Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary authorization for practical training or employment directly related to a student’s major field of study. Unlike CPT, OPT is designed to offer supplemental training experiences to a students degree program. It provides students who have fulfilled requirements of an academic program an opportunity to augment their learning with real-world experience. This typically takes place immediately follow the successful completion of a student’s degree program (known as Post-Completion OPT), but can be completed in part or whole before the completion of their degree (known as Pre-Completion OPT).
OPT is authorized for up to 12 months during a student’s degree program, and is a benefit that is awarded once to each degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral) that a student completes in the United States. Students can apply for both pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT, but there are separate applications and authorizations for each opportunity. The cumulative OPT experiences cannot exceed 12 months, so a student completing a 3-month pre-completion OPT experience will only be able to apply for a 9-month post-completion OPT authorization.
Students in specific STEM fields who are authorized for post-completion OPT may apply for a 24-month STEM extension, which can bring the total employment authorization to 36 months.
OPT is only available to F-1 students after one year of full-time academic study while in active status on the current visa. Additionally, post-completion OPT is available only after successful completion of the degree.
OPT must be approved by both HPU and USCIS. Students must have a Social Security Number (SSN) and an approved Employment Authorization Document (EAD) prior to working. Speak with your DSO about your OPT benefits before accepting any employment, internship, or other practical training positions.
The OPT Application
The application for OPT is filed with USCIS using Form I-765. It is recommended that you file electronically.
Before starting an application for OPT, be sure to speak with your DSO about the benefit, your eligibility, and your SEVIS recommendation, which must be submitted before you can file your application for employment. You will be required to upload a new Form I-20 indicating this OPT request before you can submit your Form I-765.
How long does it take to hear back about your application? You can check the USCIS OPT Processing Times online.
Note: the application to USCIS is lengthy and can take several months to be processed. Students can begin their application for post-completion OPT starting 90 days before their program ends. It is advised to begin early. A job offer is not required to apply for OPT.
Reporting Employment & Changes to Personal Information
All students with F-1 status must report changes to their personal information, identification, and employment to their DSO within 10 days of the change. To facilitate these updates, students are encouraged to use the OPT Reporting form. Students also may choose to make updates using the SEVP Portal.
SEVP Portal
Students participating in OPT should create an SEVP Portal account so they may review and update their personal and employment information. On Day 1 of your approved OPT, you will receive an email from SEVP with instructions on how to create an account. This is optional but highly encouraged.
The SEVP Portal does not replace the reporting requirements set by HPU’s Office of Global Education. You can manage your information in the SEVP Portal, but you still must report changes to your DSO using the OPT Reporting form.