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 students who will graduate, or graduate 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.

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 the US, review our Tips for Traveling While on OPT and contact ISS with any questions.

Tips for Traveling While on OPT

OPT Options and Resources

Review the appropriate sections for information and next steps on the OPT process.

student studying computer

How to Apply

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.

How to Apply

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, or the UPS Store. Make sure your photos follow the Passport Photo Standards.

 

Reporting OPT and Additional Resources

How to Apply

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:

 

Reporting STEM OPT and Additional Resources

Disclaimer: All documents, information, and advice provided by ISS staff is given based on details provided to ISS and can vary depending on specific circumstances and laws in effect at the time it is given. Advice or information given to one person should not be considered accurate for others. ISS staff is not responsible for errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information.