General Information
What is Optional Practical Training?
OPT is an employment benefit granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) authorizing eligible F-1 students to work anywhere in the U.S. at a job directly related to their major field of study and at a level commensurate with their educational level.
What does OPT authorization look like?
USCIS issues OPT authorization in the form of a card, called an EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
How long does OPT last?
OPT EAD cards can be issued for a maximum aggregate of 12 months per each advanced U.S. program level.
Do I have to apply for all 12 months of OPT for one degree at one time?
No. Most students choose to request the full 12 months of post-completion OPT based upon a single degree. A separate OPT application and fee are required each time you apply for OPT. Students who are finishing one program and who are seriously considering pursuing another US program at the same level in the future may find it useful to split the 12 months of OPT. Such students should consult their ISS employment advisor in this case.
How much does it cost to apply for OPT?
Currently, USCIS charges $410 to apply for OPT. This fee is subject to change at any time. You may check the following website for current information about the I-765 OPT application fee: https://www.uscis.gov/.
What is my immigration status during OPT?
You are still considered to be in F-1 student status while on OPT and will continue to use your F-1 visa stamp for any travel during your OPT period. To maintain status on OPT, you must either work at job(s) directly related to your major/level of study or actively seek employment in your major/level of study.
What are my options if I decide not to apply for OPT?
Your options are as follows:
- Depart the US within 60 days of your program completion date (grace period).
- Be admitted to another program at LSU and obtain a new I-20 prior to the 60 days grace period following your program completion date.
- Request a transfer release of your F-1 SEVIS record to another US institution prior to the 60 days grace period following your program completion date. You may email questions about this procedure to isosevis@lsu.edu.
What is a grace period?
Grace period is an additional length of time that you can remain in the U.S. However, you are not authorized to work during the grace period without OPT authorization.
What are the standard processing times for OPT applications from beginning to end?
- Student submits complete OPT packet to ISS before the appropriate deadline, depending on their graduation/completion date. (See Deadlines section above.)
- In 5-10 business days, ISS completes a review of the OPT application and the processing of the recommendation for OPT. Longer processing may occur with higher volumes of applications or during certain times of the year.
- Student picks up the OPT packet from ISS and mails it to USCIS, including all required documents and fees, within 20 days of ISS recommendation.
- In 2-4 weeks, student should receive the Receipt Notice/I-797 Notice of Action from USCIS.
- In 90 calendar days or more, USCIS processes the OPT packet.
- Remember that USCIS processing times can fluctuate.
- While past processing times have been as short as 7-14 days, plan on government processing taking at least 90 days.
- The only formal way to expedite an I-765 application is to request Premium Processing. The Premium Processing fee is $1500.
- Student receives EAD card with approved OPT start and end dates.
Please remember that you cannot start working until you have received the approved EAD card.
Who is Eligible?
What are the minimum requirements to apply for OPT?
OPT may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for two consecutive semesters. You must be in lawful F-1 student status at the time you apply for OPT. In order for study abroad or national student exchange time to count as part of this two consecutive semester requirement, you must have completed one semester of full-time fall or spring enrollment at LSU prior to participating in the LSU exchange program.
Do I need a job offer letter to apply for OPT?
No.
If I am returning to start a new higher-level program after OPT, when would I be eligible for the next OPT period?
This scenario could apply for a student who completed one degree, such as a Bachelor’s level degree, and had BS level OPT. Then, the student would be returning to school to begin a Master’s program in a short period and wants to apply for MS level OPT. As mentioned above, OPT may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for two consecutive semesters. After your first OPT, you would need to be enrolled in two semesters after returning to school before you could be considered for OPT based on the next degree.
Am I eligible to apply for OPT if I have changed to F-1 status from another visa status within the boundaries of the U.S.?
If you were enrolled full-time for two consecutive semesters in another visa category, and are currently in F-1 status, consult the ISS employment advisor.
If you have been enrolled full-time for two consecutive semesters in F-1 status, which starts as of the effective date on the change of status I-797 approval notice, you are eligible to apply for OPT.
Am I eligible to apply for OPT if I have violated my F-1 status?
You are not eligible to apply for OPT while you are in violation of your F-1 status. If your F-1 status has been reinstated via a mailed reinstatement application to a USCIS district office, you are not eligible to apply for OPT unless you had accrued two consecutive semesters of F-1 status prior to the date your F-1 SEVIS record was terminated for the status violation or unless you have accrued two consecutive semesters of F-1 status after the date of approval on the reinstatement notice.
