If you are finishing your coursework this fall, and have an I-20 or DS-2019 with an end date in December 2020, it is time to start thinking about U.S. work permission. After your I-20 or DS-2019 completion date, you will need Optional Practical Training/OPT (for F-1 students) or Academic Training/AT (for J-1 students) to remain in the U.S. to work.

If you are an F-1 student, please review our instructions to apply for OPT (under How to Apply). Students should take note that the USCIS OPT fee will increase from $410 to $550 for applications received on or after October 2, 2020. If you will be applying for OPT this fall, please submit your application to the HIO as soon as possible. An HIO Advisor-on-Call will be available via Zoom on Thursdays from 12:00pm -1:00pm Eastern Standard Time for students with Fall OPT application questions. You may find details on this service here. 

If you are a J-1 student, please review our instructions to apply for Academic Training (AT).