Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Under Construction – please refer to the Forms page at this time.

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study.

STAGE 1: KNOW THE OPT BASICS

OPT is an employment benefit of a student’s F-1 status and is generally applied for in a student’s last semester.

Eligibility

To be eligible for OPT, students must…

  • be in full-time F-1 status for at least one academic year. Some students who have changed their visa status to F-1 and who have been continuously enrolled in a full-time degree program for at least 1 academic year may qualify for OPT prior to 1 year in F-1 status. See a International Services Office (DSO) adviser for more information.
  • be seeking employment in the major field of study listed on their current HSC I-20.
  • be completing their program of study at HSC. See ISO’s OPT tutorial for more information.
  • be physically present in the United States at time of the application to USCIS.
  • NOT have used more than 1 year of full-time CPT during their current degree level (part-time doesn’t count).

Do I need a job to apply for OPT?

No, a job offer is not required to apply for OPT. However, be aware that during your 12-month OPT period, you are only allowed a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment. You must also report your employment to International Services Office  (complete the OPT Employment Reporting Form).

What visa status will I have while waiting for OPT? And while I am working on OPT?

While your OPT application is pending and after it is approved by USCIS, you will maintain your F-1 status under the sponsorship of HSC. OPT is a benefit of your F-1 status, allowing you to stay in the United States to seek employment in your field of study. As a result, you will continue to use your HSC OPT I-20 and F-1 documents for travel, and you will need to obtain new travel signatures from HSC every 6 months. Additionally, HSC will remain responsible for reporting any changes in your status to SEVIS and assisting you in maintaining your F-1 status during your OPT period.

Do I need a Social Security Number to work in the U.S.?

Yes, you will need a Social Security Number (SSN)  for any paid employment in the United States. Students can actually apply for their SSN as part of their OPT application to USCIS, but will not receive their SSN card until after their OPT is approved.

STAGE 2: APPLY FOR OPT

The application process involves both ISO and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and can take months. OPT applications must be received in a specific time frame and the application can be rather complex. We require all students to carefully review ISO’s OPT tutorial for full details on applying for OPT. Once a student is approved for OPT, they will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS.

When to Apply

The OPT application process involves two major parts. First you must apply to ISO for an OPT recommendation on your I-20. Then you must submit an OPT application packet, including a signed copy of your OPT I-20, to USCIS.

  • You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before and up to 60 days after your expected program completion date*.
  • USCIS must receive your full and complete OPT application no more than 60 days after your expected program completion date*
  • In addition, USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of when ISO recommends your I-20 for OPT.
  • You must be physically present in the United States at the time USCIS receives your OPT application. More details are available in the OPT tutorial.

Generally, ISO recommends applying for OPT as early as possible. Waiting can cause further delays and you may not get a full 12 months of OPT. Additionally, applying early increases your chances of being able to reapply if your application is rejected or denied.

*Expected completion date:

  • Graduates: The last day of enrollment in the semester in which program requirements are completed, OR the date the thesis or dissertation is filed with the Registrar’s Office. Speak with a ISO adviser if you have a job offer beginning before the last day of the semester. Graduate students who only have a dissertation/thesis remaining may be eligible to begin their post-completion OPT before filing. 

Note: If you are applying for OPT after your expected program completion date, you must  submit your OPT application to USCIS before making any exit from the United States. If you exit the United States after your program completion without applying for OPT, you will be ineligible to return in F-1 status to apply for OPT.

How to Apply

Step 1. Review the OPT tutorial for a complete overview of the process. This is required and very importantFailure to fully review the tutorial may result in application errors and cause OPT denials or violations of F-1 status.

Step 2. Submit the OPT I-20 Request E-Form. Note that the E-Form contains an integrated payment form for the  ISO Post-Completion Services Fee of $100, which is payable by credit/debit card.

2. Complete the ISO OPT I-20 Request E-Form using the iNorthTX Portal. If you do not complete Step 1 first, your request will be denied by ISO. 

Step 3. After you submit the OPT I-20 Request e-form, International Services Office will confirm your completion date and OPT eligibility.

Step 4. If eligible, you will be issued a new I-20 with the OPT Recommendation notated on page 2. This takes 5- 7business days. While you wait, prepare your OPT application documents as instructed in the OPT tutorial.

