Optional Practical Training: Frequently Asked Questions

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Eligibility and Application

Am I eligible to apply for OPT?

F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of OPT per degree level if they: 

  • Have been enrolled as a full-time student for two consecutive semesters preceding the start of OPT. 

  • Are in good academic standing and on track to graduate if pursuing Post-Completion OPT. 

  • Have not been previously authorized for OPT at the same or higher degree level.

  • Are physically in the U.S. in F-1 status at the time their OPT application is submitted to USCIS. 

I don't have a job yet. Can I still apply for OPT?

Yes. You do not need a job to apply for OPT. 

Can I use OPT time before completing my degree?

Yes, you may apply for periods of Pre-Completion OPT: 

  • 20 hours or less per week when classes are in session

  • Full-time during official vacation periods, such as summer break and winter break 

You are eligible to apply for Pre-Completion OPT 90 days before your requested start date. 

Any periods of Pre-Completion OPT will be deducted from the total 12-month period available for Post-Completion OPT.  For example, if you were employed full-time for two months during a summer vacation, you would have 10 months of OPT available after graduation.  

Your HIO advisor can assist in determining how much remaining OPT time you have available. 

What start date should I use for my Post-Completion OPT application?

Your OPT start date must be no more than 60 days after your I-20 program completion date. 

The HIO cannot pick your OPT start date for you, but we do have some tips for you to consider when deciding. Please watch this video on choosing your OPT start date before submitting your OPT I-20 request to the HIO. 

How much does it cost to apply?

  • Pre-completion OPT: $470 USCIS application fee  

  • Post-completion OPT: $620  

  • $150 Harvard University fee  

  • $470 USCIS application fee  

I have received my OPT I-20 from the HIO. What do I do now?

You’re ready to submit your I-765 OPT application to USCIS. 

My OPT I-20 is more than 30 days old. What do I do?

  • Do not file using an OPT I-20 that is more than 30 days old.  

  • You will receive your new document in five to seven business days.

Yes, you can submit a new HIO OPT Request form with an updated Date Verification form.

The HIO will cancel your existing OPT recommendation and issue a new OPT I-20 reflecting the adjusted dates in five to seven business days.  

Once you have initiated this process DO NOT move forward with submitting your OPT application to USCIS until you have received your updated OPT I-20 from the HIO.  

What should I use as my mailing address on my application?

We recommend that you use a mailing address that will be valid for at least five months in the future when filing your I-765 OPT application with USCIS. If you plan to move within five months of your application submission, you should use the U.S. address of a trusted friend or family member. 

Alternatively, you can use a U.S. Post Office address (known as a P.O. box).  

How long will it take USCIS to approve my application?

USCIS processing times can vary widely and can take several months. Current processing times are available on the USCIS website.  

The HIO strongly encourages students to apply as early as possible.

How can I expedite my application?

You can pay for premium processing, which will obligate USCIS to adjudicate your OPT request within 30 business days.  

To do so, file an I-907 request form and submit the fee to USCIS. Visit the USCIS website for instructions. 

Paying for premium processing does not mean that USCIS will approve the application within 30 business days, only that they will adjudicate the application within that time (i.e., approve, deny, or issue a Request for Evidence). 

How do I track the status of my application?

Use your I-765 OPT application receipt number to reference your case with USCIS. Your online USCIS account will be a great resource for keeping track of documents specific to your application and your case history. The most up-to-date information about current processing times is provided through the USCIS website. USCIS will also email status updates to the email provide on the OPT applicaiton.  

Is there anything additional I need to do for my F-2 dependents when I apply for OPT?

No. Your F-2 dependents will receive updated I-20s from the HIO to reflect your requested OPT employment dates. There is no additional cost or paperwork.

Will I be eligible for OPT again if I begin another degree program in the U.S.?

Possibly. Students become eligible for another 12 months of OPT (and possibly another two-year STEM extension) when they move to a higher educational level. Students who begin an equivalent or lower-level degree program are not eligible for this additional OPT time.  

No. Upon completion of your academic program, you must first apply for the initial 12 months of post-completion OPT. Eligible F-1 students may then apply for the STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before their current OPT EAD card expires.  

Visit the Applying for STEM OPT section of our website for more information.   

After You File

I have submitted my application to USCIS. What’s next?

Report your I-765 receipt number to the HIO using the HIO’s online form.    

You will receive three pieces of mail: 

  • I-797 Notice of Receipt

  • I-797 Notice of Approval

  • Employment Authorization Document

Before receiving the I-797 receipt in the mail, you should be able to view a PDF version in your online USCIS portal account shortly after filing. 

