If you are an F-1 student completing your degree in December 2025, now is the time for you to start the F-1 Post-Completion OPT application process.

Applying for OPT is a two-step process. First, you must submit an OPT request to the HIO to obtain an OPT recommendation I-20. The HIO is accepting OPT applications as of today. 

The HIO will begin emailing OPT I-20s to students on Monday, September 22, 2025 (for students with an end date of 12/19/2025 on their I-20 form), along with instructions for the second step of the process: filing your OPT application with USCIS. Please note the processing time for OPT I-20 requests is five to seven business days.

You are encouraged to apply for OPT as early as possible, as OPT applications may take several months to be processed by USCIS. You are not required to have a job offer to apply for OPT.

To apply for OPT, please review this information and take the following steps: 

• You must be physically present in the U.S. in F-1 student status at the time of application
• Review the HIO’s guidance on OPT  in full
• Watch the HIO’s OPT Instructional Videos
• Attend a virtual OPT Application Webinar or workshop hosted by your HIO advisor
• Watch the Tips on Choosing your OPT Start Date video
• ​Fill out the HIO OPT Date Verification Form
• Electronically submit your OPT materials to the HIO by completing the HIO OPT Request Form.

You will receive via email an electronically signed OPT I-20 along with links to instructions to assist you in e-filing your final application with USCIS.