Step 5. Your new OPT I-20 will be emailed to you within 5 -7 business days after the request reaches ISO for processing.

Step 6. Review the OPT tutorial to fully prepare all documents and application forms for USCIS. I-765 applications can be submitted ONLINE or by MAIL. (Online filing is much more common.)  If you would like to go over your application with a ISO adviser, sign up to attend one of the OPT Workshops.   Note: You are responsible for submitting your OPT application to USCIS and USCIS must receive your OPT application within 30 days of the Issue Date listed on page 1 of your I-20 and within 60 days of your completion date. You must submit the I-765 while you are physically present in the US.

How do I choose my OPT start date?

As part of the OPT I-20 request process, you must request a particular OPT start date. This is the day on which you would like to start your OPT work authorization. Some things to consider when choosing your requested OPT start date:

  • The requested start date must be within 60 days of your program completion date. It can be as early as the day after your completion date and up to 60 days after that.
  • It is not guaranteed that you will be approved for the start date you request. Your approved start date will appear on your EAD card and may be later than your requested start date, depending on when you apply for OPT and how long it takes USCIS to approve it. Please note that you may not begin working until your approved EAD start date, regardless of the requested date on your I-20.
  • Do you have travel plans? If you plan to travel, especially internationally, you may not want to select a start date during this time.
  • If you have a job offer, discuss with your employer an appropriate start date based on when you have applied for your OPT (consider the 2.5 to 5 month processing time).
  • If you don’t have a job offer, you should consider where you are in your job search and when jobs typically start in your field and make your best estimate of when you’d like to begin working.
  • Days of unemployment only begin after the approved start date listed on your EAD.
  • Weigh the pros and cons of an early vs. late start date. If you choose an earlier start date, you may be able to begin your employment earlier, BUT if you don’t find a job, you will begin accruing unemployment days sooner. If you choose a later start date, your unemployment days will begin accruing later, BUT you’ll have to wait longer to begin employment.

Processing Time

Processing time for an OPT I-20 from International Service Office is 5 -7 business days. Expedites from ISO are not available.

USCIS does offer “Premium Processing” for the OPT and STEM OPT I-765

USCIS Premium Processing & Expedites

“Premium Processing” is available from USCIS for the form I-765 for OPT.

What is premium processing?

  • USCIS will process your OPT I-765 request within 30 days of submission of the fully completed I-907 form.
How much does it cost?

  • See the current Premium Processing for Form I-765 under the “Filing Fee” section on the Form I-907 website.

How can I request premium processing?

  • File the Form I-907 online via your USCIS account.

Is it worth it?

  • IS recommends that you think carefully before choosing premium processing.

Are there any other ways to expedite a USCIS request free of cost?
USCIS almost always denies F-1 student expedite requests for OPT. You can find USCIS expedite criteria here.

I forgot to send my OPT application to USCIS within the 30-day deadline.

CONTACT ISO IMMEDIATELY BEORE TAKING ANY ADDITIONAL STEPS WITH USCIS. If ISO recommended you for OPT more than 30 days ago and you have not yet sent in your application to USCIS, you’ll need a new OPT I-20 from ISO. If you are still within your 60-day grace period and otherwise eligible to apply for OPT, we will confirm your situation and send you instructions for requesting a new OPT I-20.  No new Post-Completion Services Fee payment is needed. It will take us 5-7 business days to process the new I-20. Once you get the new I-20, you can send your application to USCIS. This is very important as USCIS will deny applications submitted after the 30-day deadline.

If you’ve already submitted your request to USCIS, we will assess your situation and advise you on available options.

What if I applied for OPT but didn't actually complete my degree program?

If this is your situation, please contact ISO to speak to an international student adviser as soon as possible.

 

STAGE 3: AFTER APPLYING FOR OPT

Once you apply for OPT, you will need to wait for approval from USCIS. During your post-completion OPT period, new F-1 regulations will apply to your employment and unemployment status. You will also be required to report personal and employment information to HSC and SEVIS. Additionally, there will be options available to you when your 12-month F-1 OPT period comes to an end.

Waiting for Your OPT EAD Card

It can take months for USCIS to process your OPT application, although a Premium Processing option is available for a higher price. Check USCIS’s current OPT and STEM OPT processing times to see the current timelines. (Over the years, HSC has observed processing times ranging from 1-5 months, with most processed within 90 days.)

