Optional Practical Training (OPT) Fact Sheet

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment option available to F-1 students. It must be directly related to the major area of study. ISS assists students with the OPT application process; however, the final authorization is processed by USCIS. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that a completed application is submitted in a timely manner to USCIS. We recommend applying 90 days prior to the completion date of all academic requirements as USCIS processing can take up to 90 days or more. You cannot begin working on OPT until USCIS approval is received and you have a valid EAD (employment authorization document) card in hand.

Student Eligibility

Students who have valid F-1 status and who have attended an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary on a full-time basis for at least one academic year may be authorized up to 12 months of OPT per program level. Students must not have used more than 12 months of full-time CPT. Students must apply no earlier than 90 days earlier than or 60 days later than their degree completion date.

OPT Hours & Limitations

  • Employment on OPT must be directly related to the major area of study and correspond with the most recent educational level as listed on the student’s I-20.
  • Students may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during the 12 months of standard post-completion OPT. Working and/or volunteering for less than 20 hours per week counts as unemployment.
  • Post-completion OPT start date must be within 60 days following academic program completion (not necessarily date of graduation). The academic program completion date should be determined prior to applying for OPT.

Application Process

  1. Log in to ISSLink to access the Standard OPT Application.
  2. Complete the online form and list your academic advisor’s information
  3. Gather the necessary documents: After you have submitted all the necessary e-forms and supporting documentation in ISSLink, you must contact the ISS office to schedule an OPT appointment with a Foreign Student Advisor.  After you meet with the ISS advisor and receive your new I-20 recommending OPT, you will then be responsible for completing the application and sending to to USCIS (or submitting it to USCIS online).

24-Month STEM Extension for OPT

A 24-month extension is available for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematic) students currently on post-completion OPT.
Below are the requirements:

  • You must have completed a degree at bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level in a field designated by Homeland Security as a STEM program (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics). See ISS website or the STEM OPT Hub for details.
  • You must be engaged in an approved period of standard post-completion OPT;
  • You must be employed by an employer who is enrolled in the Homeland Security "E-Verify" program.
  • Your employer must agree to notify your DSO (ISS advisor) within 48 hours if you cease employment prior to the end date of your OPT authorization card.

The 90-day unemployment limit increases to 150 days on the STEM extension. Students must submit validation reports to ISS through ISSLink every 6 months after the start date of STEM OPT. Reports submitted at 12 months and 24 months must also include a self-evaluation completed by the student and signed by their employer.

*Student health insurance can be purchased through the Pat Walker Health Center for time spent on OPT: Student Health Insurance