OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a way for students to gain knowledge in their field of study and use the skills that they have obtained through their studies at the University in the work field. OPT is only allowed for students who are in their last semester of study and will be graduating, or students who want to work for a year after graduation.
- Who is eligible for OPT?
- Students who are in F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year are eligible for Optional Practical Training:
- When can I apply?
- You can apply for OPT as early as 90 days before graduation and up to 60 days after graduation
- Do I need a job offer in order to apply?
- No.
- Can I go in person to an USCIS office to apply for OPT?
- No. OPT applications must be submitted to the USCIS by mail, as the instructions in this packet indicate. (OIS recommends OPT permission; the USCIS must approve it.)
- When can I start to work under OPT?
- You may only begin employment when you have received the EAD (Employment Authorization Document) card and the beginning date of employment authorization (shown on the EAD) has arrived. BEGINNING EMPLOYMENT BEFORE THE DATE OF AUTHORIZATION CAN RESULT IN TERMINATION OF OPT STATUS AND DEPORTATION.
- Does OPT employment need to be full time?
- If applying for Pre-Completion OPT, no. If you are applying for Post-Completion OPT, yes.
- What’s the difference between OPT and Curricular Practical Training (CPT)? If I had CPT, can I still have OPT?
- CPT permits employment before completion of required semester hours only. CPT requires the offer of a specific job. You are still eligible for OPT as long as you did not have full-time CPT for a total of 12 months.
Applying and Mailing your Application to USCIS
- Complete form I-765, the Student Request for OPT Application Form, and the End of Program Verification form signed by your academic advisor.
#16 (C) (3) (B) - When the forms are completed, make an appointment to get an OPT I-20 by calling 683-7566.
- Bring the following items to the appointment:
- the completed I-765 form
- your passport(s)
- your most recent form I-94
- Application Fee - The cost of filing the I-765 is $380.00. Personal checks or money orders must be in the exact amount and payable to “U S Department of Homeland Security.” Personal checks are traceable (in case of problems), and are preferable to money orders,
- Two identical “natural color” passport photos – These are U.S.-style passport photos – passport photos taken in your home country will most likely not be acceptable. The photo should be no larger than 2 inches x 2 inches. Lightly print your name and your SEVIS number on the back of each photograph with a pencil to prevent problems should your photographs become separated from your I-765 application
- Photocopies of all prior I-20’s, particularly those containing CPT authorizations
- a job offer letter stating the specific starting date if you already have a job lined up
- The OIS International Advisor or Assistant Director will make sure that you have all of the required documents, and will create your new OPT I-20 with the dates that you have requested. You will include a copy of this in your OPT application packet.
Changing OPT starting and ending dates: When you meet with us, we will enter into SEVIS the OPT starting and ending dates you request. If you decide you wish to change the dates BEFORE you mail your application to USCIS, we can help you do so. However, once you mail the application, we cannot change the dates ourselves and instead must follow a lengthy procedure with the Texas Service Center, which could significantly delay your OPT authorization or even cause you to lose your OPT eligibility. Before mailing your application, please be certain that you have the correct starting/ending dates.
Important Information Regarding Unemployment During OPT Period
In April 2008 SEVP released new rules pertaining to OPT, including the 90 day unemployment rule. Under this ruling any international student who is currently participating in OPT is required to contact the OIS International Advisor or Assistant Director at UALR if they become unemployed during any period of their duration of OPT. Students are only allowed to be unemployed for up to 90 days, and are subject to becoming out of status per immigration after this time period.
Any part-time employment or volunteer employment during this time period will allow students to continue in accordance to OPT regulations and these students will not be reported as unemployed.
Still Have Questions?
