Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post-Completion OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
An F-1 student may apply for temporary employment involving practical training "directly related to the student's major area of study and commensurate with the student's educational level." The duration of this employment authorization is a total of 12 months per degree level. Students are eligible for another 12 months of OPT when they change levels (i.e. from Bachelor's to Master's).
- Post-Completion: Students interested in this practicum must apply before their program of study is complete; otherwise they are ineligible for OPT. Students can apply as early as 90 days prior to the completion of their studies (last day of class). It is recommended that students apply as early as possible in order to receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in a timely manner. By applying early, the student has a better chance of completing the 12 month OPT within the 14 months allowed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) following the completion of the program of study
Unfortunately, as an F-2 dependent you may not engage in employment or business under any circumstances. Failure to observe this requirement will place you out of status.
Employers may be cited, fined, and/or imprisoned for hiring persons ineligible for employment or maintaining employees who are no longer authorized to be employed.
OPT Post-Completion
- A job is not required before applying for Post-Completion OPT.
- Not have acquired more than one year of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
- You are only eligible to apply for OPT once per academic level.
- Maintain F-1 lawful visa status for at least the previous eight months.
- Submit your OPT application so that it is received by USCIS between 90 days before and 60 days after the completion of your program.
- We strongly encourage students to apply as soon as possible because the start date of your OPT will begin within those 60 days after the completion of your studies whether or not you have received your EAD and have permission to work. This will give you the best chance to optimize your opportunity to gain work experience related to your major. If you apply later, it will still take approximately three months until you receive your EAD. Even when you have reached your start date, if you have not yet received your EAD, you cannot begin working until it comes in the mail.
- USCIS must receive your OPT I-20 within 30 days of your advisor’s signature.
OPT Post-Completion
STEP 1) Review the Step by Step Guidelines to Apply Online and the OPT Workshop video.
STEP 2) Complete the NSU OPT Packet and begin the I-765 to submit your draft.
STEP 3) After completing the NSU OPT packet and I-765 draft, submit these documents by email to intl@nova.edu. Your application will be reviewed and the I-20 recommending OPT to be processed. The processing time required to produce your new document will be within 7 to 10 business days.
STEP 4) Once you have received your updated I-20 recommending OPT, you can now upload the document and submit your application online.
It is imperative you receive your OPT authorized I-20 before applying online. Applying online without your employment authorized I-20 will result in your OPT being denied.
USCIS offers F-1 students the option of requesting premium processing when filing their Post Completion OPT application.
The premium processing fee is $1,500 and the decision processing timeframe on a complete application is 30 calendar days (count starts when you properly file the Form I-907 and pay the premium processing fee).
The Premium Processing fee is in addition to the cost of the I-765 application. Please see the USCIS webpage I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for additional details, instructions and filing fee costs.
Premium processing requires you to file a I-907 application form (online) along with the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
This option is new and you can read the full March 6, 2023 news announcement at: USCIS Announces Premium Processing; New Online-Filing Procedures for Certain F-1 Students Seeking OPT or STEM OPT Extensions.
Filing for premium processing is optional; therefore, prior to paying the premium processing fee, the Office of International Affairs recommends that you consider the following:
- USCIS I-765 processing times
- The amount of time before your intended OPT employment start date.
- Whether you need your EAD for travel purposes after your I-20 end date
To check processing times for any type of OPT application go to USCIS I-765 processing times and select:
- “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”,
- “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and
- “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center”
OPT Post-Completion
You may begin your OPT only after you have been approved by USCIS and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a valid start date.
After your receive your EAD, please be sure to keep the following:
- Work only between the OPT start and end dates listed on your Form I-20 (for more information about start and end dates please go to the FAQS section at the top of this page).
- Only have employment that is directly related to your major.
- Maintain a valid passport.
- For graduate students, complete your program/coursework by the date specified in the letter from your academic advisor.
- Work at least 20 hours per week.
Reporting
- Report any changes in employment, or personal information with in 10 days.
- the information below within 10 days and confirm it again if there have been no changes.
- If there were no changes in your employment, you do need to report your employment information again.
- SEVP will send an email close to your OPT start date. This email should include a link where you can report your employment for your SEVIS record.
