Optional Practical Training (OPT)

International Students and Scholars Office

Iowa State University

What is OPT?

OPT is a temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study.

OPT can be authorized: During the student’s annual vacation and holiday

breaks, and intend to register for the next term. While school is in session, not to exceed 20

hours per week.

What is OPT?

After completion of all course requirements for the degree, excluding thesis or equivalent.

After completion on the course of study. You still hold F-1 status while on OPT.

OPT Eligibility

Students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year (9 months) before being eligible for OPT.

Employment must be directly related to and commensurate with the level of the student’s course of study.

OPT Regulations

Prior use of full-time CPT for 12 months or more eliminates eligibility for OPT at the same educational level.

Part-time OPT prior to program completion is deducted from the 12 months limit at 50%.

Students must apply for EAD from USCIS. Job offer is not required to apply for OPT.

OPT Regulations

If doing pre-completion OPT, students must maintain a full course of study during the period of employment (unless done during school breaks).

Post-completion OPT can only be full-time. Students must submit application for post-

completion OPT to USCIS before the completion of their course of study.

OPT Regulations

Students become eligible for another 12 months of OPT when they change to a higher education level.

Post-completion OPT must be completed within a 14-month period following the completion of study.

Application fee for OPT is currently $340.

OPT Regulations

You cannot begin your employment until you have received the EAD and the start date on your EAD has been reached.

Students who are on OPT may take classes part-time, as long as the transfer or change of level notification procedure is not invoked.

OPT Regulations

Students must submit the OPT application to the USCIS Service Center no later than 30 days after a new OPT I-20 has been issued by ISSO.

OPT will be terminated on the date you transfer out from ISU or on the date you change your education level.

OPT Regulations

At the completion of OPT, students will have a 60-day grace period to: Leave the country, Change to another status, Or, transfer to a new program with a starting date

no later than 5 moths after OPT completion date. It normally takes up to 3 months for the

USCIS to adjudicate your OPT request.

OPT Regulations

You may apply for an OPT I-20 from ISSO as early as the beginning of the semester you graduate.

(Discussion) what to do if you are approved for post-completion OPT but program is not completed.

Students may work for more than one employer and change employers during the period of OPT.

OPT Regulations

Students must report their change of address (through AccessPlus) within 10 days of moving. Students with special registration will also need to submit AR-11SR to USCIS.

Travel Abroad During OPT

You will need: An OPT I-20 with a travel signature from ISS

advisor (within the last 6 months). A valid F-1 visa (except for Canadians)

Students do not need a valid F-1 visa if traveling temporarily to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands for 30 days or less.

An unexpired passport Job offer letter EAD

Travel Abroad During OPT

You may reenter to search for employment while your request for OPT is pending.

If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you get a job, your OPT ends and you cannot reenter unless you have a written job offer. If you have a job, you may travel and reenter to resume work.

Travel Abroad During OPT

The EAD card will not be forwarded to a new address if you have moved (recommend to use ISSO address).

After receiving your LIN number, you can check status of your case online at www.uscis.gov.

What do we need from you?

We need: An OPT endorsement form signed by your

academic advisor or major professor. You to meet with an ISS advisor to discuss the

OPT start date and other related issues.

What will happen at ISSO?

An ISS advisor will verify that you have been enrolled at least one academic year.

An ISS advisor will review your OPT endorsement form and discuss any possible issues.

An ISS advisor will recommend OPT and request a new I-20 through SEVIS.

What will happen at ISSO?

It normally takes one week to process your new OPT I-20.

An ISS staff member will e-mail you to pick-up the new I-20 with the OPT recommendation when it’s ready.

You will be notified by e-mail when the receipt from USCIS has arrived.

You will received another e-mail when the EAD has arrived.

What must you do?

Complete Form I-765 (An ISS advisor will help you to complete this form.)

Make a copy of: I-20 with OPT recommendation Passport (data pages) F-1 visa (or other visa if you have changed from

another nonimmigrant status) I-94 (front and back) Previous EAD (if any) Previous I-20s (current degree program)

What must you do?

Take 2 color photos (passport size) Write a check (personal check is

recommended) for $340 payable to: Department of Homeland Security

Make 2 copies of the entire application. Student keeps one copy. Give the other copy to ISSO.

What must you do?

Bring the entire application to ISSO for review.

Mail the application to:

USCIS

Nebraska Service Center

P.O. Box 87765

Lincoln, NE 68501-7765

What must you do?

If you request the USCIS to mail the EAD to you directly, you must submit a copy of your EAD to ISSO.

If you change your status from F-1 (during or after OPT) to any other nonimmigrant status, please submit the proof of change of status to ISSO.

Questions about OPT?