Optional Practical Training (OPT) - Illinois

 What do you mean by OPT ?

OPT means Optional Practical Training especially for those students who are enrolled or about to complete their degree in the United States of America and can work either during their vacation or leave term or even after completion of their course and their status of immigration would be F1.  OPT helps these students to avail a temporary employment authorization and one can explore and experience the work over there during this period.  Many students on F1 visas would like to take temporary work assignments relevant to their studies.  It's an opportunity to experience work as well as earn. 

It’s a great opportunity for international students to experience their learning practically through employment and also build confidence to continue their studies. Optional Practical Training is a paradigm shift from theory to practical approach at work. 

What is OPT in Illinois?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) in Illinois follows the same general guidelines  as in other states, but its always good to check with the specific institution for any additional requirements. 

Who is eligible for OPT in Illinois ?

Students holding an F-1  visa for a minimum period of nine months can apply to US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for twelve months of Optional Practical Training Work Authorization. The student's Visa should be a valid one while applying for this. Also, they should have already opted for a full-time course at any university in the United States. While applying for OPT, the student's presence in the US is mandatory.   

When should one apply   for OPT in Illinois ?

As an F-1 Student, you should apply for OPT atleast 90 days before the desired start date of employment. You can apply as early as 90 days before the official closing of the semester in which you intend to graduate. This period should allow enough time for OIAP and USCIS to review your application. 

What are the types of OPT in Illinois ?

• Pre-completion OPT  (part time or full time during school breaks). Part time or full time during the student’s annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session, if the student intends to register for the following semester. Part time while school is in session or part time or full time after completion of graduate course work requirements excluding a thesis or dissertation  

• Post-completion OPT (full time after graduation) / after completion of the course of the study

What  is the application process of OPT in Illinois?

Students have to submit an OPT request to their school’s international student services (ISSS), receive an OPT I-20, and then file Form I-765 with USCIS within 30 days. 

How much is the Length of authorization and hours to be worked for OPT in Illinois ?  

Twelve-month period can be applied as part of initial post-completion and the work start date must be within sixty days after the end of the program.   The hours of employment must be a minimum of 20 hours per week, whether paid or unpaid.

What is STEM extension for OPT in Illinois ? 

If you have a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) , you may be eligible for an additional 24 month extension.

Is there any specific process for OPT in Illinois ? 

Many universities in Illinois, such as the University of Illinois, offer workshops and tutorials to guide students through the OPT application Process. You can attend such programs and ensure timely submission of the form. Some universities may send I-20 documents electronically, in which case you have to print and duly fill in the application form with signature and date it.  You can request premium processing for an additional fee which can  expedite the processing of your application. When applying for OPT, please submit only one OPT application, either online or through the mail. DO not submit both. This could result in the denial of both applications. You do not need to upload a separate I-765 if filing is done electronically. The online form serves as the I-765.   

What should I know about dates and deadlines for OPT in Illinois ? 

You may apply upto 90 days before your program end date. The deadline to apply is the 60th day after your program end date. You must select an OPT start date within the 60 day period after your program end date. This date is not a guaranteed one, as USCIS will determine the actual start date of your authorization.  Average application processing time ranges from 90 to 120 days. Graduate students on thesis track for them the program end date varies. The application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of ISSS creating a new I-20 or else OPT will be denied. If it has been more than 30 days since your OPT I-20 was issued and you have not mailed off your application, you have to immediately contact ISSS or else ISSS will cancel the current request.  

Is there any photo specification while applying for OPT Illinois ?  

You must submit two identical colour passport size photographs of yourself taken recently which is within 30 days of filing form I-765. The photos must have a white or off-white background, be printed on thin paper with a glossy finish and be unmounted and unretouched. The two identical photos must be  2 by 2 inches. The photos must be in colour with a full face, frontal view, on a white to off-white background. Head height should measure 1 to 1 3/8 inches from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin and eye height is between 1 1/8 to 1 3/8 inches from the top of your eyes to the bottom of photo. Your head must be bare unless you are wearing headwear as required by a religious denomination of which you are a member. Using a pencil or felt pen, lightly print your name and SEVIS number on the back of the phots.

What are the reporting requirements for  OPT in Illinois ? 

Once you receive your OPT EAD card, OPT reporting should be done by submitting the OPT Reporting eform . You can understand this in detail by browsing F-1 OPT Reporting requirements page which helps you to understand better

What is the  USCIS processing time for OPT in Illinois ? 

Allow a minimum of 90 days to receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This count down starts from the date Immigration receives the OPT application. Once the USCIS receives the application, they will issue a receipt with a tracking number and this number will support you to track the stages.

What are the work requirements  for OPT in Illinois ? 

During post-completion OPT, F-1 Status is dependent upon employment. Students may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment during any authorized period of standard post-completion OPT. The 90-day limitation on unemployment during the initial post-completion OPT authorization continues during the cap-gap extension.  The duration of OPT employment authorization is normally granted to begin on the date requested or the date the employment authorization is adjudicated, whichever is later, and is authorized until the end date requested. 

Do I need to have a job to apply for OPT in Illinois ? 

You do not need to have a job offer before applying for the first 12 months of OPT in Illinois. If your major/field qualifies you for the STEM OPT extension, you do have to have a job to apply which you will be required to provide your employer’s E-Verify number

Can I travel with a pending  OPT application in Illinois ? 

International travel is not recommended while your OPT application is pending with USCIS. Doing so could jeopardize your ability to re-enter the United States, respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) from USCIS, or apply for OPT in the future

If you decide to travel after you have received your card, you have to carry a valid passport, visa, I-20 which is endorsed by your ISA within the last six months and EAD card. An employment verification letter from your employer is not required but it is always recommended for smooth travel.