Learn about the application procedure for Optional Practical Training.
You are strongly advised to submit your OPT application to USCIS 90 days prior to your expected employment begin date (for pre-completion OPT) or program completion date (post-completion OPT).
USCIS must receive your post-completion OPT application within 60 days of your program completion date. You must be in the U.S. in F-1 status at the time you submit your application to USCIS.
A student may not begin employment until all three of the following requirements are satisfied:
Please note that all on-campus employment (including fellowships and teaching/research assistantships) must stop by the program end date listed on page 1 of the student's I-20. Any OPT-eligible employment on-campus may resume after the start date of the EAD and should be reported by the student through the SEVP portal as OPT employment.