OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)
Get an OPT I-20 from ISP!
(Forgetting the right I-20 will cost you $410 and the ability to work in the US after graduation)
▼What is OPT?
This employment authorization allows a F-1 student to work a paid or unpaid job related to their major. OPT employment may be done while school is in session or during vacations for monetary compensation or academic credit during your practical training; however, Mac international students tend to utilize OPT for after graduation. Any pre-completion OPT (before graduation) will reduce post-completion time available.
▼Application Process
Applications may be submitted no more than 90 days before program completion and within 60 days of program completion while you are in the U.S. As of April 2021, you can file Form I-765 application for OPT online . We recommend that you apply online. To file Form I-765 online, you must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov.
Required Materials (needed before appointment with ISP staff)
For the online application, you need to prepare or complete these relevant documents/forms (make copies for yourself) BEFORE your appointment with ISP staff. These documents are important as they will be uploaded with I-765 when you apply online. Failure to submit the required documents, including a new I-20 from ISP, results in rejection of your application.
- Passport-style photo taken within 30 days of the application
- Make sure the image fits the US Dept. of State digital image requirements
- Completed Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
- Please read the I-765 instructions and form carefully, not all questions apply to you.
- Create an account
- Section: Getting Started
- For Eligibility Category, (c) (3) (B) for post-completion OPT form.
- For the question, “Is someone assisting you with completing this application?” -No.
- Section: About You
- For current U.S. mailing address, use a mailing address that will be valid beyond graduation or at least 3-5 months after OPT application submission.
- For Form I-94 Arrival-Departure Record Number, get the number from the top of the page at the newest Form I-94.
- For USCIS Online Account Number, for most students, you will check the box for “I do not have or know my USCIS Online Account Number.”
- Section: Evidence
- For Photo (some helpful tips): White background, bright lighting, no glasses. Best to take a full-body photo and crop as needed.
- For I-20: You will upload the I-20 with OPT after meeting with ISP staff.
- Review: go to tab “Review Your Application Summary” and click on a small button on the page “View Draft Snapshot.” A PDF document will be available for download. You can save and show ISP staff at your meeting.
- DO NOT SUBMIT BEFORE HAVING APPOINTMENT WITH ISP STAFF
- Copy of F-1 visa page to upload with online I-765
- Copy of recent Form I-94 (not travel history) to upload with online I-765
- Complete Mac’s OPT Application Supplement – must complete before meeting with application review with ISP and I-20 issuance.
- Make an appointment with Aaron, Luyen, or Molly to review your application material.
ISP staff Appointment
ISP staff will use this appointment to go over the application draft and ensure all information is filled in correctly. In addition, the following steps will also be completed.
- ISP will print CPT history if applicable to upload with online I-765.
- ISP must issue a new I-20 with OPT for you to submit with your application
- Don’t forget to sign your new I-20.
- Upload this I-20 (with OPT) with online I-765
- Complete OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of new I-20 issuance, failure to include I-20 recommending OPT will result in application’s rejection.
- Submit I-765
- Payment: $410–credit or debit card, or U.S. bank account information.
- Check the status of your OPT application after you receive a receipt letter (Form I-797 Receipt Notice) and number from USCIS.
- Any updated messages may not be detailed. Upon approval date EAD (or OPT card) may take 10-14 days to arrive.
- EAD will show dates of your employment authorization: Valid From (start date); Card Expires (end date)
- If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), contact ISP immediately with the notice.
- Time to complete authorization process: 90-150 days.
▼If Applying by Mail
- Two passport-style photos taken within 30 days at Walgreens, CVS, etc. (FedEx not recommended)
- Write lightly in pencil or felt pen your name and I-94 number) on back of photos (or card envelope if available).
- Check or money order for $410 made out to the Department of Homeland Security.
- See the following for more information on how to write a check and what a money order is.
- Purchase money order from banks, post offices or other businesses. Call the business or check online first before going to the location to purchase money orders and ask if you need to pay in cash, debit, or credit card.
- Mac’s Mailing Services sells USPS money order for up to $700 per order; must pay with cash.
