Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work authorization that permits international students on an F-1 visa to gain work experience in their major field of study for one year of full-time employment at each higher degree level achieved.
TYPES OF OPT
PRE-COMPLETION OPT is OPT authorized to work before the student’s program end date. There are limited ways students can apply for pre-completion OPT during the summer and part time. To find out more, please contact the Office of International Affairs.
Note: Pre-Completion OPT will be deducted from the 12 months of Post-Completion OPT. Students who apply for pre-completion will not be eligible for the 17 month STEM extension.
POST-COMPLETION OPT is OPT authorized to work after the student’s program end date. The student must meet the following requirements to apply for OPT:
APPLICATION DEADLINE
- You may apply for your OPT as early as 90 days before the completion date of your program, and no later than 60 days after the program end date (or 60 days grace period). However, OPT must be requested PRIOR to expiration of your 60-day grace period. If you do not apply for OPT before the end of your grace period you will not be eligible for OPT.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must receive your application by your 60-day grace period and within 30 days of the date that your DSO recommends in SEVIS.
APPLICATION ITEMS
PREMIUM PROCESSING:
UCSIS now offers premium processing for applications. The form filing fee for just premium processing is $1685. If this is something you’re interested in, make sure you’re prepared to pay this fee and your I-765 form filing fee at the time of submission.
Note: Premium processing only applies to the processing of your application. Not the processing of your EAD card.
Post Completion OPT Employment Reporting Requirements
Students under OPT are required to report their employment directly through the SEVP Portal. Students are responsible for reporting and updating employment, address, email, and telephone information on or after their approved OPT start date. All changes must be reported to the SEVP Portal within 10 days.
SEVP will send you an email on the date that your Post-Completion OPT employment begins. This email will instruct you on how to register your portal account. You must register your account within 14 days of receiving the email. If you do not receive the email, check your junk or spam folders. Please go to https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/sevp-portal-help pages on Study in the States for further instructions regarding the SEVP Portal.
Note: Your post-completion OPT F-1 status may be terminated if:
All students (including those on an approved 24 month extension) are responsible for reporting and updating the following employer information to the OIA:
Travel During OPT:
Travel before receiving the OPT card
If your OPT is pending, or you have not received your EAD card, you may still leave the U.S. However, traveling during this time should be taken with caution. We strongly recommend that you do NOT travel until your request has been approved. If you do depart the U.S., we recommend you do so with a valid visa and with the knowledge that USCIS may send you a request for evidence while you are away. Please understand that you travel at your own risk.
Travel after receiving the OPT card
If your post-completion OPT has been approved (EAD card has been issued by USCIS), and you have a job office, you may leave and re-enter the U.S. to resume employment. You must have all the documents below to travel and return to the U.S.:
Attention: USCIS is currently taking over 90 days to process the OPT application. We suggest you plan accordingly. You can call us at 318.257.4321 or email Mrs. Khalilah Kersey at kkersey@latech.edu to schedule your OPT appointment.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I pick my OPT Start Date?
Your start date may vary according to your individual timeline to job prospects. It may be no later than 60 days after your program end date. Please contact Khalilah Kersey at kkersey@latech.edu for more details.
How will I know if my OPT application has been approved?
Two weeks after you apply, you will receive a Notice of Action from USCIS. Keep this letter; you will need it. Your Notice of Action will tell you to expect to wait about 90 days to receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD is a small photo identification card that states the type and the period of employment authorized. The authorized work period on your EAD cannot be extended. When you receive this card, check to make certain all the information is correct. This is a crucial document: be sure you keep it in a safe place.
You can check the status of your case by going to the USCIS home page at www.uscis.gov and entering the number on your Receipt Notice (the Receipt Number begins with EAC or WAC) into “CHECK CASE STATUS”.
Can I begin working before I get the EAD?
No, you may not begin employment before you receive your EAD from USCIS, even if your requested start date has passed. Working before OPT has been authorized by the USCIS constitutes illegal employment and will jeopardize your legal status in the U.S. You may begin work only after receiving a temporary or original EAD card.
Can I travel abroad and re-enter the U.S. before I receive my EAD?
NO, IF: you have completed your studies but have not received your EAD card. If you leave the U.S. after your completion date (item #5 on your I-20) and before you receive your EAD, your OPT will be canceled. USCIS will consider this an abandonment of your application and will not permit you to re-apply or re-enter.
YES, IF: You are applying for pre-completion OPT and will continue as a full-time student at LA Tech or You are applying for post-completion OPT and will re-enter the U.S. before the completion date of your program. To re-enter the U.S., you will still require a valid travel signature on your I-20 and a current valid F-1 visa.
Can I travel abroad while I am on OPT?
Yes, you may travel outside the U.S. while on OPT, provided below documents:
Can I transfer while on OPT?
Authorization for OPT is automatically terminated when you transfer to another school or begin study at another educational level. You cannot reapply for any lost time.
What if I move, will my EAD card be forwarded?
USCIS will not forward your EAD card to your new address; therefore, the OIA does not recommend you to change your address while your OPT application is pending. If it is beyond your control and you must move to a new address after your application has been submitted to USCIS, you will need to change your address in the following four locations to ensure that you receive your EAD card:
Immigration Status while on OPT