If your F-1 status was instead reinstated by re-entering the country with a newly issued SEVIS I-20, then your F-1 status is counted from the date of re-entry stamped on the new SEVIS I-20. Any amount if time you spent in the U.S. in F-1 status prior to re-entering the country to reinstate through re-entry is not counted. Therefore, you will have to accrue two consecutive semesters of F-1 status from the date of re-entry stamped on your new I-20 before you are eligible to apply.
Am I eligible to apply for OPT if I have left the U.S. for 5 months or more?
If you left the US for 5 months or more and re-entered the U.S. with a new SEVIS I-20, then your F-1 status is counted from the date you re-entered the U.S. with the new SEVIS I-20. Any amount of time you spent in the US in F-1 status prior to the stamped re-entry date on your new SEVIS I-20 is not counted for OPT purposes. You have to accrue two consecutive semesters of lawful F-1 status from the date of re-entry stamped on your new I-20 before you are eligible to apply for OPT.
Am I eligible to apply for OPT if I’ve had Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for the same degree?
Participating in 12 months of full-time CPT in the same program level as your OPT request invalidates OPT eligibility. Participating in part-time CPT or fewer than 12 months of full-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility. No amount of part-time CPT will affect your OPT eligibility.
Can I apply for OPT based on a degree I completed outside of the U.S.?
No.
Can I apply for OPT based on a degree I completed more than 60 days ago?
No.
When to Apply
At what point during my F-1 degree program may I apply for OPT?
Degree candidates can apply for full-time OPT after (or in anticipation of) completing all degree requirements, including (if applicable) a thesis, dissertation, or its equivalent. In this situation, students can apply for OPT as early as 90 days prior to their program completion date and as late as 59 days after their program completion date (before the end of the 60-day grace period). In practice, IS will accept applications as late as 45 days after the program completion date, to allow sufficient time for IS processing, assembly of application materials, and delivery to USCIS.
Degree candidates who have completed all course requirements for a degree except for a thesis, dissertation, or equivalent requirement can apply for full-time OPT to be used while they continue to make normal progress towards completing the thesis, dissertation, or equivalent requirement. However, remember that only 12 months are available and that training done before a degree is completed will count against that 12-month total and reduce time available after the degree is awarded. In this situation, students can apply for OPT as early as 120 days prior to the requested start date for the OPT.
I am graduating this semester. When should I apply for OPT?
You can apply for OPT as early as 90 days prior to your program completion date and as late as 59 days after your program completion date (before the end of the 60-day grace period). However, generally, we recommend that you apply for OPT at least 90 days before your requested OPT start date because processing of the EAD card can take, on average, 60 to 90 days. You are required to have the valid EAD card with an active begin date in hand before you are allowed to begin working.
All coursework requirements must be completed before you may begin to work on OPT full-time, even if a valid EAD card has been received. Therefore, you should plan ahead and check with your academic advisor (and the Graduate School, if applicable) to make sure that you are on schedule to graduate as planned prior to submitting your OPT application.
I’m not sure at this point whether or not I will be able to graduate this semester as planned. What is the latest possible date I may apply for OPT?
The latest you can apply to USCIS for OPT is the last day before your 60-day grace period following your program end date. ISS must receive your application no later than 45 days after the program completion date, to allow sufficient time for IS processing, assembly of application materials, and delivery to USCIS.
How is completion of studies defined?
Completion of studies is defined as either one of the following:
- For a student whose course of study ends with the end of a regular semester or term, the actual date of the graduation ceremonies as listed in the academic calendar on the University Registrar’s website.
- If you are registering for Degree Only (mostly applies to graduate students), the Degree Only deadline as listed in the academic calendar on the University Registrar’s website.
- Note: Remember that registering as Degree Only does not constitute an actual semester of enrollment.
What is the earliest that I am allowed to apply for OPT?
The earliest you may apply for OPT is 90 days prior to your program completion date. However, before applying, you should be certain that you will complete studies as planned and that you are sure you will not want to change your OPT requested start date at a later time.
When is the deadline to apply for OPT?
F-1 students are required to apply for OPT for their degree program prior to end of the 60-day grace period following their program completion date.
How to Select Dates
How do I choose my OPT requested start date?
There are several factors to consider:
- OPT requested start date: May be no earlier than your coursework completion date and no later than 60 days following your program completion date.
- Job category: Consider whether or not you have a job offer for employment which directly relates to your major/level field of study.
- On-campus work permit expiration date: Note that on-campus work permits cannot be issued after the program completion date.
- CPT dates: Your OPT period and any CPT authorized in your final semester may not overlap.
