Overview
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.
Update: 8/24/2020
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.
If you experience a delay in the delivery of your EAD card, please see this USCIS resource page: Form I-9 Verification During EAD Production Delays Due to COVID-19
What is OPT?
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
OPT Application Filing Timeline
We recommend that you apply as early as possible. Processing times range up to 3 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.
Steps to Apply for OPT
Step 1
Review the information in this OPT Confluence page to learn about the process to apply for OPT.
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.
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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Step 2
Schedule an appointment with an International Programs advisor to discuss any questions or concerns about applying for OPT.
- You can make an appointment by calling 850-474-2479 or through the Navigate App in MyUWF.
Step 3
To request a new I-20 with a recommendation for OPT from International Programs, submit the OPT Start Date Request Form in MyUWF.
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 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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Step 4
Pick up your new I-20 with OPT recommendation.
- During the COVID-19 remote work environment, we will email you a copy of your OPT I-20.
- You must download it and sign/date in ink.
- USCIS does not accept electronic signatures.
Review it for accuracy, sign and date it.
A copy of the OPT I-20 must be included in your OPT application to USCIS.
Step 5
Compile supporting documents for the OPT application.
For more information, see the OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation at the bottom of this page.
- Checklist has notes on each required item. Be sure to read these carefully.
- For more information, please refer to the USCIS website https://www.uscis.gov/i-765.
- See pages 19-20 in Form I-765 Instructions for how to assemble your documents in the correct order.
Important Note:
USCIS will send the EAD card and all notifications to the address on the I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization. International Programs usually advises that the address should be valid for at least 4 months. In this current epidemic, processing may take longer. Therefore, it is important that the address on your I-765 be valid as long as possible. You can discuss your options and concerns with your international advisor.
Step 6
Schedule an advising appointment with an international programs advisor to review your OPT application.
You must bring all the required documentation to the appointment.
- Please see the OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation below.
Final Steps
Online Filing Option:
USCIS announced on 04/10/2021 that F-1 students can now file Form I-765 online for OPT (Optional Practical Training).
- Review the USCIS resource page below carefully and consult with your international student advisor to discuss online filing.
- Students are responsible for submitting all documents required for online filing in the USCIS online account.
Individuals can file 11 USCIS forms online, which can all be found on the Forms Available to File Online page. To file these forms online, individuals must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov. This free account allows them to:
- Submit their forms;
- Pay their fees;
- Track the status of their case;
- Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox; and
- Respond to Requests for Evidence.
USCIS continues to accept the latest paper version of these forms by mail.
Paper Filing:
Send your complete OPT application with fee to USCIS, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.
- Be careful that all required documents are in the application.
- USCIS can deny your application if it is missing any required documentation without sending you a notification (a Request for Further Evidence).
- Check that the Form I-765 is complete, signed in blue ink and dated.
- Make certain that the copies of all Forms I-20 are signed and dated.
- Double check that your application includes all items on the OPT Application Checklist.
- Make a complete copy of your application for your records.
Where to send the application:
We recommend that you send your complete application by the United States Postal Service (USPS) by Priority Mail so that you have a tracking number.
Please see the USCIS website for the address: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses
- See the section for Foreign Students and search for F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- International Programs recommends the United States Postal Service to ship these documents.
- If you submit your application near the deadline (60 days after your program end date), be aware of shipping timelines and select overnight service with the United States Postal Service.
Important Information to Review before you apply for OPT
- Processing time can 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 Programs 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 and the SEVP Portal
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.
Travel and Maintaining Status
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 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
Applying for OPT and Travel
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.
OPT Application Checklist of Required Documentation
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 | Important Note: It is important to pay the correct fee. Forms with the incorrect fee will be rejected. Check for the amount of the fee the day you send your application. Fees are subject to change.
International Programs recommends payment by money order.
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Completed Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Include original of Form I-765 in your application. | Please see the USCIS I-765 website to confirm that you submit the correct version of the I-765. Read and follow the USCIS Form Filing Tips carefully. Important Note: If you are mailing your application on or after August 25, 2020: Check to see that your I-765 is the August 25th edition. The date is printed on the lower left corner of the I-765. Prior editions of the I-765 will be rejected.
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. IMPORTANT:
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. |
What to Expect After You Submit your Application to USCIS
Updates from USCIS
USCIS will contact you by mail at the address on your I-765 form.
- Check your mail regularly.
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.
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 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 for more information in tracking EAD card delivery.
Receive your Employment Authorization 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.
- You will get an email from the SEVP portal on 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.
- 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.
Below is an example of an Employment Authorization Document.