What to Expect

The first week: Online Filing: You should receive your receipt notice online through your USCIS account.  If there are any errors in the receipt notice in your name, address, or application type, contact a ISO adviser.

Within 30-45 days: You will also receive an I-797c receipt notice at your mailing address confirming the date of receipt and your receipt number. Keep this notice safe as it is your official proof that your OPT application was submitted. You may need it for travel or other purposes.

Around 1-3 months: You should receive an I-797 Notice of Approval letter and EAD card at your mailing address. (If filing online you will also receive the notice in your USCIS account.) These can come separately or at the same time. Check your EAD card to make sure all information is correct and submit a copy to ISO . You can start working on your EAD start date! If there are any errors on the EAD, contact a ISO adviser.  Check USCIS’s current OPT and STEM OPT processing times.

2 Weeks after receiving EAD card: You should receive your Social Security Card (if you requested one) in the mail.

Checking your OPT application status

If you file online, you will be able to track your Case Status via your online USCIS account.

Note that your application will most likely stay in received status for the entirety of the processing time until it is approved. Check your OPT application status.

Making changes to your OPT application after submission to USCIS

Generally, after your OPT application is submitted to USCIS, you cannot change any of the information except for your mailing address. Please contact ISO if you require changes to your OPT application, including withdrawing your application.

Important: At times, students may want to change certain information such as dates, address, etc. on their OPT/STEM application after they have submitted it to USCIS. Please note that after you have submitted your application to USCIS, no changes can be made except for address updates.

Can I work on or off campus while waiting for my EAD?

Once you complete your degree, you cannot work on or off campus until you have the EAD in your possession and your selected start date has arrived, even if your USCIS case status indicates that your application is approved.

Can I start working without pay while waiting for my EAD?

No. Work that is normally paid requires employment authorization. To begin working, you must have the card in hand and the start date must have arrived.

Travel while OPT is pending

Travel during the OPT application process is allowed, but not recommended as it poses certain risks.  HSC advises caution for our clients considering international travel for personal or professional reasons. Current U.S. immigration policy is unpredictable and subject to rapid change.

In general, an F-1 student on post-completion OPT or STEM OPT may travel outside the United States temporarily and be readmitted to resume F-1 status and employment for the remainder of the period authorized on his or her EAD card.

Travel during the OPT application process is allowed, but not recommended as it poses certain risks. Keep in mind the following:

  • You will need to have someone monitor your mail and let you know if you receive any communications from USCIS.
  • If you receive a Request for Evidence, you will need to respond by a specific deadline, which could be difficult from outside the U.S.
  • For post-completion OPT: If you are denied for OPT while outside the United States after your Program Completion Date, you will not be able to re-enter or reapply. Your F-1 status will end.
  • If you are approved for OPT while outside the United States, you will need to arrange for your EAD card to be sent to you in order to re-enter the United States.
  • If your F-1 visa is expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.
  •  If you choose to travel while your application is pending, be sure that you are monitoring your mail.

OPT I-20 Updates & Travel Endorsements

During OPT, the I-20 should be up-to-date with your current information, and the travel endorsement is only valid for 6 months.

  • Employer Updates: If your OPT is Approved, your I-20 should reflect the approval and your current employer on page 2. Follow instructions on the OPT Reporting Form toto upload your approved EAD card and to add any new employment. You’ll receive a new I-20 via email in 5 business days with the new  employer.
  • Travel Endorsement: To receive an updated travel signature, please login to iNorthTX Portal to request a Revised I-2o.
  • Replacement I-20: If you need a new OPT I-20, you can submit a Revised I-20 to receive a new I-20 with a new travel endorsement via email. (Note: ISO has a 5 business day processing time!)

Problems with my OPT Application

There are several types of probems that may occur during your OPT application:

  • Delayed processing
  • Not receiving your I-797c Receipt Notice
  • Not receiving your EAD/EAD (lost in the mail)
  • Request for Evidence, Denial, or Rejection (CONTACT ISO ADVISOR BEFORE RESPONDING TO USCIS!)
  • Lost EAD or Incorrect EAD

Please contact your ISO Advisor if you are experiencing issues.

