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Post-completion OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to work in the United States after completion of their degree.
OPT is training that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. It provides students with practical experience in their field of study upon completion of a degree program.
Students in STEM fields may be eligible for an additional 24-month extension of post-completion OPT. Please see the STEM OPT HUB on the Study in the States website for more information.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible for OPT, you must
be in good immigration status
have been enrolled as a full-time student for the past nine months
be in your last semester
have a valid passport
be physically present in the US
Students who were previously authorized for 12 months of OPT are eligible to apply again when they complete a degree at a higher level.
Graduate students who have completed all program requirements with the exception of the thesis or dissertation may apply for post-completion OPT.
F-1 students are eligible for one year of OPT per level, for example, one year at the bachelor's level, one year at the master's level, etc.
OPT Application Filing Timeline
We recommend that you apply as early as possible. Processing times range up to 2 to 5 months.
The earliest date to apply is 90 days before the completion of your program.
USCIS must receive your complete OPT application within 60 days after your program end date.
Important Notes on the Timeline:
You must apply several days prior to day 60 to ensure that your payment is processed by USCIS prior to the deadline.
It is strongly recommended to schedule a final document check prior to submitting your online application.
Make an appointment with your international advisor at least one week prior to the deadline to allow for review of your application and USCIS payment processing.
Steps to Apply for OPT
Step 1
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| title | Review the information in this OPT Confluence page to learn about the process to apply for OPT and important information on how to maintain F-1 status while you are on OPT.. Take the OPT quiz. |
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What is OPT? |
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OPT is training that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. It provides students with practical experience in their field of study upon completion of a degree program.
Students in STEM fields may be eligible for an additional 24-month extension of post-completion OPT. Please see the STEM OPT HUB on the Study in the States website for more information. The Application Guide and Resources for the STEM OPT Extension (STEM OPT) is another helpful resource.
Who is eligible to apply? |
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To be eligible for OPT, you must:
- be in good immigration status
- have been enrolled as a full-time student for the past nine months
- be in your last semester
- have a valid passport
- be physically present in the US
Students who were previously authorized for 12 months of OPT are eligible to apply again when they complete a degree at a higher level.
Graduate students who have completed all program requirements with the exception of the thesis or dissertation may apply for post-completion OPT.
F-1 students are eligible for one year of OPT per level, for example, one year at the bachelor's level, one year at the master's level, etc.
OPT Application Filing Timeline |
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The earliest date to apply is 90 days before the completion of your program.
USCIS must receive your complete OPT application within 60 days after your program end date.
Important Notes on the Timeline: You must apply several days prior to day 60 to ensure that your payment is processed by USCIS prior to the deadline. |
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How to Apply to OPTCheck out the OPT Checklist for an overview of your next steps. |
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Review Information/ OPT Quiz
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1. View The SEVP Portal: Overview Video for instructions on how to use the portal to fulfill reporting requirements while on OPT.
2. Take the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Orientation Quiz. |
1. View The SEVP Portal: Overview Video for instructions on how to use the portal to fulfill reporting requirements while on OPT.
Please note that reporting requirements for STEM OPT do not apply to students on Post-completion OPT.
It's a good idea to make a note of any questions or concerns so that you can review them in your OPT advising appointment.
2. Take the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Orientation Quiz.
This is required before International Affairs will issue an I-20 with OPT recommendation.
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-1 status while your OPT application is pending and when your OPT is approved. |
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Confirm Graduation Semester
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2. Submit the International Graduation Verification form in MyUWF
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Submit OPT Start Date Request
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Submit the OPT Start Date Request Form in MyUWF |
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. To request a new I-20 with a recommendation for OPT from |
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International Affairs will review your documents, shorten your I-20 end date if necessary and issue an updated I-20 with the recommendation for post-completion OPT. The new I-20 must be uploaded in your OPT application.
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Step 4
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Picking up your new I-20 with OPT |
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Recommendation:
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Review the I-20 for accuracy, sign and date it.