How do I chose my requested OPT end date?
Consider the following:
- Your requested OPT end date can be no later than 12 months from your begin date.
- You might consider requesting only a portion of OPT if you are seriously considering pursuing another major at the same program level after your OPT expires. However, generally, this is not recommended. You are strongly advised to consult the ISS employment advisor if you are considering this option.
- Your OPT end date cannot extend beyond 14 months of your program completion date.
How do I choose my OPT requested start date if I am applying for pre-completion OPT?
It is best to consult your ISS employment advisor in advance if you are applying for pre-completion OPT. Please indicate if you have a job offer. The earliest you can apply for pre-completion OPT is 120 days prior to your requested employment start date.
Students within 120 days of completing their degree program should consider post-completion OPT instead.
What is the procedure to ask for a change in requested OPT dates?
To request a change in OPT dates:
- You must write and submit a letter to ISS explaining why you are requesting a change in OPT dates. You must also include the newly requested OPT dates (mm/dd/yy – mm/dd/yy) in this letter.
- You must attach the 1-page certified copy of your OPT I-20 previously given to you by ISS.
- Please allow 5 business days for the change to be made. You will be emailed when you may pick up your new OPT I-20.
How to Apply
How do I apply for an OPT recommendation from ISS?
See the Application Process section at the top of this page.
What if my passport will expire soon?
It is always your responsibility to apply for a passport renewal at least 6 months before your passport expires. If your passport will expire soon, you should initiate the renewal before applying for OPT. You can apply for your OPT benefit while your passport renewal is pending.
How long does ISS take to process an OPT recommendation?
Please allow 5-7 business days from the day you completed your OPT review session. (During your OPT review, we will highlight any missing materials or recommended changes.) You will receive your OPT I-20 after your review session, via email.
After I have my ISS OPT recommendation, what do I need to do next?
You will be responsible for filing your OPT application (I-765) with USCIS. Your application must be received during your legal filing window and within 30 days of the date your OPT I-20 was created by ISS. We recommend that you file your application within 20 days of the ISS recommendation date to avoid missing your legal filing timelines. Your recommendation cannot be more than 30 days old when USCIS receives your application. Once you receive your I-797 Notice of receipt, and any other communications or documents from USCIS, submit a copy to ISS via the online form.
When Application Is Pending
How long does it take to get the USCIS receipt notice (Form I-797 - Notice of Action) after I have mailed my OPT application to USCIS?
You can expect to receive Form I-797 (Notice of Action) from USCIS usually within 2-4 weeks after mailing your OPT application. Be sure to safeguard this form. The Notice of Action is proof that Service Center has received your OPT application and has begun to process it, and it includes a tracking number so that your application can be identified.
How do I track the status of my OPT application once I’ve mailed it to an USCIS Service Center?
You can use the tracking number located on the I-797 Notice of Action to track your application online at https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do.
How long does it take to receive the EAD card from the receipt notice date listed on Form I-797 Notice of Action?
Generally speaking, USCIS can take up to or longer than 90 days to process OPT applications and mail EAD cards. For current information on USCIS processing times, see https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/.
I have not yet received my EAD card, but I have just received a job offer starting very soon. Can I begin working on OPT without the EAD card?
No, you do not have authorization to begin working until you receive the EAD card from USCIS and the start date printed on it has arrived. The EAD card is the only document with approved OPT beginning and ending dates.
Working while your application is pending or before the authorized OPT start date on your EAD is considered unlawful employment. Voicemail verifications or online case information are not considered authorizations of employment.
May I remain in the U.S. after I apply for OPT even if my 60 days grace period is over, if I still have not received my EAD?
Yes, you may remain in the US until the EAD card is received or until you receive further notice from the USCIS Service Center.
Is there anything that ISS can do to expedite the processing of my EAD card?
Unfortunately, there is nothing ISS can do to expedite the Service Center's customary processing times, even if you have a pending job offer.
Canceling
What is the procedure to request a cancellation of requested OPT?
To request a cancellation of requested OPT if you have not yet mailed your OPT materials to USCIS, you must write and submit a letter to ISS explaining why you are requesting a cancellation of OPT. You must attach the 1-page certified copy of your OPT I-20 to the letter.
Please be aware that your I-20 program end date may have been shortened to accommodate your OPT request; it may be necessary to submit a Green Sheet.
Is it possible to cancel my OPT request after I have submitted my materials to USCIS?
If you have already mailed the OPT application to a USCIS Service Center and wish to cancel, please email iso@lsu.edu as soon as possible. Depending on how long your application has been pending, it may not be possible to withdraw or cancel your request with USCIS.
