Optional Practical Training—OPT

Frequently Asked Questions

 

New FAQ Items:

What is the impact of a transfer to another school if I am on OPT?
Your authorization for OPT ends on the transfer release date. Authorization for OPT is not transferable. If you wish to complete OPT, the transfer-out must set the release date for a date after the OPT ends. You may transfer during the 60-day grace period following post-completion OPT, as long as the transfer release date occurs within the grace period.

Can I renew my F-1 visa if it expires after I have applied for, or during my OPT?
NO, probably not. The advice we have received is that renewing an F-1 visa (a visa intended for study only) in order to work (even on OPT) would be virtually impossible and risky. You would need to convince the consular officer that you have ties to your home country, which may be difficult to do if you are going to the U.S. solely for work. The only exception is when international travel is required by your employer. The employer must then write a letter supporting renewal of your visa.

If I went directly from my bachelor’s degree to a PhD, and took my year of OPT following the PhD, will I be eligible for another year of OPT if I later go back and get a master’s degree?
Yes. You are entitled to 12 months of optional practical training for Each level of higher education, even if they’re not taken in the standard order.

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When can I apply for Optional Practical Training?
You can apply as early as 120 days prior to your graduation for optional practical training. Your application must be at the USCIS Office before your graduation date.

What date should I use as the starting date for my OPT?
That can vary according to your degree completion date plans. However, the OPT must begin no later than 60 days following your program completion date

Do I need a job offer to obtain work authorization for OPT?
No. You can apply for OPT work authorization without a specific job offer.

What paperwork is needed for the OPT application?
You need to complete and submit all items in the OPT checklist.

How long can I work on OPT?
You are eligible for up to twelve months of OPT. However, If you were authorized for 12 months (365 days) of full-time curricular practical training (CPT) during this program of study, you will be ineligible for OPT.

I want to apply for less than 12 months of practical training. Can I do that?
Yes. However, you need to make sure that you will not need any extension in your OPT . It is time consuming as well as expensive to extend the period. You need to pay the I-765 fee twice and there may be a long waiting period to receive your “extended EAD card.”

Can I apply for 12 months of Optional Practical Training at the end of my new degree program?
Yes. Effective January 1, 2003, F-1 students are now eligible for 12 months of optional practical training for EACH level of higher education.

I am finishing my second Bachelors, can I apply for another OPT?
No. You are eligible for 12 months of OPT at the end of each level. If you have already completed 12 months of OPT at the end of your first bachelor’s degree, you are not eligible to apply for OPT at the end of your second bachelor’s degree.

Do I need an appointment with an immigration advisor at IPS to apply for OPT?
Yes.

How much time does it take to process my OPT application at the USCIS?
Processing time at the USCIS varies. It can take up to 2-3 months and sometimes longer. Therefore, IPS advisors recommend that you apply early to allow sufficient time for you to receive your EAD card.

What if I receive an EAD card for OPT, but I do not find a job so I do not use it?
Once the OPT application is approved by the USCIS and your EAD card is issued, you will not be able to cancel the OPT. Therefore, any unused time will be lost.

I just found a job, but I do not have my EAD card. Can I start working?
No. It is against the law for a business or company to employ and/or pay you before the employment date on your EAD card.

What should I do once I receive the EAD card?
You need to bring your EAD card to the IPS office, so we can make a copy for our files.

Can I work for more than one employer with an EAD card?
Yes. You can work for more than one employer or change employers, provided that the job is directly related to your area of study.

What if I receive my EAD card, but my graduation is delayed? Can I still work?
Yes. But you need to see the IPS immigration advisor so your I-20 can be extended if needed and other advice can be provided to you.

What should I do about health insurance when I am on OPT?
You are required to have health insurance while on OPT. In some cases, your employer will provide you with health insurance. If that is not the case, we recommend that you purchase the MTU health insurance.

Can I travel outside the United States while my OPT application is pending?
Under new regulations, an F-1 student who has filed an application for OPT post-completion of study may travel outside the United States while the OPT application is pending. Upon reentry, the student needs to provide the OPT application receipt issued by the USCIS to the immigration officer at the U.S. airport.

Can I travel outside the United States after I receive my EAD card?
Under new regulations, an F-1 student with an EAD card and proof of employment (a letter from your employer verifying that you have a job) can travel outside the U.S. However, if you have an EAD card but no job offer you should not travel. Without a letter from your employer identifying you as having a job, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. If you leave the country you will forfeit your OPT opportunity.