# F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) ## expand\_more Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for [F-1 students](/visas-immigration/student "Student Visas") to work off-campus in a field directly related to their major area of study. Students who hold degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) may be eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), for a total of 36 months of post-completion OPT. Learn more about training opportunities through OPT and STEM OPT, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and maintaining your status. [ OPT arrow\_circle\_right ](/employment-training/opt/guide) [ STEM OPT arrow\_circle\_right ](/employment-training/opt/stem) ## OPT and STEM OPT Employment Comparison SortEmployment Permitted under Post-Completion OPTEmployment Permitted under STEM OPTAllows for unpaid and paid positions Must be a paid position All jobs combined must total 20 hours per week or more Each position must be for 20 hours per week or more Employer does not have to be registered with E-Verify Each employer must be registered with [E-Verify](https://www.e-verify.gov/) Must be a position related to the major listed under “Program of Study” on the I-20. Must be a position related to the [STEM program major](https://www.ice.gov/sites/default/files/documents/stem-list.pdf) listed under “Program of Study” on the I-20. You are responsible for drawing a connection between your position and the skills or knowledge learned in your STEM degree. If you applied for STEM OPT based on a previously earned degree, the employment on STEM OPT must be related to that degree’s major field of study. Allows for employment with a temp agency, contract employment, short-term employment, and gigging You must be paid a salary, and be supervised, directly by your employer. You cannot be paid by a third party or staffing agency, or work at a location other than your employer’s place of business. For more information, please see “The Employer’s Training Obligation: Staffing and Temporary Agencies” on the [USCIS Website](https://www.uscis.gov/working-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment/stem-opt). External fellowship payments permitted in an academic environment In an academic environment, you cannot be paid through an external fellowship. For example, you cannot use STEM for a postdoctoral position where you are not paid directly by the host institution. You must report any employment changes to the HIO using the [Post-Completion OPT Reporting Form](/forms/opt-reporting-form "F-1 OPT Reporting Form") within 10 days of the change You must not begin work for any new employer without first submitting to the HIO a new, completed [I-983 Training Plan](https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/i983.pdf) for that employer. Allows maximum of 90 days of unemployment over the 12 months of OPT Allows a maximum of 150 days of unemployment over the combined periods of OPT and STEM OPT Allows for self-employment Does not allow for self-employment May volunteer or work in an unpaid position Cannot volunteer or work in an unpaid position ## Employment Authorization Document Issues Open all sections Close all sections ### If Your EAD Is Lost in the Mail expand\_more When you apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM OPT, receiving your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card from United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is the final step before you can begin work. Unfortunately, sometimes EAD cards get lost, misdelivered, or stolen in the mail, even if your approval notices arrive successfully. Please be aware there is usually little, if anything, the HIO can do to intervene in cases of a missing EAD. You may ultimately need to apply for a replacement card and pay the fee again. ### Step 1: Confirm that your EAD was mailed - Log in to your USCIS online account or [check your case status](https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus) using your receipt number. - If your case status says, “Card Was Mailed to Me,” USCIS has shipped your EAD. - Click the “Documents” tab or look for a USPS tracking number in the case history or on your USCIS account homepage. - If the tracking information says “Unavailable,” please [contact your HIO advisor](/meet-your-advisor "Meet With an Advisor") to see if we can obtain the tracking information for you. ### Step 2: Track the package - Enter your [USPS tracking number online](https://tools.usps.com/go/TrackConfirmAction_input). - Check if the package shows as: - **Undeliverable**: This means that USPS likely returned your EAD to USCIS. Proceed to Step 3. - **Delivered**: If it says “delivered” but you didn’t receive it, proceed to Step 3. - **Missing or Lost**: Proceed to Step 5. ### Step 3: Undeliverable shipments - If USPS determined that your EAD was “undeliverable,” it was most likely returned to USCIS. We recommend that you contact your HIO advisor, and you may need to work with USCIS directly to have your card located and resent. - Follow the instructions in the online USCIS case status to request that USCIS resend the card to you. Be sure that your current mailing address is on file with USCIS or update it through your [MyUSCIS account](https://my.uscis.gov/). - You can also contact the [USCIS customer service number](https://www.uscis.gov/contactcenter#:~:text=Dial%20800%2D375%2D5283%20(,be%20connected%20to%20live%20assistance.) and ask if your EAD was returned and marked as undeliverable. Keep detailed records of your