Optional Practical Training

What is Optional Practical Training?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment benefit that allows an F-1 student visa holder to remain in the US and gain additional training and work experience in their field for at least one year after completion of their degree. OPT is not new status; students remain in F-1 status and continue to be supported by the ISS office for SEVIS updates and I-20 documentation.

Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) students who will graduate, or graduate (Master’s and Doctoral) students who will complete their program of study, are eligible to apply for (OPT) up to 90 days before their graduation/completion date.

Students on Post-Completion OPT who completed their degree in a recognized STEM field may be eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Those students are eligible to apply up to 90 days before the Post-Completion OPT end date and must work with ISS to prepare the application materials.

Click on the appropriate “How to Apply” for Post-Completion OPT or STEM OPT Extension section below for more information and next steps.

Traveling While on OPT

Traveling or applying for a new visa while on OPT can be risky, depending on your specific situation. Before you plan to travel inside or outside of the US you should review our Tips for Traveling While on OPT and contact ISS if you have any questions.

Pre-Completion OPT

Pre-Completion OPT is available for student's prior to the completion of the degree program. If you are applying for your OPT in the same semester that you will finish your required coursework, then you must complete the POST-COMPLETION OPT application.

While Pre-Completion OPT sounds like a great option, there are some drawbacks that will limit your options for employment and reduce future Post-Completion OPT. In general we will instead advise student to look into campus jobs or CPT Internship options in place of the Pre-Completion OPT.

Please read the document below for information about pre-completion OPT. If you believe this is the best option for you, please contact ISS for more information and application materials.

Definition and Eligibility for OPT

Tips and SEVIS Requirements while on Pre-Completion OPT

Post-Completion OPT

Students interested in applying for OPT should follow the steps outlined below to watch the recorded online workshop modules and complete the quizzes (Step 1) and THEN contact ISS with any questions before continuing their application process, collect their documents listed in Step 2 and submit them to ISS for review (Step 3). Once ISS reviews the application materials they will email the OPT Requested I-20 to the student and the student should follow the slides in Step 4 to submit their application online to USCIS.

Step 1. Complete the OPT Application Workshop Online

Step 2. Documents to Collect for Your OPT Application

Step 3. OPT Application Review Request - WAIT for new I-20 from ISS before continuing to Step 4!

Step 4. How to Submit Your OPT Application Online to USCIS

Passport Photos: ISS recommends you have your passport photos taken at UW WyoOne, Walmart, FedEx Kinkos, or the UPS Store. Make sure your photos follow the Passport Photo Standards.

Passport Photo Standards

OPT Update Survey - Update ALL employment, email address, leaving the US, transferring to a new school.

SEVP Student Portal Login - Update addresses and phone numbers.

How to Report Updates While on Post-Completion OPT

Information for Continued Enrollment at UW while on OPT

List of STEM-Approved Majors

OPT Extension Considerations for Students and Employers

STEM OPT

STEM OPT Extension is available only to those who have completed a degree in a designated STEM major. To see if your major is on the list, look for your major/CIP code printed on your I-20 next to your written major (example: 14.0107). check the list of STEM-designated majors to see if the major code is listed. If your major code is not on the list, you do not qualify for OPT extension.

Students interested in applying for STEM OPT should follow the steps outlined below to watch the recorded online workshop modules and complete the quizzes (Step 1) and THEN contact ISS with any questions before continuing their application process, collect their documents listed in Step 2 and submit them to ISS for review (Step 3). Once ISS reviews the application materials they will email the STEM OPT Requested I-20 to the student and the student should follow the slides in Step 4 to submit their application online to USCIS.

Step 1. Complete the STEM OPT Extension Application Workshop Online

Step 2. Documents to Collect for Your STEM OPT Application

Step 3. OPT Application Review Request - WAIT for new I-20 from ISS before continuing to Step 4!

Step 4. How to Submit Your STEM OPT Application Online to USCIS

Form I-983 Resources

For official DHS resources regarding OPT Extension, see the below links:

STEM OPT Hub - DHS Study in the States

Form I-983 Overview for Employers

USCIS STEM OPT Information

Reporting STEM OPT and Additional Resources

OPT Update Survey - Update ALL employment, email address, submit 6-month/yearly updates and self-evaluations, leaving the US, transferring to a new school.

SEVP Student Portal Login - Update addresses and phone numbers.

One-Year Self-Evaluation Form (I-983 pg. 5 - PDF)

Final Self-Evaluation Form (I-983 pg. 5 - PDF)

How to Report Updates While on STEM OPT

Regulation allowing work after STEM OPT application

Information for Continued Enrollment at UW while on OPT

OPT Extension Considerations for Students and Employers

Companies Who Sponsor H1-B Visas