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OPTIONAL Practical TRAINING (OPT) Overview

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of temporary employment authorization for F-1 students, allowing them to gain practical experience directly related to their major field of study. OPT is available for up to 12 months per academic level (e.g., associate’s bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral), with an additional 24-month extension possible for certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degree holders employed by E-Verify employers. STEM OPT is not available for Associate’s level degree. Employment under OPT must be directly connected to the student’s academic program.

Students become eligible to apply for OPT after completing one full academic year in valid F-1 status. They can submit an application to USCIS as early as 90 days before their program end date, but no later than 60 days after program completion. Importantly, students cannot begin working until they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and reach the approved start date.

Document you will need to prepare

While you are waiting to get your OPT recommended I-20, please start gathering these documents as you will need them during Step 2.

  • Copy of current passport- must be valid

  • Copy of visa

  • Copy of I-94 (available electronically at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home)

  • 2 digital color passport photos taken within the past 6 months

  • Check or Money Order for $470 (for online filing), or $520 (for paper filing) payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. You can also pay online during the application process.

  • Copies of any previous Employment Authorization Card (if applicable).

How to Apply for OPT

STEP 1: Request OPT Recommended I-20

  1. Go through the online OPT power point PDF.

  2. Take the quiz and answer all questions correctly to be able to apply for your OPT I-20.

  3. Submit the completed quiz to our office via email. You will be notified about the status of your quiz.

  4. Once you pass the quiz, complete this form and submit it via e-mail or in-person. You will receive an e-mail when your OPT I-20 is ready.

 

STEP 2 : Application to USCIS

  1. Create or log in to your USCIS online account.

  2. Complete the OPT application on the USCIS website [ step-by-step PowerPoint guide available on our website to ensure your USCIS submission is complete and accurate. It is very risky and difficult to get information corrected after you’ve submitted the application, so please take your time to review your application. If you want, please contact us.]

  3. Upload required documents, including your OPT-recommended I-20 and other supporting materials. [Important: Once your DSO has signed and issued the OPT-recommended I-20, you will have 30 days from that signature date to submit your application to USCIS. If you miss this 30-day window, you will need to request a new OPT I-20 recommendation before applying.]

  4. Pay the application fee through the USCIS portal.

 

Important Reminders

  • 30-Day Window: Once your DSO signs and issues your OPT-recommended I-20, you have 30 days from the signature date to submit your OPT application to USCIS. If you do not submit within this window, you must request a new I-20 recommendation before you can apply.

  • Accurate Information: Carefully check that all information you provide in your application is accurate and complete. Errors can lead to processing delays or denials.

  • Correct Delivery Address: Make sure you provide a reliable, up-to-date delivery address in your USCIS application. If your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is sent to the wrong address and returned to USCIS, it may be difficult or impossible to retrieve it in a timely manner.

  • Replacement for Lost Cards: If your EAD card is lost or stolen in the mail, you will need to file a replacement application with USCIS and pay the associated fee again. Replacement processing can also add significant time to your overall authorization timeline.

  • Plan Ahead: Begin your application process early to account for these steps and any unforeseen delays. Timely, accurate submission helps ensure you receive your work authorization when you need it.

 Do not begin work until you receive the card from us.

 Forms Needed