conversation with the customer service agent, including the date you called, and any information the agent gave you. ### Step 4: If the tracking says “Delivered” but you did not receive the card - Check your mailbox, mailroom, or front desk area—sometimes EADs are delivered to nearby boxes or University mailrooms. - Ask neighbors or roommates if they received the mail by mistake. - Contact your local [USPS Post Office](https://tools.usps.com/locations/) immediately. - Ask to speak with your delivery supervisor. - Provide the tracking number and your address. - Request a [Missing Mail Search](https://www.usps.com/help/missing-mail.htm). - Get a written confirmation or case number of your inquiry. - If USPS confirms the card was misdelivered or lost, keep their written confirmation as USCIS may waive the reapplication fee. (In most cases, it is difficult to obtain this documentation from USPS.) - If USPS determines the card was delivered correctly or you are unable to obtain written documentation, you will need to pay the fee for the replacement card. ### Step 5: Report the missing EAD to USCIS If you determine that your EAD is lost: - Submit an online e-[Request for a “Non-Delivery of Card”](https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request) - Choose: “Did not receive card by mail.” - You’ll need your USCIS receipt number, mailing address, and the date on your approval notice. ### Step 6: Apply for a replacement EAD If your card cannot be recovered or resent, you must file a replacement application through [MyUSCIS online](https://my.uscis.gov/): - File Form I-765 again using our [I-765 OPT](/forms/opt-i-765-instructions "USCIS e-Filing I-765 OPT Application Guide") or [STEM OPT](/forms/stem-opt-i-765-instructions "USCIS e-Filing I-765 STEM OPT Application Guide") guide. - Select “Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged employment authorization document” as your reason for filing. - Include these documents as part of your application: - Form I-20 – Contact your HIO advisor to obtain an updated version showing that your OPT was approved. - I-797 Approval Notice – Located under the “Documents” tab of your approved I-765 OPT or STEM OPT application in your USCIS Online Account. - Signed and dated letter from you explaining the circumstances in which your EAD was lost. - Include the documents from your original application: - [OPT](/forms/USCIS-opt-application-checklist "USCIS OPT Application Checklist") - [STEM OPT](/forms/uscis-stem-opt-application-checklist-current-degree "USCIS STEM OPT Application Checklist (Current Degree)") - If USPS determined that the EAD was lost or misdelivered, you will need a signed letter on USPS letterhead confirming that. USCIS will likely waive the fee if you are able to obtain a letter from USPS. - After you submit your application for the replacement card, you will receive a receipt. Please share the following sections of the M-274 Handbook for Employers with your employer to determine if you are eligible to start your position while your application for reissuance is pending: - [4.0 Completing Section 2: Employer Review and Verification](https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274/40-completing-section-2-employer-review-and-verification) - [4.4 Acceptable Receipts](https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274/40-completing-section-2-employer-review-and-verification/44-acceptable-receipts) - Scan a copy of your EAD card as soon as you receive it. ### If Your EAD Has a Typographical Error expand\_more ### The start date on your EAD is later than expected: USCIS may approve an I-765 for post-completion OPT with a later start date than the one you requested if: - You applied close to your requested start date - You receive a Request for Evidence - USCIS has a delay in processing If this happens, the start date should be the same as the date USCIS approved your application. If your start date is significantly later than you requested, [contact your HIO advisor](/meet-your-advisor "Meet With an Advisor"). Note that your EAD end date should not be more than 14 months after the graduation or completion date on your I-20. ### Your name is misspelled: The EAD has a character limit; if your full name is lengthy, it may have been cut off. This is not an error and doesn’t require further action. ### You made a mistake during the application process: One of the most common errors is selecting the wrong eligibility category on your Form I-765. - C03A – pre-completion OPT (i.e., working for an off-campus employer while you’re still a student) - C03B – post-completion OPT - C03C – STEM OPT For any errors that you made during the application process, you will need to reapply to USCIS (if you’re still eligible) to correct your EAD. Include the following documentation: - Filing fee - Updated I-20 showing that your OPT/ STEM OPT has been approved (please [contact your HIO advisor](/meet-your-advisor "Meet With an Advisor") to obtain this documentation) - Copy of your incorrect EAD - Signed and dated letter stating the error - Documentation from your original [OPT](/forms/USCIS-opt-application-checklist "USCIS OPT Application Checklist") or [STEM OPT](/employment-training/opt/stem "STEM OPT Guide") application. When you submit your Form I-765 through [MyUSCIS**,**](https://myaccount.uscis.gov/sign-in) you may follow the I-765 Application Guide for [OPT](/forms/opt-i-765-instructions "USCIS e-Filing I-765 OPT Application Guide") or [STEM OPT](/forms/stem-opt-i-765-instructions "USCIS e-Filing I-765 STEM OPT