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.
Students who apply for OPT before they have completed their program of study are only allowed to work 20 hours per week until their graduation date is reached. After this date they are allowed to resume full-time, 40 hour a week positions.
Students who graduate are allowed to begin OPT as soon as they graduate, or have the option to start anytime during the 60 day grace period allowed by USCIS. Students who participate in OPT after graduation are allowed to work 40 hours a week.
It is strongly encouraged that students apply for OPT early in the semester that they are going to graduate in order to ensure that they receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) by the time that they have requested to begin employment. Students do not have to have a job offer when applying for OPT . It is also strongly encouraged that the student make sure that they will graduate that semester. It is very difficult to change OPT dates, and if OPT is cancelled, you will have to pay the fee again to have it processed when you do graduate.
Download the OPT Application Packet
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 International Student Coordinator 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.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Allyson Hughes (abhughes@ualr.edu) with any questions concerning these changes.