Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a valuable opportunity for international students in the U.S. to gain hands-on work experience in their field of study after completing their degree. Administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), OPT allows eligible students on an F-1 visa to work temporarily in the United States.
Understanding the OPT application process, requirements, deadlines, and employment rules is crucial for making the most of this opportunity. This guide will take you through every step of applying for OPT after completing your U.S. degree, ensuring you are well-prepared for a smooth transition from student to professional.
What is OPT?
OPT is a temporary work authorization for F-1 students that allows them to gain practical experience in a job directly related to their field of study. The program helps students transition from academic learning to professional work experience, making them more competitive in their career field.
Types of OPT
There are two main types of OPT:
- Pre-Completion OPT – Work authorization that allows students to work before they graduate. It is less common since most students prefer to use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) instead.
- Post-Completion OPT – Work authorization granted after a student completes their degree, allowing them to work full-time in their field of study.
This article focuses on Post-Completion OPT, as it is the most commonly used form of OPT for students who have completed their U.S. degree.
OPT Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for OPT, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be an F-1 student enrolled full-time at a U.S. institution for at least one full academic year.
- Your job must be directly related to your field of study.
- You must not have used more than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) before applying for OPT.
- You must apply for OPT within the specified timeline set by USCIS.
Students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields may also qualify for an OPT extension after completing their initial 12 months of work authorization.
When to Apply for OPT
Timing is crucial when applying for OPT. Here are the key timelines you should keep in mind:
- Earliest you can apply: 90 days before your program completion date.
- Latest you can apply: 60 days after your program completion date.
- Grace Period: If you do not apply within 60 days of program completion, you will lose your OPT eligibility.
Since OPT applications take 90+ days to process, applying early is highly recommended.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for OPT
Step 1: Request an OPT Recommendation from Your Designated School Official (DSO)
Before submitting your OPT application to USCIS, you need a new Form I-20 with an OPT recommendation from your university’s International Student Office (ISO).
What to Do:
- Meet with Your DSO – Schedule an appointment with your school’s international student advisor.
- Submit an OPT Request Form – Your university may require you to fill out an internal request form.
- Provide Necessary Documents – You may need to provide proof of your expected graduation date.
- Receive Your New Form I-20 – Your DSO will update your SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation on page 2.
Step 2: Complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
The Form I-765 is the official application for work authorization. You can complete and submit this form online through the USCIS website or by mail (paper application).
Required Information for Form I-765:
- Full Name (as it appears in your passport)
- U.S. Mailing Address (where you will receive your OPT approval documents)
- SEVIS Number (found on your Form I-20)
- Eligibility Category: (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPT
- Signature and Date
Make sure the information matches your passport and SEVIS record to avoid delays.
Step 3: Gather and Submit Supporting Documents
When applying for OPT, you need to include the following supporting documents:
Mandatory Documents for OPT Application:
✔ New Form I-20 (with OPT recommendation from your DSO)
✔ Completed Form I-765 (signed and dated)
✔ Copy of Passport (valid for at least six months)
✔ Copy of F-1 Visa (if applicable)
✔ Copy of Most Recent Form I-94 (found online on the CBP website)
✔ Two Passport-Style Photos (taken within the last 30 days)
✔ USCIS Filing Fee ($410 as of 2025) – Payable via check, money order, or online payment
✔ Copy of Any Previous EAD (Employment Authorization Document) (if applicable)
Step 4: Submit Your OPT Application to USCIS
After completing Form I-765 and gathering all documents, you can submit your OPT application to USCIS.
Submission Options:
- Online Filing – The fastest method; submit directly through the USCIS website.
- Mailing Your Application – If filing by mail, send your complete application packet to the appropriate USCIS lockbox based on your location.
Step 5: Receive Your OPT Receipt Notice (Form I-797)
Once USCIS receives your application, they will send you a Receipt Notice (Form I-797) confirming that your application is being processed.
Important Notes:
- The receipt notice contains a receipt number that you can use to track your case status on the USCIS website.
- If there are errors in your application, USCIS may send a Request for Evidence (RFE), which will delay processing.
Step 6: Receive Your OPT Approval and EAD Card
If your OPT application is approved, you will receive:
✔ Approval Notice from USCIS
✔ Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) – Required for legal employment.
Once you receive your EAD card, you can begin working on or after your OPT start date.
OPT Employment Rules
Once you have been approved for OPT, there are several rules you must follow:
1. Work Must Be Related to Your Field of Study
You can only work in a position that is directly related to your major.
2. Employment Types Allowed on OPT
- Full-time or part-time jobs
- Paid or unpaid internships
- Contract work or freelance (for students with proper authorization)
3. Unemployment Limit
- You cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days during your OPT period.
4. Report Your Employment to Your DSO
- You must update your DSO within 10 days of starting any new job.
Applying for the STEM OPT Extension
If you have a degree in a STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
Eligibility for STEM OPT Extension:
✔ You have a degree in an eligible STEM field.
✔ Your employer is E-Verify registered.
✔ You apply before your initial OPT expires.
To apply, you will need to submit Form I-765 again with an updated Form I-20 and employer information.
Conclusion
Applying for OPT after completing your U.S. degree is an important step in gaining professional experience and transitioning from student life to the workforce. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth OPT application process and maximize your work authorization in the U.S.
Planning ahead, meeting deadlines, and maintaining compliance with OPT rules will help you make the most of this opportunity. If you are eligible for the STEM OPT extension, you can extend your stay even further, opening the door to potential future visa sponsorships and career growth.
With careful preparation, you can successfully navigate the OPT process and take the next step in your career. Good luck! 🚀
Zara Adeyemi