Application Guide") with two exceptions: - Select “Replacement of lost, stolen or damaged employment authorization document or correction of my employment authorization NOT DUE to USCIS error.” - Answer “yes” when asked if you have submitted an I-765 before. ### If the typographical error was made by USCIS: Keep a copy of all correspondence and documentation that you send to USCIS and make a copy of your EAD showing the error. Present your EAD to your employer prior to proceeding with the correction from USCIS. Consult with your HIO advisor about timing of any travel or renewing a driver’s license or state ID BEFORE requesting a correction from USCIS. Once USCIS receives your documentation, it will take 1-2 months to receive your corrected EAD, and you will not have a valid EAD during this time. This timeline is subject to change by USCIS without advance notice. When you’re ready to proceed, follow these steps: #### Step 1: Complete the E-Request form Complete an [E-Request](https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/typo) through USCIS using your Receipt Number and “I-765- Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student (c)(3).” Complete all required fields, including a description of the error and the correction. You should receive an automated confirmation after submitting your request. #### Step 2: Mail Documentation to USCIS 1. **Write a letter explaining the issue and include** **your:** 1. Full name as it appears on your passport 2. Date of birth 3. SEVIS ID number 4. Receipt number for your OPT or STEM OPT application 5. Detailed explanation of the error 6. Your signature and date 7. Address where you would like the replacement EAD sent 2. Documentation from the E-Request you submitted 3. Original, incorrect EAD 4. Reprinted I-20 from the HIO showing that your OPT or STEM OPT has been approved ([your HIO advisor](/meet-your-advisor "Meet With an Advisor") can provide a copy to you) 5. Mail your documents to USCIS using the U.S. Postal Service – make sure to get tracking information Please mail all documentation to: USCIS Lee's Summit Production Facility Attn: I-765 Replacement Cards 7 Product Way Lee’s Summit, MO 64002 Keep a copy of the documentation you send to USCIS (including a copy of your incorrect EAD and proof of delivery/tracking information). #### Step 3: After you receive your corrected EAD Make a copy of the front and back of your corrected EAD for your records and follow up with your HIO advisor. Provide the updated EAD to your employer. ## Premium Processing [Premium Processing](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing) is an extra service available to F-1 students applying for Optional Practical Training or the STEM OPT Extension. For an additional, substantial fee collected by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), applications submitted with Premium Processing are guaranteed to be adjudicated by USCIS within 30 days. You may add Premium Processing at the time of application or later once your application is pending. Once your OPT or STEM OPT application is approved, it generally takes another 2 weeks to receive the EAD. For regularly filed Optional Practical Training applications, if you submit your application to USCIS at the start of the application window, there may not be a need to use this service. We find that many of our graduating students who apply 90 days before graduation will have their EAD around graduation or shortly afterward. In most cases, Premium Processing is not necessary for the STEM OPT extension. Applications submitted to USCIS before the end date listed on their 12 months OPT Employment Authorization Document receive an automatic [180-day extension](https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training-extension-for-stem-students-stem-opt) to travel and work in the US. This 180 day extension only applies to timely submitted STEM OPT applications. A few reasons that you may decide to request Premium Processing: - If you have international travel plans right after graduation that cannot be changed if your card takes longer than usual. - If there is a delay in submitting your application and you have an employer start date that cannot be changed. - If having the result of your application will help you with planning and the fee isn’t a financial hardship. Your HIO advisor can guide you in the process, but ultimately it will be your decision based on your upcoming plans and financial circumstances. Please note that if a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) is issued the Premium Processing clock will be stopped to allow for response time. To add Premium Processing, you can visit [USCIS’ website](https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing). In your specific USCIS Online Account, you will select Form I-907 to add Premium Processing after you file regularly. *The HIO provides general guidance on your OPT/STEM OPT application based on information obtained from reliable sources and reflecting our years of experience in working with students. We make every attempt to ensure that we provide you with the most up to date information available. Any advice provided to you by our office (as well as the information in this packet) does not constitute legal advice, however. The OPT/STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible; the application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case. The HIO does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. The HIO is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.*