It is not possible to cancel your OPT request after the expiration date on your OPT I-20 or EAD card.
If your EAD card has not yet been issued or your OPT I-20 has not yet expired, it may be possible to cancel your OPT request.
After EAD Card Received
I have received my OPT EAD card! What do I do now?
Check your EAD card to make sure that your name has been spelled correctly and take note of the dates of employment authorization. You are not allowed to work outside of the authorization dates on the EAD card. If you are hired on OPT, your employer will have to make a copy of this EAD card to put in your employment file.
Submit a clear copy of your EAD, I-797 Receipt Notice, and I-797 Approval Notice to ISS via this online form after you receive it. We need it to update your file.
Be sure to keep your EAD card in a safe place along with your other immigration documents. If you lose the EAD card, you will have to apply for a replacement EAD. Applying for a replacement EAD card can take the same amount of processing time as the original, and USCIS currently charges a $380 fee for any replacement EAD petition received. This fee is subject to change at any time.
What do I do if the spelling of my name on my EAD is incorrect (does not match the spelling on my OPT I-20)?
It may be possible to have the spelling of your name corrected to match the spelling on your OPT I-20 and passport. However, be aware that doing so may delay your work authorization for a period of time.
To request such a correction, email iso@lsu.edu. Be sure to include the correct spelling of your name in the email. Such corrections can take a few weeks.
Do I still have to report my address to ISS?
Yes, you must report your residential and employer name and address to ISS. You will continue to be in F-1 status while on OPT, if your recommendation was completed by LSU. This means that SEVIS reporting requirements still apply to you. Use the OPT Reporting Form to report any changes in your legal name, local or mailing address, and employment information during OPT.
It is mandatory that you immediately report any of the following changes to ISS: prematurely terminating your OPT by leaving the U.S.; beginning a new academic program; changing visa category status, such as to H-1B; changing your official name, residential address, or employer (e.g. loss of employment, change to new employer, change of employer location).
You must report new information to ISS within 10 days of the actual change. Failure to do so is considered a serious violation of your F-1 status by USCIS.
How do I report a change of residential and employer address while on OPT?
Please review the OPT Reporting Help Guide for an overview of your required SEVIS reporting. Report your updated address within 10 days of your move by completing the OPT Reporting Form. You should also update your Local Street Address in your LSU PAWS account for your residential address, in case LSU needs to get in touch with you.
Can I apply for an extension of my OPT?
You may be eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension prior to the completion of your 12-month OPT authorization period. You must meet the eligibility requirements for the STEM OPT Extension to apply for an extension of your OPT.
In some cases you may have been authorized for less than the full 12 months because your OPT was approved after the end of your 60-day grace period. In these cases, you are not eligible to apply for the lost time as an extension.
Example: I will complete my U.S. Master’s degree at the end of this semester. I already completed a Bachelor’s degree in the U.S. but did not use OPT for my Bachelor’s degree. May I now apply for 24 months of OPT (12 months OPT for BS degree + 12 months OPT for MS degree)?
No, you would have had to apply for OPT based on your Bachelor’s degree within 60 days of the completion of your Bachelor’s degree, before beginning your Master’s program. You can no longer apply for OPT based on your Bachelor’s degree, but you can still apply for 12 months of OPT based on your Master’s degree.
What happens after my OPT EAD card expires?
A second 60-day grace period follows the OPT expiration date on your EAD card. During this time, you are able to lawfully remain in the U.S., but you are not allowed to work. Before the end of the second 60-day grace period you must do one of the following:
- Depart the US within 60 days of the OPT expiration date on your EAD card.
- Be admitted to and obtain a new I-20 to pursue another program at LSU, prior to the 60 days grace period following the expiration date on your EAD card.
- Request a transfer release of your F-1 SEVIS record to another US institution prior to 60 days from the expiration date on your EAD card. You may email questions about this procedure to iso@lsu.edu.
Working While on OPT
May I work during the 60-day grace period following my completion date?
No, you may not work during the grace period following your program completion date without OPT authorization. You may only work if you have received a valid OPT EAD card and the job is directly related to your major/level of study.
So, can I keep my on-campus student job after the completion of my program?
No, your F-1 on-campus student work permission is not valid after your academic completion date. ISS is not allowed to issue you another on-campus work permit after your program completion date to “bridge the gap” until your requested/authorized OPT period begins.
If your on-campus job is directly related to your major/level of study, and you have a valid OPT EAD card, the department may rehire you as a contingent/ transient employee on OPT.
