Contact WORLD: Rinker Center for International Learning if you are interested in applying for OPT.
The following guide will help students with an F-1 visa status to apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) while studying in the U.S.
What is OPT and who can apply?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. It is a 12 or 24-month employment opportunity in the U.S. during or after one’s degree completion.
There are two types of OPT: Pre-completion OPT and Post-completion OPT.
Pre–completion OPT: F-1 student can do a pre-completion OPT if they have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at Stetson University. The enrollment has to be certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The student does not need to have had F-1 status for the one full academic year; they can satisfy the “one full academic year” requirement even if they had another nonimmigrant status during that time. Employment begins and ends before the completion of the academic program.
Post-completion OPT: An F-1 student can start their post-completion OPT after finishing their studies at the university. If they are eligible for OPT, they may work part time or full time. However, if they have already completed a pre-completion OPT at some point during their studies, USCIS will deduct the amount of time they had for their pre-completion OPT from their post-completion OPT.
When should I apply?
Pre-completion: Students can apply as early as 90 days before their requested employment start date.
Post completion: Students can apply as early as 90 days before the end of their study program. To be eligible, the student needs to start their employment within 60 days after the graduation.
What is STEM OPT Extension?
Students with a degree within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) can extend their authorized 12-month OPT period by applying for a 24-month extension on their post-completion OPT authorization.
How do I apply?
- Request that your designated school official (DSO) –recommends the OPT. She can make the recommendation by endorsing the student’s Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate changes to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required application fee
To apply for OPT, the student must complete.
- OPT Online Workshop and provide the following documents to the International Center:
- OPT I-20 Request Form
- OPT Online Workshop Completion Email
- OPT recommendation letter from academic advisor or graduate program coordinator
- Legible copies of immigration documents
- copies of all I-20’s from the student’s current degree level
- copies of paper or print-out of electronic Form I-94
- Copy of any previous OPT EAD cards and corresponding OPT I-20
- Write the degree level for which the previous OPT was granted on the copy of the EAD card (e.g. bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral)
- Unofficial transcript
To learn more about the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, follow the link: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765