Overview

The page explains how to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT gives F-1 students the opportunity to work in the United States after completion of their degree.

Please contact International Affairs (international@uwf.edu) for assistance during this process.

Important: A new I-20 with OPT dates on page two is required to apply for OPT. You must work with your international student advisor before your submit your OPT application.

If you do not provide all the required documents, your OPT application may be denied by USCIS.

Please review the information on this page carefully and contact your international advisor with any questions. (link to FAQs)

You DO NOT need a job offer to apply for OPT.
 


Table of Contents


What is OPT?

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.

speaker medium volume 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?

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

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.

How to Apply to OPT

Check out the OPT Checklist for an overview of your next steps.

Review Information/ OPT 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.

light bulb 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.
It is important to review all details on this page to ensure that you understand how to maintain F-1 status while your OPT application is pending and when your OPT is approved.
A new I-20 with OPT dates on page two is required to apply for OPT. 


Confirm Graduation Semester

  1.  Apply to Graduate
  2. Submit the International Graduation Verification form in MyUWF
  • The UWF Graduation Guide is a great resource for upcoming graduates. It contains information on applying to graduate, commencement, and more.
  • You must be logged into MyUWF to access the International Graduation Verification Form.
  • Once logged into MyUWF, search for "International Graduation Verification."

speaker medium volume DO NOT use the Navigate for your academic advisor. This will delay the approval of your form.


Submit OPT Start Date Request

Submit the OPT Start Date Request Form in MyUWF. To request a new I-20 with a recommendation for OPT from.

exclamation mark The earliest start date you can select is the day after your program end date. 

  • If you graduate early, your program end date will be changed to reflect your graduation date.
  • You must choose a start date within 60 days of your program end date. 

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.

Important: 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.


Picking up your new I-20 with OPT Recommendation:

  • Review the I-20 for accuracy, sign and date it.
  • We can also email you a copy of your OPT I-20. You MUST print it and sign/date in ink. (USCIS does not accept electronic signatures)

exclamation mark A copy of the OPT I-20 MUST be included in your OPT application.


Create a USCIS Online Account and Compile Supporting Documents for OPT Application

Use this link to create a USCIS account and begin the I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization: 

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:

  • Use the code for standard Post-completion OPT (c)(3)(B).

  • Incomplete applications or applications with errors may lead to delays or a denial of your OPT application.

  • Do not pay the application fee until you have reviewed your application with your international student advisor.

  • We strongly recommend you complete a final document check to ensure that your application is complete prior to making payment.

  • You are responsible for submitting the OPT application within the filing deadlines. 

OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation 

  • The checklist has notes on each required item.

  • Be sure to read these carefully.

  • Keep a copy of your application and all documents for your records.

  • For more information, please refer to the USCIS website https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.

Important:

USCIS will send the EAD card and all notifications to the address on the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).

The USCIS process to update the mailing address after payment is not reliable. We recommend that you enter a reliable mailing address when you submit your application.

International Affairs advises that the address should be valid for at least 4 months.


Required Documentation


Filing Fee

Important Notes for Online Filing:

USCIS considers your OPT application filed when you pay the fee in the online application.

  • Be sure to review your application for completeness and accuracy before you pay the fee.

  • It is important to pay the fee before the end of your 60 day grace period to allow for payment processing in the USCIS system.

  • International Affairs recommends scheduling a final document check with your international student advisor prior to making payment.

  • You may not be able to update information in your application after it is filed.


Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

 You must file your Form I-765 within 30 days of the date that your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT in SEVIS.

Read and follow the instructions carefully: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765

Important Notes:

Use the code for standard Post-completion OPT (c)(3)(B).

You must provide the details below to apply for OPT.

Additional Information:

  • all previously used SEVIS numbers 

  • evidence of any previously authorized CPT and the academic level at which it was authorized

  • evidence of any previously authorized OPT and the academic level at which it was authorized

Most recent I-94 arrival record.

Printout of electronic Form I-94.

  • Make sure the record indicates “Class of Admission: F1" and “Admit Until Date: D/S,” which stands for duration of status. 

  • Make sure the I-94 shows the correct date for your most recent entry.

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).

US passport-style photograph/s.

Use the Photo Tool link in the online application if you take you own photo.

  • This review is necessary to confirm that your photo meets requirements.

  • It is not recommended to scan a paper photo.

  • If you have issues uploading a digital photo, please review Uploading a Digital Photo for answers to frequently asked questions.

UWF Career Development can also provide a free, digital photo.

