1. F-1 OPT Workshop

2. The Basics
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment option available to F-1 students for employment directly related to the major area of study.
12 month period of OPT per higher degree level.
24 month STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Extension may be possible for some majors

3. The Basics: OPT Eligibility
Must be in valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for one academic year (2 long semesters)
Must complete all degree requirements in the academic program on their I-20*
NOT have used full-time CPT for 12 months or more.
Must take and pass the OPT Exam (at the end of the presentation on our website).
*Pre-completion OPT is possible.

4. Application Process Request an OPT I-20
If eligible, OIE will complete the necessary OPT recommendation in the SEVIS system and a new SEVIS I-20 will be issued. The completion date on your I-20 will now reflect the completion date on your OPT I-20 request.
Your OPT recommendation, including start and end dates will be annotated on page 2 of the new I-20.
You must file your application for OPT within 30 days of the date it is issued and signed by the DSO. The I-20 is not valid after 30 days and will be rejected by USCIS if you use it. You may request another I-20 after 30 days if you have not filed your OPT application.

5. Request a start date within the 60 day grace period after completion.
Application Timeline
You may apply up to 90 days before your program completion date*
USCIS must receive your application before the end of the 60 day grace period.
Send in your application during this time period (beginning 90 days before completion date and up to 60 days after completion).
Program Completion Date
90 days
60 day grace period
Remember – it can take USCIS up to 90 days to process OPT applications.
Request a start date within the 60 day grace period after completion.
*your program completion is when you have completed all the requirements for your degree. Your completion date may be before the original end date on your I-20.

6. Choosing your OPT start date
Things to consider…..
You have to begin employment within 90 days of your start date
You only get 90 days of unemployment total. The 90 days of unemployment start on the first day of your OPT. It is not part of your 60 day grace period at the end of your OPT.
Do you have an employer waiting to hire you? Pick an earlier start date.
If you want a break after your studies, or need time to look for a job, pick a later start date.
Changes to the OPT application must be submitted prior to issuance of Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card and application fee will not be returned.

7. Application Process
The following is a list of the documents which must be submitted to USCIS.
SEVIS 1-20 with OPT recommendation
Completed Form I-765
2 Passport-style photos (write your name on the back)
Check or money order for $410
Copy of I-94 document
Copy of Passport identity and expiration page(s)
Copy of Visa Stamp
Copy of all previous EAD cards
G-1145 (E-Notification of Application)

8. I-20 – page 1
PROGRAM END DATE will change to reflect your completion date
REMARKS section will now be applicable to OPT

9. I-20 – page 2
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION box will now contain the information on your OPT Employment Recommendation with start and end dates.

10. I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization
Page 1 of 2
You are applying for “permission to accept employment” – for initial application
Find your electronic record at for Box 10.
Have you had an EAD card before? Check yes or no in Box for 11.
TWU International Office address in Box 3
c 3 B = post completion OPT in Box 16

11. Page 2 of I-765
c 3 C = 24 month STEM OPT extension in Box 16. Complete Box 17 also for STEM extension.
Don’t forget to SIGN, date, phone number under Certification.

12. APPLICATION PROCESS
You will receive an from OIE when your OPT I-20 is ready.
Bring all of the required documents with you when you pick up the I-20. An advisor will go over your documents with you to ensure that it is filled out correctly.
We will give you an envelope in which you can mail the application and documents. The envelope will have a registered mail tracking receipt on it.
OIE will make you a copy of the entire packet (including check or money order) for your own records.

13. What happens next?
USCIS will send you an confirming they have received your application.
Immigration will cash your check and send you a receipt notice.
You can now check the case status online using the SRC number at
Normal processing time is days
Once your application is processed, USCIS will send your Employment Authorization Card (EAD). You may begin working on the start date but not before.

14. Maintaining status on OPT
While you are on OPT you are still an F-1 student.
Have your I-20 signed for travel by OIE
Report to OIE every 6 months
You must report to OIE any changes in:
Name
Address
Employer
Employer address
You must report any gaps in employment, and you may not be unemployed more than 90 days total.

15. Maintaining status on OPT
Work at least 20 hours a week
Be in a job that is related to your degree program
Maintain evidence of all employment and be prepared to provide the information to DHS if requested.*
Provide evidence showing duration of employment
Name and address of employer
If self-employed have proper business licenses
*OIE will not ask for this information, but you will need it when applying for future benefits through USCIS.

16. Maintaining status on OPT
It is up to you, the student, to justify how the job is related to your major.
Ask yourself,
“Is there a clear connection between the job and my major?”

17. Maintaining status on OPT
Types of employment:
Paid
Unpaid
Internships
Volunteer Work
Multiple Employers (Combined Hours Must Total At Least 20 Hours Per Week)

18. Important Facts
Multiple factors can have an effect on travel before, during, and after OPT
GENERALLY speaking, we do not recommend traveling out of the country after you have applied for OPT.
If you would like to discuss your particular circumstance, please feel free to come and talk to an international advisor.
An expired visa does not impact your status while in the U.S. However, if you travel outside the U.S., you must renew your visa before returning.
Do not attempt to renew your visa without a job while on OPT.

19. Important Facts
If your OPT is approved after the 60 day grace period, you may not receive the full 12 months of OPT.
You may not go to school to pursue a degree while on OPT. New degrees require you to have a new I-20 and attend school full-time. (part-time, incidental study on OPT is fine.)
You may not accrue an aggregate (total) of more than 90 days of unemployment on OPT.

20. Life after OPT 60 day grace period after completing OPT
Before the end of this grace period you must:
Depart the U.S., or
Apply for change of status to another visa category, or
Transfer to another institution or begin another F-1 program at TWU. Your new program must begin within 5 months of your OPT end date.
NOTE: Employment is not authorized during the 60 day grace period.

21. What about the H-1B cap gap?
H-1B cap-gap extension of F-1 status and work authorization until October 1. F-1 status and work authorization will be extended for a student on OPT, who is the beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B petition requesting an employment start date of October 1 of the following fiscal year. The extension of F-1 status and work authorization automatically terminates upon the rejection, denial, or revocation of the H-1B petition filed on the student's behalf.

22. OPT QUIZ
Copy and paste the link below into a new window in your browser to take the OPT Quiz.
All OPT applicants must pass this test in order to request an OPT I-20.