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Information about Optional Practical Training (OPT)

What is OPT?

Practical training is a provision of Immigration Regulations, which allows F-1 students academic related employment. Students can work anywhere in the U.S. for one calendar year as long as they meet the following criteria:

• Students must be in good academic standing
• Students’ OPT employment must be related to their field of study
• Student must be lawfully enrolled for at least nine months prior to engaging in OPT
• Student must complete an Associate degree prior to engaging in OPT

F-1 students are eligible for additional year of OPT after completing a higher degree of learning. For example, you can do an OPT after completing an AA degree and another year after completing a Bachelor degree.

When should I apply for OPT?

If you are interested in post-graduate OPT, you should apply at least three months in advance. For example, if winter quarter is your last quarter, you should apply as early as in December. It takes the Immigration approximately 90 days to approve your Employment Authorization Document (OPT card).

How do I apply for OPT?

You need to make an appointment with the International Student Services staff at least three months prior to your anticipated graduation date. We will walk you through the application process and assist you in filling out the paperwork.

NEW! The application fee to file for an Employment Authorization Document has increased to $340 starting July 2007.