  • Make a request in Handshake to get an appointment.
  • You must share the specifications for their photo at the time of scheduling the appointment - not when they arrive in our building for the photo to be taken.
  • See photo requiremnts in the resources above.
  • You must request a white background.


I-20 with OPT recommendation

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.

Additional Information

Include 

  • Evidence of all previous CPT and OPT work authorizations

  • All previously used SEVIS numbers

Final Steps

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.
  • 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.

 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

  • 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.
    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 the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or www.ICE.gov/tips immediately and make a report.

Maintaining Status while on OPT

 Reporting Requirements

You will use the SEVP Portal to fulfill your legal reporting requirements while on OPT. 

  • Updates must be made within 10 days of the change occurring.
  • Students receive an email directly from SEVP with instructions to activate the portal account.
  • The SEVP portal will email you on the start date listed on your EAD card.
  • If you do not receive an email, email a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to international@uwf.edu. 

It is your responsibility to complete reporting requirements. 

  • The SEVP Portal Help page has step-by-step instructions and instructional videos to learn to navigate the portal.
  • Please note that reporting requirements for STEM OPT do not apply to students on Post-completion OPT.

In the portal, you can update:

  • Physical home address.
  • Mailing address.
  • Telephone number.
  • Employment information. The employer address should be the address the student reports to for work.

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.

  • SEVP will send email to the address listed in your portal account. 
  • Be sure to check  your email regularly.
Travelling and OPT

The travel signature on your I-20 is valid for six months. 

For travel, you must have the following to re-enter the US:

  • a valid passport and valid F-1 visa
  • Form I-20 with travel signature (within 6 months of re-entry to the US)
  • EAD card
  • job offer letter/letter from your employer that you are on approved leave

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.

Unemployment and Unpaid Work

You can accrue up to 90 days of unemployment while on approved OPT.

  • Days of unemployment are counted from the start date on the EAD card.
  • If you accrue over 90 days of unemployment, you will violate your F-1 status if you do not take action to maintain legal status.
  • For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, SEVP considers students who are
    working in their OPT opportunities fewer than 20 hours a week as engaged in OPT.

You can work without pay where this does not violate any labor laws. This is considered employment. 

  • You must work (where this does not violate any labor laws) full time, more than 20 hours per week, in your major area of study.
  • You must report employment information for unpaid positions.
  • You should be able to provide evidence from your employer to document that you have maintained legal status.


What to Expect After You Submit your Application to USCIS


USCIS will contact you by mail at the address on your I-765 form. 

  • Check your mail regularly.
  • You can also see updates in your online account.

You will receive an I-797C Notice of Action acknowledging receipt of your application. 

  • You can use the case number to track your OPT application on the USCIS website.
  • If you filed online,  you can also see the  I-797C Notice of Action in your account.

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.

https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-guidance/how-to-track-delivery-of-your-green-card-employment-authorization-document-ead-and-travel-document

A tracking number is assigned upon shipment of the EAD card.

  • You can use the case number on the USCIS website to identify your tracking number. 
  • You can use your tracking number at www.USPS.com in the Quick Tools Tracking section.
  • Contact your local post office immediately if there are issues with the EAD card delivery.

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.
  • You will get an email from the SEVP portal on the start date. Sometimes the email arrives 1-2 days after the start date.
  • If you do not get the email or have any issues, please contact your international student advisor.
  • View The SEVP Portal: Overview Video for instructions on how to use the portal to fulfill reporting requirements while on OPT. 
  • Additional information is available on the SEVP PORTAL OVERVIEW page.

Below is an example of an Employment Authorization Document.

example of an Employment Authorization Document


FAQs


  • You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.
  • Processing time varies. Some applications are processed within 1-2 months. It may take up to 90 days or longer.
  • You must not begin work until your OPT is approved and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
  • It is recommended that you use a mailing address that is valid for 2-4 months when you apply for OPT. Issues have been reported with the address update feature. Changing your mailing address may lead to delays in receiving your  Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
  • USCIS will not forward your mail or EAD card to a new address.
  • 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.
  • Employment is permitted only during the time period specified on the EAD card.
  • Full time employment for students on Post-completion OPT is more than 20 hours per week. This could be a combination of positions if all positions are directly related to your field of study.
  • 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.
  • USCIS will contact you on the email address listed in your portal.
  • International students who encounter fraudulent activity tied to OPT should contact the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE or www.ICE.gov/tips immediately and make a report.
  • International students who rely on recruitment agencies to obtain OPT placements should ensure those agencies are trustworthy and reputable. Reputable recruiters will not modify a student’s resume or academic background to secure OPT placement.