The page explains how to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Post-completion OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to work in the United States after completion of their degree. For help with this process, please contact International Programs at international@uwf.edu. |
International Programs is here to support you as you apply for Optional Practical Training while the university is working remotely, Our goal is to process your request as quickly as possible. Students should carefully review the information on this page and monitor email from their international student advisor.
Virtual advising appointments are available to answer questions and to review your OPT application before you submit it to USCIS. We encourage students to make notes as they review the information on this page. This will ensure that your questions are addressed in the advising session.
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.
To be eligible for OPT, you must
The earliest date to apply is 90 days before the completion of your program.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible.
USCIS must receive your complete OPT application within 60 days after your program end date.
View The SEVP Portal: Overview Video for instructions on how to use the portal to fulfill reporting requirements while on OPT.
Take the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Orientation Quiz. This is required before International Programs will issue an I-20 with OPT recommendation. |
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Schedule an appointment with an International Programs advisor to discuss any questions or concerns about applying for OPT.
To request a new I-20 with a recommendation for OPT from International Programs, submit the OPT Start Date Request Form.
The earliest start date is the day after your program end date - based on your semester of program completion.
International Programs 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.
Important note: USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date the OPT I-20 is issued or within 60 days after your program end date, whichever is sooner. If you apply late, you may have less than 30 days to apply. |
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Pick up your new I-20 with OPT recommendation.
Review it for accuracy, sign and date it.
A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application to USCIS.
Complete Form I-765 and compile supporting documents.
Refer to the OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation for the list of items to include in your application.
Schedule an advising appointment with an international programs advisor to review your OPT application.
You must bring all the required documentation to the appointment.
Send your complete OPT application with fee to USCIS, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
If your address on the I-765 is in Florida, mail the complete application by USPS to:
USCIS Texas Service Center
P.O. Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266
International Programs recommends regular mail with the United States Postal Service to ship these documents. Do not use express mail.
| Important Note: If your address on the I-765 is not in Florida or if you prefer to ship by express mail, refer to the USCIS Where to File instructions. |
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Reporting Requirements and the SEVP Portal
You will use the SEVP Portal to fulfill your legal reporting requirements while on OPT.
It is your responsibility to complete reporting requirements.
In the portal, you can update:
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.
The travel signature on your I-20 must be within 6 months of re-entry to the US.
For travel, you must have the following to re-enter the US:
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.
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, and this time does not count against the 90 days of unemployment.
A complete application for OPT includes all items on the checklist, including a copy of your I-20 with OPT recommendation.
It is important to review the complete OPT page before you submit your application.
Keep a copy of all documents for your records.
You are responsible for submitting the OPT application within the filing deadlines.
For notification of delivery, use this form. Put this form on top of your application. | |
| Filing Fee | Check or money order for the Form I-765 filing fee of $410.00, made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security." International Programs recommends payment by money order. If you do not have a check with your printed name and address, you should use a money order. You may pay by credit card using G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. See Pay With a Credit Card for details. |
Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Include original of Form I-765 in your application. | Download the form to access the latest version.
Use the code for standard Post-completion OPT for item 27: (c)(3)(B). Use Part 6. Additional Information to provide:
Important: You must file your Form I-765 within 30 days of the date that your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in SEVIS. |
| Most recent I-94 arrival record. | Printout of electronic Form I-94. Or copy of both sides of card stock I-94. |
| Copy of all previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD cards). | Include a copy of front and back of each EAD card. |
| Proof of identity if you do not have a previous EAD card. | Copy of biographical ID page of your passport (valid for at least six months). Copy of most recent F-1 visa. |
| Two US passport-style photographs. | Two identical US passport-style color photos, taken within 30 days of filing Form I-765. Write your name in pencil on the back of each photo. |
Copies of all I-20s. | Put a copy of your signed and dated new I-20 with OPT recommendation on top. Include a copy of all prior I-20s. Check that all I-20s have your signature and date before you copy. |
Graduation Verification Form | See Submitting the Graduation Verification Form to complete the form. |
USCIS will contact you by mail at the address on your I-765 form.
You will receive an I-797C Notice of Action acknowledging receipt of your application.
Contact International Programs if there is an error on your receipt notice or if you receive a Request for Further Evidence.
A tracking number is assigned upon shipment of the EAD card.
You must not begin work until your OPT is approved and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
Employment is permitted only during the time period specified on the EAD card.
Below is an example of an Employment Authorization Document.
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