You should review these documents carefully for any errors. Be in touch with your HIO advisor if you notice any errors. 

If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) in the mail, contact your HIO advisor. 

I received my EAD. What’s next? 

  • Review your EAD card for accuracy, including your biographical information, start date, and end date.

  • Contact your advisor immediately if there are any discrepancies, particularly if it does not match your requested time period.  

  • Make a photocopy of your EAD and keep it for your records. 

  • Provide a copy to your employer’s human resources department or designated I-9 representative. 

If your EAD was lost in the mail, review the Employment Authorization Document Issues.If your EAD was lost or stolen after you received it, contact your HIO advisor for instructions to request a replacement.   

Employment and Reporting

I have an on-campus job. Can I continue working?

You are not permitted to work between your I-20 Form program end date and the start of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).  

Once you are in a period of approved OPT, you may resume working on-campus only if the on-campus job is directly related to your field of study.   

When can I start working? 

You may start working only AFTER you have physically received the EAD and only for the approved OPT dates of employment on the EAD.  

What types of employment are allowed while on Post-Completion OPT?

All OPT employment must be related to your program of study. Review the HIO’s guidance on permitted types of OPT employment for more information. 

How much unemployment time can I accrue while on OPT?

You can have no more than 90 days of unemployment while on OPT. Report all employment undertaken while on OPT to the HIO to avoid accruing unemployment time.    

What are the reporting requirements for OPT?

You must report the following changes within 10 days through the HIO’s Post-Completion OPT Reporting Form:

  • New OPT employment

  • Ending OPT employment

  • Changes to your OPT employer’s name or address

  • Change of your U.S. residential address

  • You depart the U.S. permanently before the end of your OPT EAD

  • You obtain another visa status or permanent residency 

How do I report employment while on OPT?

Use the HIO’s Post-Completion OPT reporting form to complete mandatory reporting requirements, including new employment or a change in employment.

There’s a gap between when my OPT authorization begins and when my job starts. What should I do?

If the gap is less than 90 days, you can accrue unemployment time until your start date. Remember that the 90-day maximum for unemployment applies to your entire OPT period. 

You can also find another OPT activity that will cover all or part of the gap to avoid accruing unemployment time. Review the HIO’s guidance on permitted types of OPT employment for more information.

Can I work remotely while on OPT?

SEVP guidance states, “Students participating in OPT or STEM OPT may work remotely as long as they continue to comply with the regulatory requirements regarding practical training. ...”  

Remember that regulations require that your residential address and work location must be located in the U.S. throughout the duration of your OPT period. Report any changes in your address or employment information to the HIO within 10 days.  

What employment address should I report if I’m working fully remote while on OPT?

For fully remote employment, report your work location rather than your employer’s address.

How do I report a change in my employer?

Use the Post-Completion OPT Reporting form. Select “I need to report new employment or a change of employment” and then “I am changing employers.” The form will then prompt you to report both the end of your current employment and the start of your new employment through one submission.

Travel

Can I travel while my OPT application is pending? What if it has been approved?

Advising on international travel depends on where you are in the OPT application process. Please review the Travel Considerations While on OPT handout and/or watch this video to help you make that determination. 

I need to renew my F-1 U.S. visa. What is my immigration status while on OPT?

Your immigration status is F-1.  You can renew your F-1 U.S. entry visa with the following documentation:  

  • I-20 Form with travel signature no more than six months old.  

  • Approved Post-Completion OPT EAD.  

  • I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. You don’t have to pay the SEVIS fee again if you have already paid it for the same SEVIS ID number.  

  • Proof of employment or proof you are searching for a job.  

  • Valid passport. 

  • It is very common for students to apply for a renewed F-1 visa while on OPT, so if you have all the required documents, the embassy/consulate should not be confused by your application. 

How long are travel signatures valid for while on OPT? 

Travel signatures are valid for six months while on OPT. 

How do I request a new travel signature?

  • Please do not submit a Travel Signature Request form if you have already submitted an OPT Reporting Form requesting an updated I-20 form.  

I know the recommendation is to carry evidence of employment or a job offer when traveling internationally while on OPT. What do I do if I’m unemployed?

We recommend you bring some evidence of your job search in addition to the other required documents. This could include correspondence with recruiters, evidence of scheduled job interviews, evidence of submitted job applications, etc.  

Ending OPT

I have obtained another U.S. immigration status. What do I do? 

Report your change of U.S. immigration status via the OPT reporting form. You should be prepared to upload evidence of your new status.

I have decided to leave the U.S. and not use my remaining OPT time. What do I do?

You must report your departure via the OPT reporting form. You should report your departure and request that your F-1 status be completed only AFTER you have left the U.S.