- Payment with a valid U.S. based credit card is possible (non-US cards may be rejected). If applying by mail, submit Form G-1450 Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.
- Completed Form G-1145 E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
- If applying by mail, optional but recommended, and you will receive a text message or email when USCIS receives your application. If you submit a paper form and your receipt number begins with IOE, USCIS will mail you a letter about creating a USCIS online account. The letter has user codes (valid for 90 days) you will need to create an online account. With an account, you can sign up for automatic case alerts, see processing times, upload evidence, update your address, and send USCIS secure messages using any device.
- If applying online, you will get electronic notification and likely a receipt letter by mail after submission.
- Completed Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
- Please read the I-765 instructions and form carefully, not all questions apply to you.
- If you are applying by mail and can’t type your answer in the I-765, then handwrite responses.
- For Line 1.a., check “Initial permission to accept employment.”
- For Lines 5.a.- 7.d., Use a mailing address that will be valid beyond graduation or at least 3-5 months after OPT application submission.
- For Line 7.a. Applicant’s Signature – DO NOT SIGN electronically. Use a pen and sign it by hand only after printing out Form I-765.
- For Line 27 Eligibility Category, enter code (c) (3) (B) for post-completion or graduation OPT; (c) (3) (C) is for STEM OPT extension, and (c) (3) (A) is for pre-completion.
- Submit all pages even if they are blank.
- Copy of passport photo page (valid passport at least 6 months into future) – mail paper copy
- Copy of F-1 visa page – mail paper copy
- Copy of recent Form I-94 (not travel history) – mail paper copy
- ISP will print CPT history if applicable – mail paper copy
- Make an appointment with Aaron, Luyen, Molly, or Britt to review your application material.
- Complete Mac’s OPT Application Supplement – must complete before meeting with application review with ISP and I-20 issuance.
- ISP must issue a new I-20 with OPT for you to submit with your application
- Don’t forget to sign your new I-20.
- Complete OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of new I-20 issuance, failure to include I-20 recommending OPT will result in application’s rejection.
- Check the status of your OPT application after you receive a receipt letter (Form I-797 Receipt Notice) and number from USCIS.
- Any updated messages may not be detailed. Upon approval date EAD (or OPT card) may take 10-14 days to arrive.
- EAD will show dates of your employment authorization: Valid From (start date); Card Expires (end date)
- If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), contact ISP immediately with the notice.
- Time to complete authorization process: 90-150 days.
- If not submitting OPT application, Form I-765 online, send materials to the USCIS Chicago lockbox depending on mailing method:
| U.S. Postal Service (USPS) use tracking service:
USCIS |
FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS |
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▼Reporting Requirements While on OPT
NOTE: Failure to report may result in termination of F-1 status.
1. Submit copy of your OPT Receipt Notice (Form I-797) and new EAD to ISP; we issue you a new I-20 with approved OPT status you’ll need for your record and employer.
2. SEVIS regulations requires that you report the following within 10 days of their change via Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal or through ISP SEVIS Update Form:
- U.S. home and mailing address
- U.S. and foreign telephone numbers
- Employer name and address
- Supervisor name and contact information
- If you depart the U.S. and not returning (ending your OPT), change your legal name, or your employment changes or ends, please report that directly to ISP SEVIS Update Form.
3. Reporting other information
- Notify ISP if you decide to permanently depart the US during your OPT.
- Notify ISP if you change your visa status during your OPT.
- Work 21 hours per week in one or more jobs related to your major to stop your 90-day unemployment clock.
▼Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What status am I in while on OPT?
A: OPT is benefit and continuation of your F-1 status.
Q: Do I need a job to apply for OPT?
A: No.
Q: When should I file for post-graduation Optional Practical Training work option?
A: ISP’s recommends you apply for OPT 90 days before your program end date (which may not be same as graduation date), which can be seen on Page 1 of your I-20. If you file by this time, you will hopefully receive work authorization card around the time you graduate.
Q: When must I file?