- You also have the option to report it through our office. This is done through an E-form Request and submitting it to our email: intl@nova.edu
The following table suggests the best way to report the required information:
| Initial OPT job |
|
| Change to a new job |
|
| Multiple short-term gigs in one period |
|
| Work for hire (contract start) |
|
| Work for hire (contract) |
|
| Unemployment |
|
| Self-employed business owner (start) |
|
| Self-employed business owner (end) |
|
| You decide to exit the U.S. and complete your F-1 status prior to the end date of OPT |
|
| Change in legal name |
|
| Change in residential or mailing address |
|
Unemployment
-
Use no more than 90 days of unemployment. The following counts towards unemployment:
- Each day between your start and end dates that you do not have qualifying employment
- Travel outside the U.S. while unemployed
- Travel while employed with authorization from your employer will not count towards your unemployment; this includes approved periods of authorized leave or work-related travel
Terminate your employment when:
- you transfer your SEVIS record to another school
- your EAD expires
- begin study at another educational level with a new I-20
- you exceed 90 days of unemployment
- (whichever situation above comes first)
Depart the U.S. within 60 days of completing your OPT if your Form I-20 is not extended or transferred to another SEVIS approved school.
OPT Post-Completion
What can I put for my start and end dates?
-
START DATE
- Undergraduates: This can be anytime after your graduation date up until 60 days after the expiration of your I-20. (e.g. If your I-20 expires on 12/17/2020, your start date would need to be by 02/14/2021)
- We highly recommend that students not choose the last day of their 60-day grace period as their start date.
- Graduates: This can either be after your expected graduation date OR after your expected date for completion of all coursework. This means that you will only have thesis or dissertation credits remaining when you would start your OPT. Graduate students may apply any time after completing all coursework. (Note: We will shorten your I-20 end date to your listed completion date.)
END DATE
- The end date will be on the day before a year is completed. For example, if your start date is 01/14/2021, your end date will be 01/13/2022.
Can I travel outside of the U.S. if my request for OPT is pending?
- We advise students not to leave the United States between their program end date and when they receive their EAD. Such travel is considered an abandonment of your application and you may be ineligible to reapply or reenter the United States.
Can I travel outside of the U.S. during OPT?
-
Approved OPT but no job: You may not be able to reenter unless you have a written job offer. We advise you to wait until you have received employment.
With a job: We recommend students to bring a printed copy of their offer of employment. It is also recommended for students to ask their employer to create a letter stating that your employer knows you will be leaving and are expecting you to return.
Travel for work purposes: We still encourage students to bring this employment offer letter and any other documents needed for international travel.
Note: Days that you travel outside of the United States are counted towards your unemployment unless authorized by your employer. (For more information on unemployment, please see the Requirements tab.)
Who can I work for while on OPT?
- Regular paid employment working for an established business or organization. (Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to the student's degree program.)
- Employment through a staffing/employment agency
- Contracted employment with an established business or organization.
- Self-employed business owner, which is full established and registered with the state.
- Short-term multiple employers working as a musician, or other performing artists may work for gigs. The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration. (If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing a list of gigs.)
- Unpaid employment working as a volunteer or unpaid intern, which does not violate labor laws. (The work must be at least 20 hours per week.)
When can I start working once my OPT application has been sent?
- You can start working once you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Do not begin work until you have received this.
- More information about the EAD
What happens if I change my address during the OPT application process?
- If you move while your OPT application is being processed and your address is not in your application, you must report this change of address within 10 days of moving to both of the following places:
What if my completion date changes?
- Please contact our office so we can figure out the best way to assist you.
How long may I work?
- Availability extends for one 12-month period directly after each higher educational level and may not be carried over if not used from one level to another.
- Any authorized Pre-Completion OPT months are deducted from the available 12 months.
- If you have a pending H-1B application you can extend your OPT. (Cap Gap Details)
- If your major field of study and subsequent employment is in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM major), you may be able to extend your training.
- If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen, you may also qualify for TN status.
What if I am in an integrated bachelor's and master's program?
-
If you wish to participate in an internship during the summer before your final year in the integrated program, you may apply for Curricular Practical Training. Please keep in mind that full-time CPT authorization during this period will be added to any previous full-time CPT authorization you have accrued throughout your program. More than 12 months of full-time CPT authorization will eliminate OPT eligibility, so please count your time carefully if you intend to apply for OPT after graduation.
