Types of OPT
Eligibility
You can engage in OPT while you are still attending school (pre-completion OPT) and/or after you graduate (post-completion OPT). You do NOT need an employment offer to apply for OPT. You may apply for OPT if you meet the following requirements:
| Requirements | Pre-completion OPT | Post-completion OPT |
|---|---|---|
| 1. You are maintaining your F-1 status at the time you apply | Required | Required |
| 2. You have been a full-time student in degree status in the U.S. for at least one academic year | Required | Required |
| 3. You hold an unexpired I-20 that reflects your current major field and degree level | Required | Required |
| 4. You hold a valid passport | Required | Required |
| 5. You are physically present in the U.S. and have not departed the U.S. since completing your program of study | Required | Required |
| 6. You have not used one year or more of OPT or of full-time CPT at your current degree level | Required | Required |
| 7. You are in the final semester of your academic program | Not applicable | Required |
If you have any questions about your eligibility, please meet with an OIPS advisor before you start the OPT application process.
Permitted Hours
While you attend school/Pre-completion OPT:
- Fall or Spring semester: you may work up to 20 hours per week while you are taking a full course of study;
- Annual (summer) vacation: You may work full-time;
- If you are a doctoral student, have completed all coursework, and have advanced to candidacy, you may engage in full-time OPT.
After you graduate/Post-completion OPT:
- You need to work at least 20 hours per week.
Application Timeline
Pre-Completion OPT Application Timeline
A student may file for OPT up to 90 days before he or she completes a full academic year. If the student has already completed a full academic year, he or she may apply for OPT up to 90 days in advance of the requested employment start date.
If you have any questions about pre-completion OPT, please meet with an OIPS advisor before you start the OPT application process.
Post-Completion OPT Application Timeline
USCIS has established a "window" for applications, which begins 90 days before and ends 60 days after you complete your program of study. You may apply any time during that window but please note that USCIS may need up to 90 days to process your application and create the OPT employment Authorization (EAD) card. If you submit your application during the latter part of the application window (yellow/orange/red bar), you may lose part of your one-year work authorization, because the last possible day of OPT work authorization is fourteen months after your program completion date (green bar). We highly encourage you to apply for OPT prior to your program completion date. Remember, you don't need a job offer to apply for OPT.
1. Application timeline for undergraduate and graduate non-thesis students:
Completion dates 2019-2020
- Spring 2019 completion date (final day of exam period): May 15, 2019
- Summer completion date (final day of exam period): Varies by Summer Session, please check the Office of Registrar 3-year Calendars
- Fall 2019 completion date (final day of exam period): December 18, 2019
- Spring 2020 completion date (final day of exam period): May 13, 2020
Please note that the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will NOT accept applications received 60 days or more beyond the program completion date.
2. Application timeline for graduate students who have only a thesis or dissertation remaining:
Graduate students who have only a thesis or dissertation remaining should talk with an OIPS advisor to determine their completion date.
Deadlines
| Program Completion (PC) date | Earliest date USCIS will accept OPT applications (90 days before PC date) | Latest date USCIS will accept OPT applications (60 days after PC date - or earlier if end of 60 days falls on a weekend) | Earliest date you can request to start work (PC date + one day) | Latest date you can request to start work (PC date + 60 days) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 Graduates | 12/13/2023 | 9/14/2023 | 2/11/2024 | 12/14/2023 | 2/11/2024 |
| Spring 2024 Graduates | 5/8/2024 | 2/8/2024 | 7/7/2024 | 5/9/2024 | 7/7/2024 |
| Summer 2022 Graduates | 1: 8/12/2023 A: 6/24/2023 B: 7/29/2023 C: 7/29/2023 D: 7/29/2023 | 1: 5/14/2023 A: 3/26/2023 B: 4/30/2023 C: 4/30/2023 D: 4/30/2023 | 1: 10/11/2023 A: 8/23/2023 B: 9/27/2023 C: 9/27/2023 D: 9/27/2023 | 1: 8/13/2023 A: 6/25/2023 B: 7/30/2023 C: 7/30/2023 D: 7/30/2023 | 1: 10/11/2023 A: 8/23/2023 B: 9/27/2023 C: 9/27/2023 D: 9/27/2023 |
*F-1 students are required to complete the online OPT workshop + quiz BEFORE they can pick up an OPT packet in OIPS.
Process
The OPT application process can take up to four months. OIPS recommends that you start the OPT application process early to make sure you do not miss any important deadlines. The image below depicts the key OPT application steps and processing times. Please take a moment to review the steps and processing times/comments.
Fees
The current fee is $410. For more information: Department of Homeland Security
USCIS had announced an upcoming fee increase, effective 10/02/2020, but due to a nationwide injunction, the fee increase is currently on hold. Please check the I-765 website for the official fee before you mail in your application.