What is OPT?
OPT is benefit of the F-1 visa. It is 12 months of work authoriazation after graduation. USCIS approves the authorization and you receive a 12-month EAD card. The work must be related to a student's degree. Students can use OPT time at each higher degree level.
- OPT is an F-1 benefit providing 12 months of temporary work authorization.
- Employment must be directly related to your field of study.
- You can use OPT separately at each higher degree level (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, PhD).
- Pre-Completion OPT: During your studies (counts toward the 12 months).
- Post-Completion OPT: After you complete your program.
- STEM OPT Extension: Eligible STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension.
- Must have completed at least one academic year in full-time F-1 status.
- A job offer is not required to apply.
- Exchange students are not eligible.
- Doctoral students may apply before dissertation completion.
- Watch the OPT Online Workshop.
- Pay the $100 Post-Completion OPT SEVIS Maintenance Fee (not required for pre-completion OPT).
- Submit the OPT I-20 Request Form (PDF) to ISS via email.
Wait up to 5 business days for your new OPT I-20 from ISS. - Prepare documents for your USCIS application:
- Signed OPT I-20
- Passport, visa, I-94, and passport photo
- Payment (check or credit card)
- Any previous EAD cards or transcripts
- Submit Form I-765 (online preferred) to USCIS.
- Track your case status (processing usually takes around 90 days).
- Once approved, you’ll receive an EAD card and can report your job in the SEVP Portal.
- If job searching, use campus career resources (Career Center, Interstride).
- Must report all changes in address or employment within 10 days in the SEVP Portal.
- Maximum 90 days of unemployment (150 days total for STEM extension).
- Must work at least 20 hours per week.
- All jobs must be related to your field of study.
- Use the SEVP Portal to report address, name, and employer updates.
- Create your portal account within 14 days of receiving your OPT approval email.
- STEM OPT students must also upload updates and Form I-983 changes.
- You remain in F-1 status during OPT.
- Required travel documents:
- Valid passport and F-1 visa
- OPT I-20 with a recent travel signature
- Job offer letter or employment verification
- EAD card (if approved)
- Travel guidance varies depending on your OPT stage (pending vs. approved).
- Must have a STEM-eligible degree (check CIP code on your I-20).
- Employer must participate in E-Verify.
- Request your STEM OPT I-20 up to 90 days before your current OPT ends.
- Submit all documents, including Form I-983 (Training Plan).
- You may continue working while your STEM extension is pending if timely filed.
- Unemployment limit increases to 150 days total.
You'll have to make that decision on your own. Be sure to consider the job market and when you'd like to start work. You can choose any start date 60 days after the end date of your I-20. If you're unsure, choose something in the middle.
No! You can only work during those days (paid or unpaid). Employers must report all staff to the government. Be careful of shady employers.
While on post-completion OPT, you are allowed 90 days of unemployment. You receive an additional 60 days on the STEM extension.
After the start date on your EAD card. Time between graduation and your OPT start date do not count.
OPT applications are rarely denied, only delayed. Make sure all your personal information is accurate, and you've followed all of the instructions carefully. See this tip sheet from DHS.
You have failed to maintain status. Your record is no longer active and you should make plans to leave the country.
The additional fee is very expensive (over $1,000) and increased in the spring of 2024. You should always check the USCIS website for the most udpated fee. Click here for the fee schedule. Premium processing time is 30 days (or less).
It is possible to update it while pending, however, this can cause delivery problems or delay the EAD card. It is better to keep the address on file and make sure you have some sort of access to the old mailing address.
No! You should mark self-employed only if you have a business license and can prove true self-employment to USCIS. This includes reporting it on your taxes to the IRS.
Yes. All work should be reported while on OPT.
Yes. You receive 12 moths of authorization for each higher degree level. You can also use the STEM extension for each higher degree level.
No. If you already used OPT for one master's degree, you cannot use it again. You only get to use OPT again when you obtain a higher degree.
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