International Student Services | Optional Practical Training (OPT) Overview

Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Overview

OPT (short for Optional Practical Training) is a type of employment opportunity which allows F-1 students to obtain work experience in areas related to their academic major. Total of 12 months of OPT available per education level (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate). This is full time and may occur anywhere in the United States. In order to be on OPT you need to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card). While on Optional Practical Training, individuals are still considered F-1 students at 蘑菇视频, even though they may be working elsewhere in the United States.

OPT Eligibility

Your GPA should be 3.25 and above before requesting a recommendation for OPT.
You have a valid F1 visa.
You have been enrolled in a full course of study for one academic year.
You have not exceeded 12 months of full-time CPT.
You have not exceeded 24 months of Pre-completion OPT.
You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.
The employment must be directly related to your program of study and must be appropriate for someone having your level for education.

Employment Permitted under Post-Completion OPT

Allows for unpaid and paid positions

All jobs combined must total 20 hours per week or more

Employer does not have to be registered with E-Verify

Must be a position related to the major listed under “Program of Study” on the I-20.

Allows for employment with a temp agency, contract employment, short-term employment, & gigging

External fellowship payments permitted in an academic environment

Allows for self-employment

May volunteer or work in an unpaid position

The International student and Global Scholar Services Office at 蘑菇视频 does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. Our office is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.

OPT Application window and timings

90-60-90 rule: OPT application window opens 90 days before your program completion date. You can choose your OPT start date the day after your program completion date to 60 days after. You are required to find a job opportunity from your chosen OPT start date to 90 days after.

OPT submitted but failed to graduate on time

If you find that you will not graduate on time, please contact our office (ISGSS@lewisu.edu) immediately. Please also take careful note of the program end date on your I-20 with the OPT Request. Any requested changes to an I-20 (including program extensions) must be made before the program end date. SEVIS Correction Requests are only approved if a student can show proof (email, etc.) that they asked a DSO for a program extension before the program end date.