Optional Practical Training

What is OPT?

  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization for practical training directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study.
  • OPT may be authorized for an aggregate total of 12 months per educational level (i.e., associate, bachelor, master, PhD).
  • OPT employment is authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) through an application process that can take up to 90 days.
  • There are 3 kinds of OPT: pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT, and 17-month extension of post-completion OPT for certain STEM degree holders.

Pre-Completion OPT

  • Pre-completion OPT is authorized employment for practical training that takes place while the student is an active student.
  • Employment is limited to 20 hours per week during the semester.
  • Employment may be full- or part-time during annual vacation and other times when school is not in session.
  • Pre-completion OPT is deducted from the total 12-month OPT allowance which reduces the time available after completing a degree.
  • Part-time practical training (20 hours per week or less) is deducted from the total 12-month OPT allowance at one-half the full-time rate. For example, 2 months of part-time OPT employment equals a 1 month deduction from the total 12-month OPT allowance.

For information about post-completion OPT and 17-month extension, schedule an appointment with the Oxford College ISP office.

Eligibility for Pre-Completion OPT

  • The student has completed at least 1 academic year as a full-time student when employment begins.
  • The student is in valid F-1 status.
  • The students will engage in employment that is directly related to student’s major area of study.
  • The student submits an application no sooner than 90 days prior to being enrolled one full academic year and employment begins no sooner than the completion of one full academic year.

How to Apply for Pre-Completion OPT

  1. Schedule an appointment with ISP to learn about OPT and to obtain the Pre-Completion OPT I-20 Request Form.
  2. Complete and submit to the ISP office the Pre-Completion OPT I-20 Form and a draft of Form I-765.
  3. You will be contacted via email to schedule an OPT appointment with ISP.
  4. During your OPT appointment you will review and sign your new I-20, and we will assemble your I-765 packet.
  5. Bring the following documents to your OPT appointment:
  • Your completed I-765 form
  • A check or money order for $380 made payable to Department of Homeland Security
  • 2 recent, US passport-style photos
  • Copies your most recent I-94, visa, and ID page of your passport
  • Copies of your current and all previous I-20s
  • Copies of any previous employment authorization cards
  • Optional: a completed G-1145 form

You will mail your I-765 packet following your OPT appointment. In approximately 2-3 weeks a receipt notifying you that your packet was received will be issued. Your receipt will include a receipt number that you can use to check the status of your application by going to the USCIS website. When approved, your OPT card will be sent to the address you provided on your Form I-765.

Reporting Requirements during Pre-Completion OPT

Report the following information within 10 days of any changes:

  1. Change of US address. Log into your OPUS student account and update your “Local” address, email address, and phone number where necessary.
  2. Change of employer or work address. Email updates to OxISP@emory.edu.
  3. Change to your legal name. Email updates to OxISP@emory.edu.
  4. Change to your non-immigrant status. Email updates to OxISP@emory.edu.

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