faculty approval–as well as the student’s intended OPT start date.
To submit the form, students should:
- Log in to the International Student Portal
- Navigate to the Requests/Documents tab
- Click on the OPT Endorsement Request icon to fill out and submit the form
3. Compile Your Documentation
- One recent digital passport sized photograph. This photo should not have been used for any other purpose and should follow the guidelines for passport photos outlined on this U.S. Department of State website. Use this photo tool to see if your photo complies.
- Scan of OPT-endorsed I-20, signed by a DSO in ISA Note: To request the OPT-endorsed I-20, students must submit the OPT Endorsement Request through the International Student Portal
- Scan of most recent I-94
- Scan of your passport photo page
- Scan of your most recent visa
- Scan of all I-20s endorsed for CPT, along with scans of job offer letters for all CPT
4. Know the Payment Required
The I-765 Filing fee is currently $470, payable to USCIS through the I-765 application process.
Students are also permitted to request “Premium Processing” for an additional $1,685 which ensures that USCIS reviews their I-765 OPT Application within 30 days of the receive of the application.
5. Meet with a DSO (International Student Affairs) and Get Final Approval
Meet with a member of the ISA Staff to review your documentation and the I-765 application requirements. Once your OPT-endorsement request has been approved by your faculty advisor and you have collected your documentation (and met with a DSO), the DSO will create the OPT-endorsed I-20 you will submit as part of your digital I-765 application.
The I-765 application must be submitted within 30 days of the creation of your OPT-endorsed I-20.
6. Fill Out and Submit the I-765 Application
USCIS launched a new, digital I-765 OPT application form within the last few years. Be mindful, if researching instructions for OPT, that the new application is online. Many universities still have instructions for the paper option.
To submit the I-765, you will need to create a USCIS account through the USCIS landing page. (Instructions under the “file online” section.) So long as you have gathered all the required documents, the application process should be fairly straightforward.
For additional guidance in filing the I-765, students can refer to this DePauw guidance.
7. Wait for Processing and your EAD Before Work
Processing of your I-765 OPT application can take several months.
Do not begin working before you receive your EAD (Employment Authorization Document). Receipt of this document confirms your eligibility to work.
Once your application has been received and is starting to be processed, you will receive an I-797 in the mail. This contains information about how to track your case online, as well as other important information. You should keep a copy of this notice for your records. Your employer may also request a copy.
Additional Questions
Can I travel while I am on OPT?
Yes. Please refer to the Travel on OPT/STEM-Extension page for more information.
Can I travel while my OPT Application is pending?
We do not recommend that you travel while your OPT application is pending. Please refer to the Travel on OPT/STEM-Extension page for more information.