Once your masters level I-20 has been activated for your final year of the integrated program, you will no longer be eligible for CPT. You may start applying for post-graduation OPT authorization in mid-January of your last year in the program. The application can take up to five months to process (though usually it takes three months or less), so be sure to apply early if you know you would like to have OPT authorization after graduation.
Please keep a scanned copies of all Forms I-20 for future reference and record.
Am I legally allowed to work in the U.S. on an F-1 visa?
- Yes. F-1 visa holders are legally allowed to work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (after their first two semesters) and Optional Practical Training (after graduation) as long as they receive authorization through ISSS and USCIS, respectively, prior to working.
Do I need "sponsorship" now or in the future?
- Companies may choose to sponsor a worker on an F visa during their OPT as long as they meet the H-1B (sponsored worker visa) criteria. If you are choosing to pursue sponsorship then you may want to indicate this as part of your discussions with prospective employers, but we encourage you to make sure each prospective employer understands that you are legally eligible for work for up to 12 months (36 if in a STEM designated field) regardless of sponsorship beyond this term. If you are sponsored for an H-1B you enter a visa lottery and we encourage you and your employer to work with a qualified immigration attorney as part of that process.
Pre-Completion OPT
- Pre-Completion: This is less common; however, students may apply for and begin the OPT prior to completion of the program of study. There is a limit of 20 hours per week while the student is registered for and taking classes. Students may apply for full-time authorization during the student's annual vacation or during official school breaks only if they intend to register for the following term. Remember, however, that there are only 12 total months available, and that training done before a degree is completed will count against the 12-month total and reduce time available after the degree is awarded
Unfortunately, as an F-2 dependent you may not engage in employment or business under any circumstances. Failure to observe this requirement will place you out of status.
Employers may be cited, fined, and/or imprisoned for hiring persons ineligible for employment or maintaining employees who are no longer authorized to be employed.
OPT Pre-Completion
- A job is not required before applying for Pre-Completion OPT.
- Not have acquired more than one year of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
- Maintain F-1 lawful visa status for at least the previous eight months.
- Submit your OPT application so that it is received by USCIS between 90 days before and 60 days after the completion of your program.
- We strongly encourage students to apply as soon as possible because the start date of your OPT will begin within those 60 days after the completion of your studies whether or not you have received your EAD and have permission to work. This will give you the best chance to optimize your opportunity to gain work experience related to your major. If you apply later, it will still take approximately three months until you receive your EAD. Even when you have reached your start date, if you have not yet received your EAD, you cannot begin working until it comes in the mail.
- USCIS must receive your OPT I-20 within 30 days of your advisor’s signature.
OPT Pre-Completion
Please request an appointment with an advisor if you want to apply for Pre-Completion OPT. Please email intl@nova.edu to schedule your appointment.
OPT Pre-Completion
You may begin your OPT only after you have been approved by USCIS and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a valid start date.
After your receive your EAD, please be sure to keep the following:
- Work only between the OPT start and end dates listed on your Form I-20 (for more information about start and end dates please go to the FAQS section at the top of this page).
- Only have employment that is directly related to your major.
- Maintain a valid passport.
- For graduate students, complete your program/coursework by the date specified in the letter from your academic advisor.
- Work at least 20 hours per week.
Reporting
- Report your employment within 10 days of starting your OPT.
- SEVP will send an email when your OPT has been approved. This email should include a link where you can report your employment for your SEVIS record.
- Report any changes in the information below within 10 days and confirm it again every six months even if there have been no changes.
Unemployment
-
Use no more than 90 days of unemployment. The following counts towards unemployment:
- Each day between your start and end dates that you do not have qualifying employment
- Travel outside the U.S. while unemployed
- Travel while employed with authorization from your employer will not count towards your unemployment; this includes approved periods of authorized leave or work-related travel
Terminate your employment when:
your EAD expires when
- you transfer your SEVIS record to another school
- begin study at another educational level with a new I-20
- you exceed 90 days of unemployment
- (whichever situation above comes first)
Depart the U.S. within 60 days of completing your OPT if your Form I-20 is not extended or transferred to another SEVIS approved school.
OPT Pre-Completion
What can I put for my start and end dates?
