OPT Status Necessary for International Students inthe US to Work Off-Campus

OPT or Optional Practical Training is needed for international students enrolled in the US graduate schools or colleges on F-1 visa, to work off campus. F-1 visa is flexible and allows the students to get practical training, even after they complete their degree. USCIS in conjunction with colleges/schools work towards giving F-1 visa holders an opportunity to attain practical training before and after off-campus to complement their study field.

Eligibility for OPT application

• The student must be an F-1 visa holder


• Maintaining legal F-1 status


• Aim to attain a job relevant to your major study field


• Not completed 364 days full-time CPT

Occurrence of OPT

Part time or pre- completion OPT

Can be undertaken during school sessions, but the OPT program must not exceed more than 20 hours a week. Unemployment is not counted. If eligibility requirements are met, then the program end date can be extended. Part-timers are not eligible for STEM and Cap-Gap extension.

Full time or post-completion OPT

Full employment of 40 hours can be undertaken, after you complete the degree. Unemployment is counted. By end of OPT, authorization program has to be completed, no extra time is provided for completing thesis or dissertation. Full timers are eligible for STEM and Cap-Gap extension.

OPT duration

You get a maximum duration of 1 year, for every higher degree levels you complete. However, if you had used up a part of OPT benefits during the degree program, then you are entitled to get the remaining benefits, and not for extra 12 months. No extra OPT time will be given for doing another degree of the same level, or lower level.

When to submit OPT work authorization application?

OPT authorization needs to be attained from USCIS. Plan in advance, so your application is received by USCIS on time. If it is received 60 days after program completion date, then you will not qualify for OPT.

Documents to be attached with application form

• Recommendation letter must be obtained from department chairperson or academic advisor on departmental letterhead.


• Form I-765 (signed in BLUE ink)


• Photocopies of 1^st and 3^rd page of current I-20 and all previous I-20s


• Photocopies of passport, visa and back & front of I-94 card


• Front & back of previous EAD card (if issued)


• 2  colored photos (2x2 and meet passport specifications) with name and number of I-94 written on the back lightly


• Copy of health insurance policy


• G-1145 form (optional for text message or email notification from USCIS regarding the receipt of application)


• Check for $380 against application charges

Mail the application to USCIS and within 2 to 3 weeks you will receive a receipt with an EAC number that allow you to check your case status.

In case of application approval, you will receive your EAD or employment authorization card in the mail within 90 to 120 days. Remember, you cannot start working, before the starting date noted on your EAD card, as well as stop working on the given end date.

Cessation of OPT authorization

OPT agreement automatically gets terminated when a student holding F-1 visa transfers to other school or starts a new academic program.

Travelling with -

Pending or approved OPT before degree completion-If you return back to the US before degree end date mentioned in I-20, then carry immigration travel documents mentioned below.

• Valid US visa


• Valid passport


• I-94 card


• Transcript


• Registration letter


• Extra photo ID


• Financial documents

Approved OPT after degree completion -If you return to the US after end date of I-20, then carry the following travel immigration documents given below.

• New, valid I-20


• EAD card


• Employer letter to resume the job


• I-94


• Valid US visa


• Valid passport

It is recommended not to travel outside the US -

• If your OPT application approval is pending


• If you have an EAD card, but no job to start or resume

Applying and staying acquiescent with all OPT rules can be complicated, but visit online USCIS official website and learn more.