How do I prove that I have been actively seeking OPT employment? How do I prove that I am working in a field which is directly related to my level/major of study?
We recommend that you keep documentation from your job search (i.e., cover letters, resumes sent, registration with job search websites or companies, etc.) to show that you actively sought employment during OPT. We also recommend that you keep documentation from your employer and/or academic advisor detailing how any employment you accept while on OPT is directly related your field of study and commensurate with your educational level. Keeping records of your job search and descriptions of jobs you accept on OPT may prove useful if your OPT employer eventually wants to pursue a work visa on your behalf, or if you need to show documentation to immigration officials.
How many hours per week can I work on OPT?
Based on the type of OPT authorization you have been granted, you may work:
- Either part-time or full-time during summer vacation.
- Part-time prior to completing all coursework required for graduation.
- Full-time after all coursework required for graduation has been completed except for thesis or dissertation research hours. Note: With this option, you must register each semester until graduation in thesis or research hours.
- Full-time after graduation (post-completion OPT).
Is full-time OPT employment limited to 40 hours per week?
No. The Code of Federal Regulations does not specify that full-time employment is limited to 40 hours per week. Any number of hours worked on OPT above 20 hours per week is considered full-time employment. You may be compensated for overtime on full-time OPT.
May I work for multiple employers while on OPT?
Yes. You may work for any number of employers, as long as you have a valid OPT EAD card in hand and as long as all jobs directly relate to your major/level of study. If you applied for part-time OPT, the total number of hours should not exceed 20 hours per week.
May I work part-time if I have applied for full-time OPT but can only find part-time work?
Yes. According to current DHS policy guidance, you are considered employed for the purposes of OPT as long as you are working a minimum of 20 hours per week in a paid or unpaid position. Unpaid work is allowed during OPT as long as it does not violate labor laws. It is recommended that you continue to seek full-time employment in your major/level of study.
What if I cannot find employment or do not work during the authorized OPT period listed on the EAD card?
The authorized period on the EAD card is counted, whether or not you work during that period.
Also, if you accrue more than a total of 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT authorized period, you will be considered out of lawful immigration status. Unpaid/volunteer work of at least 20 hours per week can be used to prevent accumulating unemployment days.
Studying on OPT
What happens if I’ve already mailed my OPT application to a Service Center, but I am not able to complete my coursework requirements as planned?
If you learn that you will not complete your studies or graduate as planned, meet with an ISS advisor to discuss your situation as soon as possible.
You are not allowed to work full-time on OPT until all coursework has been completed, even if an EAD card has been received.
Can I enroll in classes while on OPT?
You are not permitted to take classes outside of the degree program that your OPT authorization is based on. All coursework must be completed before you are allowed to work full-time on OPT.
Traveling on OPT
Can I travel outside of the U.S. while on OPT?
Starting from the time you submit an application for an OPT recommendation, you should be prepared to present all six of the following documents (if applicable to your situation) to the U.S. Port of Entry when you travel. We generally recommend that you do not travel outside of the U.S. while your OPT application is pending. If you are considering travel outside of the U.S. while your OPT application is pending, please contact the ISS employment advisor.
You may not be allowed to re-enter the country if you are missing any of the following documents, especially after the program completion date on your OPT I-20.
- A valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months into the future.
- A valid F-1 entry visa in your passport. If your F-1 visa has expired, you will have to apply for a new F-1 visa outside of the US, which is risky to do on OPT. There are only a few exceptions to this rule; consult your ISS advisor for more information before traveling.
- A valid signature for re-entry from your ISS advisor on page 3 of the OPT I-20. The signature on page 3 is valid for only 6 months. You are advised to submit a Green Sheet request for re-entry to apply for a new signature well before traveling.
- Your valid OPT EAD card or I797C Notice of Action if your OPT application is pending.
- A job offer letter or letter of employment directly related to your major/level/field of study.
- As a general rule, it is a good idea to bring U.S. bank statements with you to show that you are able to financially support yourself in the U.S.
Leaving the U.S. for extended amounts of time during your authorized OPT period may cause problems with your re-entry. You may be questioned by Immigration upon re-entry about your previous whereabouts and your reasons for wanting to return to the U.S., especially without a job offer letter or letter verifying employment in the U.S.. After you have been approved for OPT, without possession of an EAD card, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S.
How do I request an updated signature for re-entry on my OPT I-20?
Complete the Travel Signature Request form at least two weeks before your planned departure. Allow 5-10 business days for processing. We will send you an electronic I-20 with a fresh travel signature. You will need to print and sign this document prior to traveling.