Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Things to consider when Applying for Post-Completion OPT and Choosing an OPT Start/End Date

 Any questions or concerns about your OPT start date can be addressed by your International Advisor.

• The earliest you can apply for OPT is 90 days before your program end date shown on your most recent I-20. Your program end date is the last day of the semester you expect to be enrolled in credit hour courses.  It will take the USCIS Service Center 2-3 months to process your application and receive your employment authorization document (EAD card), so we recommend that you apply early.
• The sooner you apply, the more flexibility you have with a start date that best fits your case.
• The absolute latest you can apply for OPT is 60 days after your program end date. Please note that students who wait to apply until this time may be rejected and will lose time on their OPT authorization.
• It is recommended that students apply for OPT before their program end date/graduation.
• You should not travel outside of the United States with a pending petition with USCIS.
• Your start date must fall in your 60-day grace period.
• You cannot change the start date once you submit the application - choose wisely!
• You cannot work until you receive the EAD and until the start date listed on the EAD is current.
• You can start your OPT the day after you graduate or up to 60 days after graduation.
• Something to consider: Are you already looking for a job in your field and commensurate to your degree level? How long do you anticipate it will take for you to secure a full-time position? If you have already secured employment, have you discussed when you will begin with your employer? How long is it taking others in your field to secure OPT employment? You should take all of these questions into consideration.
• Remember that you can only have a TOTAL of 90 days of unemployment while on post-OPT. The unemployment days begin counting from the start date shown on your EAD card. It is critical that you report all OPT employment changes (start, finish, concurrent, etc.) on the OPT Reporting Form within 10 days of any employment change If there is no employment record in SEVIS after 90 days from the start date of the EAD, your SEVIS record could automatically terminate, leaving you out of status.