A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application.
Step 5
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Create a USCIS Online Account and Compile |
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Supporting Documents for |
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OPT Application |
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Use this link to create a USCIS account and begin the I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization: |
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https://myaccount.uscis.gov/sign-in Students are responsible for submitting a complete application and all documents required for online filing in the USCIS online account. A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application. Important Notes:
OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation
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I-20 with OPT recommendation
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A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application.
Look for the OPT start and end date on page two.
IMPORTANT:
If you have a scanned copy, you must download, sign and date the I-20.
Then make a copy to upload.
USCIS will not accept an electronically-generated signature.
Check that the I-20 has your signature and date in ink before you upload.
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Additional Information
Include
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Final Steps |
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| title | Schedule a Final Document Check with your International Student Advisor |
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Schedule an Advising Appointment in Navigate
Complete as much of the online I-765 as possible and upload your required documentation.
- Do not make payment or submit the form prior to the final document check.
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- The system allows you to submit the OPT application without required documents or with missing information. This can lead to delays or denials.
- You must be certain that all questions are answered fully and all required documentation is uploaded before making payment.
- Bring your laptop so that you can review and edit your I-765 if updates are needed.
- Computers are also available in the International Center if needed.
- It is important to complete as much of the application as possible and upload your documents before the final document check.
- If you do not have all the required documents, you must follow up and schedule a new appointment.
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In Navigate, select Academic Support and Immigration Advising to make an appointment.
You have the opportunity to ask any questions you have and review your I-765 and documentation before you submit/pay for the OPT application.
Important Information to Review before you apply for OPT |
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- Processing time varies. Some applications are processed within 1-2 months. It may take up to 90 days or longer.
- You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.
- You must not begin work until your OPT is approved and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
- If you move while your application is being processed, you must complete an AR-11 form to update your address or update in your USCIS account.
- USCIS will not forward your mail or EAD card to a new address.
- Employment is permitted only during the time period specified on the EAD card.
- Post-completion OPT is considered full-time, more than 20 hours per week.
- You may have multiple employers, but all employment must be related to your major field of study.
- International Affairs will send important OPT updates to the email on record in MyUWF.
- International students who rely on recruitment agencies to obtain OPT placements should ensure those agencies are trustworthy and reputable.
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Reputable recruiters will not modify a student’s resume or academic background to secure OPT placement.
International students who encounter fraudulent activity tied to OPT should contact
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the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE orwww.ICE.gov/tips immediately and make a report.
Maintaining Status while on OPT |
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Reporting Requirements
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You will use the SEVP Portal to fulfill your legal reporting requirements while on OPT.
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It is your responsibility to complete reporting requirements.
In the portal, you can update:
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If no employer information is entered into SEVIS after 90 days, ICE will cancel your OPT and terminate your status. To update your legal name or email address, contact your international student advisor or email international@uwf.edu.
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The travel signature on your I-20 is valid for six months. For travel, you must have the following to re-enter the US:
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Travel outside of the US while your OPT request is pending is not recommended. If you travel outside the US after your OPT is approved and you do not have a job or a job offer, you may not reenter the US as an F-1 student and your OPT will end. |
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You can accrue up to 90 days of unemployment while on approved OPT.
You can work without pay where this does not violate any labor laws. This is considered employment.
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What to Expect After You Submit your Application to |
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USCIS will contact you by mail at the address on your I-765 form.
You will receive an I-797C Notice of |
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Action acknowledging receipt of your application.
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Contact International Affairs if there is an error on your receipt notice or if you receive a Request for Further Evidence. How to Track Delivery of your EAD Card (Employment Authorization Document)USCIS has options to get automatic case updates including the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) tracking number when your EAD card is mailed. A tracking number is assigned upon shipment of the EAD card.
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You must not begin work until your OPT is approved and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
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Below is an example of an Employment Authorization Document.
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