Employment & Unemployment on OPT

During the period of OPT authorization, a student should be working or actively seeking employment. There are limits to what jobs count as employment and to the number of days you may remain unemployed.

When can I start working ?

On the start date of your approved EAD card. You must have the EAD card in hand to start working.

Accordion Title

Employment must be:

  • for a US employer. Employment for non-US employment entities DOES NOT meet OPT employment requirements and cannot be authorized.
  • a job that is directly related to the student’s degree program; if the relationship between the job and a student’s field of study is called into question by USCIS in the future, the burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate the relationship.
  • at least 20 hours per week; if total work is less than full-time, it counts toward a student’s 90 days of unemployment. (If you have multiple part-time jobs the cumulative total work hours should be 20 hours per week or more, and you’re responsible for carefully documenting work hours.)ISO recommends that students have at least 1 position that is 20 hours per week or more to avoid increased scrutiny of your employment.)
  • paid or unpaid.

The types of employment allowed during the initial 12-month period of OPT include (these DO NOT apply to the STEM Extension):

  • Paid employment. Students may work in a job related to their field of study at least 20 hours per week (if work is less than full-time, it counts toward a student’s 90 days of unemployment).
  • Multiple employers. Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to the student’s degree program.
  • Self-employed business owner. Students may start a business and be self-employed. In this situation, the student must work full-time (at least 20 hours per week). The student must be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to the student’s degree program.
  • Unpaid employment. Students on the initial 12-month OPT may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week. These students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.

Unemployment 90-day Rule/When should I find a job?

During the period of OPT authorization, a student should be working or actively seeking employment. If you decide to quit your job, or if you do not find a job, keep the unemployment rules in mind.

  • Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment. The 90 days start counting from your approved OPT/EAD start date (not the recommended start date nor the program end date on your I-20) and are cumulative.
  • If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status. You are expected to leave the U.S., transfer to another school, or change your visa status before the 90th day.
  • Students who are granted a 24-month extension are given an additional 60 days of unemployment for a total of 150 days over their entire post-completion OPT and STEM periods.
  • Approved vacation from a job does not count as “unemployment” if you are still considered an employee there.
  • Jobs that are fewer than 20 hours per week may count towards the 90-day unemployment limit if the total cumulative employment of all positions is not more than 20 hours per week. If you have multiple part-time jobs the cumulative total work hours should be 20 hours per week or more, and you’re responsible for carefully documenting work hours. ISO recommends that students have at least 1 position that is 20 hours per week or more to avoid increased scrutiny of your employment.

How do I know if my job is related to my degree?

Federal regulations require that all employment that you engage in while on OPT be directly related to your UNT Health Science Center major . As part of your OPT reporting requirements, you must provide a description demonstrating a logical connection between your regular job duties and your major area of study.

If the relationship between the job and a student’s field of study is called into question by USCIS in the future, the burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate the relationship. ISO won’t be able to advise you on specifically which jobs do/do not qualify as we are not experts in your field of study.

What documentation/records should I keep about my employment?

It is recommended that students maintain evidence for each job: the position held, duration of that position, the job title, contact information for the student’s supervisor or manager, and a description of the work. Students must always report employment to ISO online through our iNorthTX Portal.

Changing Employers / Multiple Employers

Students may have multiple jobs and change jobs as many times as they wish during OPT, provided that all employment is directly related to their field of study and the work is a minimum of 20 hours per week. No special permission is required to change employers. However, you must update your employer information in ISOs online iNorthTX Portal within 10 days of the change.

Remote Work & Absence from the US

Remote work and absences from the US have restrictions during OPT:

  • OPT employment allows remote work for US employers, within the US. Employment for non-US employers DOES NOT meet OPT employment requirements and cannot be authorized.
  • F-1s are considered to be in violation of F-1 if they are absent from the US for 5 continuous months . Continuous absence of 5 months or will result in possible termination of your F-1 record.
  • If you must temporarily work remotely from outside the US for your US employer, you must return to the US within 5 months of your departure.
  • If your employment does not require physical presence in the US, then it is not appropriate employment for OPT.

Rules and Reporting Requirements on OPT

While on OPT, students must follow certain rules and regulations to maintain their proper F-1 status in the U.S.