Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Guide

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status that allows students to work off campus to get real life practical training in their field.

Eligibility:

  • You must be in valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full time for at least one academic year.
  • The limit is 12 months of full time OPT per degree level.

Application Instructions:

  • OPT applications may be filed up to 90 days before the end of your program/completion date and up to 60 days after the end of your program completion date. Processing time for the application usually takes 90 days so be aware of this when you decide to apply. You cannot begin to work until your application is approved and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
  • Visit your academic advisor and the Registrar to ensure that you are on track to complete all of your program requirements. Your advisor and the Registrar will need to sign the OPT recommendation form to confirm that you are on track to graduate.
  • To apply, you will need the following documents (copies can be made in OISS):
  • Form I-765, completed and signed. This can be downloaded from the USCIS website at Click on the Forms tab and scroll down to download the form. Make sure that you sign the form in Blue Ink.
  • Copy of all previously issued Form I-20s (pages 1&3). This includes I-20s from any schools that you previously attended.
  • Copy of I-94. You can download this and print it from this website:
  • Copy of F-1 Visa
  • Copy of passport page with photo, full name, and expiration date.
  • 2 standard passport photographs. Write your name and SEVIS ID # on the back
  • Personal check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $380. Make sure to write your name and SEVIS ID# in the memo section of the check/money order.
  • Copy of any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) if you have had one.
  • Form G-1145 to receive an email or text message when your application has been received. You can download this form at
  • OPT Recommendation Form signed by Registrar and Advisor
  • You will need to choose your desired OPT start date. This can be any date between the program end date and the end of the 60 day post completion grace period. If you have a job already lined up, an earlier date may be a good idea. If you do not, you may want to choose a later start date to maximize the amount of time you will have to look for employment.
  • Make an appointment with OISS with all of these application documents to receive your new I-20 recommending OPT. This new I-20 should be used for all future international travel and the travel signature is only valid for six months at a time.
  • Mail the application with the documents in this order:
  • Form G-1145 signed in blue ink.
  • Personal Check/Money Order
  • 2 Passport Photographs
  • Form I-765, typed and signed in blue ink.
  • Copy of the new I-20 with OPT recommendation.
  • Copies of all previously issued I-20s (newest to oldest)
  • I-94
  • Copy of F-1 Visa
  • Copy of passport photo page(s)
  • Copy of any previously issued EADs(if applicable)
  • Mail application within 30 days of receipt of the new I-20 to one of these addresses:

By US Postal Service:By Express Mail (FedEx or UPS):

USCISUSCIS

PO Box 660867Attn: AOS

Dallas , TX 752662501 S. State Hwy 121

Business Suite 400

Lewisville, TX 75067

After mailing your application, you will receive:

  • Email or text message (if you submitted Form G-1145 with your application) within 24 hours of your application’s arrival to the USCIS Lockbox Facility
  • Notice of Action within a month of receipt of your application to confirm that you application was received and is being processed. You can use the EAC number on this notice to check the status of your application online at:
  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will arrive three months after your application was received with a separate approval notice that will arrive a couple days before your eAD. Check your card to ensure that it is accurate and contact USCIS Customer Service at 800-375-5283 if there are any errors. Visit OISS or email OISS copies of the EAD front & back for our records. You are only authorized to work on the dates listed on the EAD.
  • If anything is incomplete or incorrect on your application, you may receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) Notice. If this happens, contact OISS for further assistance.

Maintaining your F-1 Status while on OPT:

  • You must be employed while on OPT. If you are unemployed for more than 90 days total during the OPT period, then you are out of status. Employment must be at least 20 hours per week and can be paid or unpaid. It can be an internship or volunteer opportunity as long as it directly relates to your field of study.
  • Report to OISS any changes of address or name or employment within 10 days of the change.
  • Report to OISS the name and address of your employer when you have this information.

Traveling on OPT:

Before you complete your degree, you may travel outside of the US while your post-completion OPT application is pending. After you have completed your degree, your OPT application must be approved and you must have a job or proof of a job offer in order to re-enter the US if you travel internationally.

You will need the following documents to re-enter the US if travelling while on OPT:

  • Valid F-1 Visa (it is more difficult to renew this while on OPT)
  • Valid passport
  • Valid EAD
  • I-20 with OPT recommendation and valid travel signature (less than 6 months old)
  • Proof of employment. This is usually a letter from your current or prospective employer stating that your will be employed for the duration of the OPT period.

If you travel and re-enter the US in visa waiver or tourist status, you are forfeiting your OPT!!!!!!!

Social Security Number:

IF you do not already have a Social Security Number (SSN), you will be able to apply for one when you have received your EAD. You will need one for employment.

STEM Extension:

IF your major is considered a STEM major (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics), you may be eligible for an additional 17 month extension of your OPT. Please see OISS to determine your eligibility and for procedures on how to apply.