A: If you don’t file within 60 days from program completion date (see your I-20 and be aware it may be different from graduation date), you must depart the U.S. unless you are beginning U.S. graduate school program in the subsequent term. Your F-1 visa status with Macalester ends upon graduation. Check OPT Petition Status here
Q: How long does OPT allow me to work?
A: It allows you to work up to 12 months full-time paid or unpaid. Your OPT must be completed within 14 months of your program completion date.
Q: I have been offered a job after graduation and my employer has agreed to sponsor my H1-B Visa. Do I still need to file for OPT?
A: H1-B visas are not issued until October 1 or later. Unless your job begins later than October, you need to file for OPT in order to begin working before October.
Q: Can I leave and return while my OPT is pending? What about after it’s approved? Or while I’m working on OPT?
A: ISP has outlined the Travel Risk associated with certain scenarios; be sure to ask ISP staff about your specific situation. There are a lot of answers depending on if you have a valid visa, a job, a job offer, the length of stay, graduate school plans, etc. Some general information on re-entry into the U.S. while on OPT can be found at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) travel page.
Q: Is there a limit on how long I can be unemployed?
A: 90 days of unemployment from approved OPT start date, and must leave the U.S. if exceed 90 days. During your employment period, you must work or volunteer in your major for at least 21 hours a week to qualify as full-time employment (this is different than 40 hours normally considered by employers).
Q: I have applied to enter U.S. graduate school in the fall. Should I apply?
A: We recommend you obtain OPT authorization as a back-up plan. Even if you are going to U.S. grad school in the fall, you can work during the summer with OPT. OPT employment will end on the date your SEVIS record is transferred to your new school.
Q: What if I have a change of address during my employment?
A: You must report EVERY change of name or address (personal and employment) within 10 days of the change to ISP. Also report changes in your employer or employment status. You can report most changes via via Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal or through ISP’s SEVIS Update Form:
Q: Should I apply for OPT before I renewing my passport?
A: If your passport is about to expire, you should apply for OPT before renewing your passport. If you have applied for new passport and waiting for it to be issue, include proof that you’ve applied.
Q: After OPT I found a job or I have changed employers, do I need a new I-20?
A: Contact ISP or submit update through ISP SEVIS Update Form. Every new job requires a new I-20 (which is needed as part of your I-9 Employment Verification as well) to reflect your employment information as well as show your OPT approved status. ISP will send you a new I-20.
Q: Can I study while on OPT?
A: Studying while on OPT is generally prohibited. Enrolling full-time, taking classes at a higher educational level, or taking courses at another institution will terminate your employment authorization, even if the dates on your EAD are still valid. In limited circumstances, you may enroll part-time in courses at or below your most recent program level as long as courses do not lead to any certificate, diploma, etc. ISP recommends caution about beginning any kind of professional formal training outside of the work place. You must notify ISP of any enrollment at least 2 weeks before classes begin. We will consider whether or not this enrollment will not result in the termination of your OPT and update this on your SEVIS record. You may also need to consult an experienced immigration attorney.
▼Clocks, Times, Dates
| 90 days before program completion date |
Recommended date to apply for OPT in order to receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before program completing date (which may be different from graduation date). If graduating in mid-May apply by mid-February; if graduating mid-December apply by mid-September. Applications received earlier than 90 days by USCIS will be rejected. |
| 30 days | USCIS must receive OPT application within 30 days if I-20 issuance; failure to do so means rejection of OPT application. |
| 3-5 months or more | To process applications and complete the authorization process. |
| 60 days | 60 days after program completion date is the latest date you can apply for OPT. You should plan to leave the U.S. if you have not applied within the 60-day grace period. |
| 12 months | Amount of time you could work full-time on OPT. |
| 14 months | OPT must be completed within 14 months of program completion date. |
| 21 hours | Minimum you must work or volunteer per week in your major to be considered full-time employment by USCIS (different from employer definition). |
| 90 days | Cumulative number of days you may be unemployed until you have to leave the country. |
| 10 days | Must report within 10 days any changes to your required information to SEVP Portal or ISP SEVIS Update Form. If your employment is terminated or interrupted in some way and no more than 10 days passes in between starting a new job, no time will be deducted from the 90-day clock. |