-
START DATE
- Undergraduates: This can be anytime after your graduation date up until 60 days after the expiration of your I-20. (e.g. If your I-20 expires on 12/17/2020, your start date would need to be by 02/14/2021)
- We highly recommend that students not choose the last day of their 60-day grace period as their start date.
- Graduates: This can either be after your expected graduation date OR after your expected date for completion of all coursework. This means that you will only have thesis or dissertation credits remaining when you would start your OPT. Graduate students may apply any time after completing all coursework. (Note: We will shorten your I-20 end date to your listed completion date.)
END DATE
- The end date will be on the day before a year is completed. For example, if your start date is 01/14/2021, your end date will be 01/13/2022.
Can I travel outside of the U.S. if my request for OPT is pending?
- We advise students not to leave the United States between their program end date and when they receive their EAD. Such travel is considered an abandonment of your application and you may be ineligible to reapply or reenter the United States.
Can I travel outside of the U.S. during OPT?
-
Approved OPT but no job: You may not be able to reenter unless you have a written job offer. We advise you to wait until you have received employment.
With a job: We recommend students to bring a printed copy of their offer of employment. It is also recommended for students to ask their employer to create a letter stating that your employer knows you will be leaving and are expecting you to return.
Travel for work purposes: We still encourage students to bring this employment offer letter and any other documents needed for international travel.
Note: Days that you travel outside of the United States are counted towards your unemployment unless authorized by your employer. (For more information on unemployment, please see the Requirements tab.)
Who can I work for while on OPT?
- Regular paid employment working for an established business or organization. (Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to the student's degree program.)
- Employment through a staffing/employment agency
- Contracted employment with an established business or organization.
- Self-employed business owner, which is full established and registered with the state.
- Short-term multiple employers working as a musician, or other performing artists may work for gigs. The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration. (If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing a list of gigs.)
- Unpaid employment working as a volunteer or unpaid intern, which does not violate labor laws. (The work must be at least 20 hours per week.)
When can I start working once my OPT application has been sent?
- You can start working once you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Do not begin work until you have received this.
- More information about the EAD
What happens if I change my address during the OPT application process?
- If you move while your OPT application is being processed and your address is not in your application, you must report this change of address within 10 days of moving to both of the following places:
What if my completion date changes?
- Please contact our office so we can figure out the best way to assist you.
How long may I work?
- Availability extends for one 12-month period directly after each higher educational level and may not be carried over if not used from one level to another.
- Any authorized Pre-Completion OPT months are deducted from the available 12 months.
- If you have a pending H-1B application you can extend your OPT. (Cap Gap Details)
- If your major field of study and subsequent employment is in science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM major), you may be able to extend your training.
- If you are a Canadian or Mexican citizen, you may also qualify for TN status.
What if I am in an integrated bachelor's and master's program?
-
If you wish to participate in an internship during the summer before your final year in the integrated program, you may apply for Curricular Practical Training. Please keep in mind that full-time CPT authorization during this period will be added to any previous full-time CPT authorization you have accrued throughout your program. More than 12 months of full-time CPT authorization will eliminate OPT eligibility, so please count your time carefully if you intend to apply for OPT after graduation.
Once your masters level I-20 has been activated for your final year of the integrated program, you will no longer be eligible for CPT. You may start applying for post-graduation OPT authorization in mid-January of your last year in the program. The application can take up to five months to process (though usually it takes three months or less), so be sure to apply early if you know you would like to have OPT authorization after graduation.
Please keep a scanned copies of all Forms I-20 for future reference and record.
Am I legally allowed to work in the U.S. on an F-1 visa?
- Yes. F-1 visa holders are legally allowed to work off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (after their first two semesters) and Optional Practical Training (after graduation) as long as they receive authorization through ISSS and USCIS, respectively, prior to working.
Do I need "sponsorship" now or in the future?
- Companies may choose to sponsor a worker on an F visa during their OPT as long as they meet the H-1B (sponsored worker visa) criteria. If you are choosing to pursue sponsorship then you may want to indicate this as part of your discussions with prospective employers, but we encourage you to make sure each prospective employer understands that you are legally eligible for work for up to 12 months (36 if in a STEM designated field) regardless of sponsorship beyond this term. If you are sponsored for an H-1B you enter a visa lottery and we encourage you and your employer to work with a qualified immigration attorney as part of that process.