Optical Practical Training Information Packet

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is intended to give F-1 students an opportunity to work in a job related to their field of study. All F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of practical training authorization. Certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degree holders may be eligible for an additional 17 months of OPT time in addition to the regular 12 months of OPT. There are 3 types of OPT:

Pre-Completion OPT:

Students work part-time while still completing their program of study. Practical training MUST NOT EXCEED 20 hours per week while school is in session for students who still need to complete their program requirements. Students can work full-time during annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session as long as the student is currently enrolled in school and intents to register for the next quarter.

*Special note: Any full time pre-completion OPT used during your completion of your academic program will be

subtracted from the time that is available for post-completion OPT. Part-time pre-completion OPT will be deducted at half time the rate of post-completion OPT.

Post-Completion OPT: This is the most common OPT at LWIT.

Students begin OPT after completion of their program. Students MUST work at least 20 hours a week.

17-month extensions of post completion OPT for certain STEM degree holders.

Please see your international advisor to see if you qualify for the STEM extension.

Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for OPT, you must:

Have been a full-time student (regardless of visa status) for at least one academic year (3 quarters); Hold valid F-1 status at time of application; Have a valid passport, I-94 card, and I-20; Not have been granted12 months of OPT during a prior program at the same academic degree level. F-1 students are granted only 12 months of OPT per academic degree level; Not have been granted OPT during a prior program at a higher academic degree level. For example, if you completed a Bachelors degree and were granted OPT in the past, and are now completing an Associates degree, you will not be eligible for OPT. Not have been granted12 months of OPT during a prior program at the same academic degree level. F-1 students are granted only 12 months of OPT per academic degree level; Not have been granted OPT during a prior program at a higher academic degree level. For example, if you completed a Bachelors degree and were granted OPT in the past, and are now completing an Associates degree, you will not be eligible for OPT.

When to Apply: Pre-completion OPT

Students may file their OPT application with USCIS up to 90 days before completing the full academic year requirement or 90 days prior to the requested employment start date for students who already met the academic year requirement. Start Dates: List the dates that you actually intend to work. Your start date should be the earliest date that you could possibly begin to work. Your end date should be the latest that you could possibly work.

Post-completion OPT

Students may file their application with USCIS up to 90 days before the program completion date and up to 60 days after the program completion date. The application must be received by USCIS no later than 60 days after the program completion date. Start Dates: Your requested employment start date must not exceed 60 days after the program completion date. Please make sure that your I-20s program end date is prior to the requested

employment start date.

Important note: From the day you requested OPT I-20 from your advisor, you will have 30 days to submit your OPT application to USCIS. If filed with USCIS after 30 days of the OPT request date, you will risk a Denial or Request for Evidence. In general, expect that the OPT application will take 3 months to be approved.

Duration of OPT Employment Authorization: Employment authorization is normally granted to

begin on the date employment is requested or the date the employment authorization is adjudicated, whichever is later.

How to Apply
1. Make an appointment with your international advisor to request OPT. 2. Complete the OPT Request form and submit to your international advisor. 3. Submit all required paperwork to USCIS in a timely manner.