Optional Practical Training

Optional practical training (OPT) is work authorization that allows international students to legally pursue employment in their field of study in the U.S. for 12 months after completing their degree.

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STEM OPT

STEM OPT Extension gives international students majoring in qualifying science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields of study an opportunity to apply for two years of additional work authorization.

OPT Overview

OPT allows you to legally pursue employment in your field of study in the United States for 12 months after obtaining your degree.
You are still considered an F-1 visa student during OPT.
An approved I-765 petition (the form on which you apply for employment authorization) results in an Employment Authorization Document (the EAD card). The EAD card and employment help you maintain your lawful F-1 status.
All work that you accept during OPT is to be in your field of study. If not, it is unauthorized employment and jeopardizes your immigration status.

When Can I Apply?

You may apply for OPT no earlier than 90 days before the end date of your I-20 OR no later than 60 days following the end date. The graduation end dates are May 20 for Spring, August 11 for Summer and December 20 for Fall.
If you apply after your program end date, you may not enjoy the full 12 months of employment eligibility.

Step 1: Get the I-20 with the OPT request

Collect the OPT request forms (4) from LAWS 226
Complete the four forms and then make an appointment to get the OPT I-20

Step 2: Collect the following documents in digital format

I-20 with POST Completion OPT requested listed on second page (must request this by making an appointment with iss)
Most recent Form I-94
Passport
US government-issued photo ID (F-1 visa)
A passport-style photograph (take a self-picture and adjust using software provided through the application)
All previously used Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) receipt numbers
Any I-20s with previously authorized CPT or OPT
Any I-20s with previously used but different SEVIS ID numbers

Step 3: Apply online

Find the I-765 form and click on FILE ONLINE
Create a USCIS account
Select ( c ) (3) (B) Post completion OPT when selecting the form
Complete the form and upload documents as directed
Before submitting, review your application and make sure all documents are uploaded including the OPT I-20
Pay the Application fee of $470 by credit or debit card
If desired, a separate premium processing fee of $1,685 (encouraged if you are applying late and/or have a job waiting for you following graduation)
Keep a copy of the receipt

Frequently Asked Questions

Periodically check the petition’s case status on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website.
Continue searching for a position if you do not have one when you apply.
Keep in mind that you can only begin working once your I-765 petition has been approved, you have the EAD card in your hand, and the start date on the card has arrived.

You are required to change your address by completing each step below:

Change your address with USCIS. You can do this through your on-line USCIS account.
Report your new address to our office within 10 days of moving. Send the change to iss@pnw.edu. Reporting your address within 10 days is an immigration regulation.
Report your change of address to the US postal service at USPS.com. It is also recommended you report the change to individual companies and agencies directly (such as the bank, USCIS, etc.)

WARNING: if your petition has been approved, you may want to delay changing your address because it may not be updated in time for the card to be mailed to the new address. You may want to put an immediate hold on all of your mail once the card is in production (then collect it from the post office in person) or at least use the tracking number to arrange for pick up (read the next section).

Once your OPT is approved, you can see the tracking and delivery information of your EAD card through your online USCIS account.

Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive delivery status notifications AND
Use the USPS tracking number to arrange for pickup of your EAD card at a USPS location of your choice on a convenient date and time by selecting ‘hold for pick up’ OR
Ensure that you will be physically present at the address listed in your USCIS petition record on the delivery date of the card. The USPS may deliver the document using the Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery service. This means that you may need to be physically present to sign for the card on delivery.

Note: Expect delivery of the EAD card within a few days of the delivery of the I-797 approval notice.

What happens if I fail to do any of the above-listed things?

You may lose the opportunity to serve OPT if your EAD card is undeliverable.

It may take from 90 to 150 days for USCIS to review your petition. If 90 days pass and your EAD card has not been issued, contact the ISS Office. A pending petition I-765 maintains your immigration status while you wait for the EAD card.

(Hint hint–It’s time to report your employment!!!)

During your 12 months of OPT, USCIS allows you to be unemployed for 90 days without it affecting your immigration status. If you accrue more than 90 days of unemployment, USCIS will consider you out of status.
During OPT, you are still required to report any address OR employment changes within 10 days to the ISS staff.
If you never report your employment, we cannot update your SEVIS record so it will appear that you are not maintaining your status through work.
Working at least 21 hours per week in a position in your field is considered full-time during OPT.

Once you have submitted your application and your EAD card has been approved, you cannot cancel your OPT. Even if you only use a few months and then go back to school, you cannot cancel the remaining months of OPT.

If you have submitted your application and it has not yet been approved, contact our office for withdrawal instructions.

Yes, you are eligible for 12 months of OPT after each higher level degree that you complete.

No, your OPT ends if you have been approved but depart the country without the EAD and a confirmation of employment letter or a job offer letter.

Yes, you must provide your unexpired F-1 visa, your I-20 endorsed for travel by an advisor within the past six months, your unexpired EAD, and your confirmation of continuing employment letter or your job offer letter. Ensure that the letter states whether you are traveling for business or vacation and your expected return date to work.

If you need a visa, you should take your I-20, your EAD card, and a letter from your employer that states the amount you are being paid and the date you are expected back at work. If you do not have a job or have been on OPT for more than 6 months, your chances of being granted a new visa are reduced. Remember, there is never a guarantee that you will get a new visa.

OPT is granted for 12 months. If you graduated with a degree in specific Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) fields, you may be eligible to apply for STEM OPT before your EAD card expires. If you would like to work for a longer period, ask your employer about the possibility of applying for an H-1B or another temporary work authorization after you begin work. Don’t wait until the OPT is over to do this. Your employer can begin the process 6 months prior to the end date.

Please read the information on the STEM OPT Hub page of the studyinthestates website, to determine your eligibility based on your program of study. Two major requirements are that you must be employed by a company using the E-Verify system and willing to develop an extensive personalized training plan in order for you to apply for this benefit.
If eligible, you may apply 90 days before your first 12 months of OPT end.
A new I-20 with the STEM OPT request is required before applying