Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Like Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the work must be in the student's field of study; however, OPT is unlike CPT in several ways:

• USCIS, not IES, authorizes this training
• A job offer is not necessary to apply for OPT
• The student may participate in OPT before and/or after completing the program of study
• A student may work for one or more employers, change jobs, or look for work (up to 90 days) during the training period
• OPT is limited to 12 months per degree level (exception for some STEM majors)
  

Eligibility

To be eligible for OPT, you must be:

Periods of Participation

Definition of "Completion Date": Your completion date is the end of the term in which you complete all degree requirements (this includes thesis/dissertation submission).  (eg. 5/22/2009, 7/10/2009, 8/21/2009, 12/20/2009)  Your I-20 will be shortened to this date when you apply for OPT.

Pre-Completion (OPT beginning before completion date)

• Part-time during the semester while remaining registered full-time
• Full-time during annual school vacations
• Full-time during the semester only if:
• If you are a Masters thesis-option student who has
• Completed 6 credits of 799
  
• If you are a Ph.D. student who has
• Completed 12 credits of 899

Post-Completion (OPT beginning after completion date)

• Full-time after completing your program of study

Note: Students will become eligible to apply for another 12 month period of OPT when they move to a higher degree level. Some students with a STEM major may be eligible for a one time 17-month extension if they meet certain requirements.

When to Apply

Pre-Completion

• You may apply for OPT up to 120 days before the requested employment start date (90 days if you are applying before you have met the one year requirement)
  

Post-Completion

• You may apply for OPT up to 90 days before the end of the term in which you finish all degree requirements
  
• You may apply for OPT no later than 60 days after the end of the term in which you finish all degree requirements
  

Note: USCIS can take up to 3 months to process your work authorization, which comes in the form of a photo ID known as the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Therefore, IES suggests that you apply 3 months in advance of your desired employment start date. The OPT start date must be within your 60 day grace period (for Post-Completion OPT).

Authorized Periods of Employment

• You may begin working once you receive your EAD card and you have reached the start date on your EAD card
  
• You may not accumulate a total of more than 90 days of unemployment
  

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Procedure

USCIS

Vermont Service Center

75 Lower Welden Street

St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

Only use this address if your return address is in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington D.C. If return address is elsewhere, please speak to an IES advisor.

Note: Before you mail your application, be sure to write "I-765/Optional Practical Training" at the bottom of the envelope to ensure that it gets to the correct department.

The Application Packet

For IES use only:

• Completed Exit Plan Form with signature of your academic advisor
• This form is for IES only and should not be sent to USCIS as part of your OPT application

To be sent to USCIS:

• A personal check made out to Department of Homeland Security for $340
• Two color passport photos (2"x2", write name and SEVIS number on back of both photos; must be taken within 30 days)
• The original Form I-765 (completed in blue or black ink)
• A photocopy of the SEVIS form I-20 requesting OPT
• Photocopies of all previously issued I-20s (SEVIS I-20s pages 1&3, non-SEVIS I-20s pages 3&4)
• A photocopy of your passport number/photo/expiration date page(s)
• A photocopy of the I-94 card, front and back (make sure the stamp on the front shows up clearly in the photocopy)
• A photocopy of your most current F-1 visa

Expect an official USCIS receipt within a month of the mailing. If you do not receive a USCIS receipt notice within 4-5 weeks, call USCIS at (800) 375-5283 to see if your application was received.

Note: Photos that do not meet the specifications will be returned and will result in delays. IES recommends Campus Photographic Services located on 5201 Paint Branch Parkway, Suite 1117 (in the Patapsco building near the College Park metro station). To make an appointment call: (301) 405-0577. Hint: Do not wear white.

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While on OPT

• You are still considered to be in F-1 student status while on OPT, so any questions or concerns can be addressed by an IES advisor during this time
• You must continue to verify your information in SEVIS every 6 months
• Any change in address or employment needs to be verified in SEVIS within 10 days of your change
• You may not accumulate a total of more than 90 days of unemployment
• If you change to a different visa status, please inform IES so that databases may be updated
• If you terminate your OPT early, please inform IES so that databases may be updated
• You will probably be required to pay federal, state and local taxes. For more information, please visit the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) website

Travel on OPT

You may travel while on OPT. However, please keep in mind that you are still in F-1 status and that you will need the following in order to re-enter the U.S.:

• A valid travel signature on your most current I-20 (within 5 months of re-entry)
• Your unexpired EAD or I-797 receipt notice if your application is pending
• A letter from your employer indicating that you currently hold a job in your field of study and will be returning to the U.S. to resume employment
• A valid passport
• A valid F-1 visa

Study on OPT

Only part-time study, not towards a degree, is allowed on OPT.

You may decide to apply to another academic program, either at UMD or another university. However, once you are admitted to another degree program, it is important to discuss the situation with an IES advisor, as the issuance of a new I-20 will effect/terminate your OPT. If you are admitted to a degree program at another university, IES must transfer your I-20 to that institution so they may issue a new I-20 for you.

After OPT

• If an H-1B application is pending or approved for your H-1B cap-subject employer, you may continue your employment until your employment start date (October 1 of the following fiscal year) or until your application is denied. You will need an updated I-20 from IES to prove your work authorization during this period.
• If your H-1B application is pending or approved for your H-1B cap-subject employer, but your OPT had expired before April 1, you would be allowed to stay in the US if you otherwise maintain your F-1 status.  You are not authorized to work until the H-1B petition is approved and goes into effect October 1.
• You are entitled to a 60-day grace period beyond the last day of training as indicated on your EAD. You may not work during your 60-day grace period. You will need to notify IES if you plan to start or transfer to another program after your OPT.