Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an F-1 student status benefit to be eligible to apply for US employment authorization allowing the opportunity to gain practical experience in your field of study.

To be eligible to apply for Post-Completion OPT:

• Be enrolled in final semester of study for degree completion
• Have completed at least two consecutive semesters in F-1 status (one academic year) immediately prior to completing degree requirements
• No previous OPT authorized at the same degree level as current CCA degree program (bachelors, masters)
• No accumulation of more than 365 days of full-time CPT authorized at the same degree level as current CCA degree program.

Note: A job offer is NOT required to be eligible to apply for OPT.

• F-1 students are allowed to submit post-completion OPT applications to USCIS starting 90 days before degree program end date (last day of classes of final semester)
• Latest date USCIS can receive the OPT application is within 60 days after degree program end date
• USCIS processing times are not guaranteed and vary depending on USCIS workload. Please apply as early as possible!

Please review the steps below and contact ISS with any questions or for assistance:

Step 1: Attend an ISS OPT Information Session

ISS offers OPT Information Sessions every semester to share information about the OPT application process and preparing for your career after degree completion. You can RSVP for upcoming OPT Information Sessions on the ISS Events page. These sessions are highly recommended so that you can get information to start the OPT process but are not required.

Step 2: Confirm your eligibility to apply for post-completion OPT

If you are currently enrolled in your final semester at CCA for degree completion, complete and submit the ISS OPT I-20 Request Form (through Workday) to confirm your eligibility to apply for post-completion OPT.

Step 3: Prepare all required documents for the USCIS online I-765 Post-Completion OPT Application

This is the general list of documents that may be required. Please be aware additional documentation may be needed if you have previously participated in CPT or OPT at another degree level:

•  Digital color US style passport photo taken within the last 6 months.
• PDF of most recent Form I-94
• Digital copy of passport biographical identification page
• Digital copy of any previous Employment Authorization Document (EAD) cards (front and back), if applicable
• Digital copies of all previously issued CPT and/or OPT I-20s, if applicable
• PDF of OPT I-20 with OPT recommendation from ISS issued within 30 days of filing the OPT application with USCIS

Step 4: Obtain a new OPT I-20 with OPT recommendation

Once you have gathered all application materials, either :

1. Make an ISS Appointment to review your online I-765 OPT application materials and have OPT recommended or
2. Email documents for ISS to review (I-765 practice PDF, I-94, passport)

If your OPT application is correct and complete, ISS will provide a new OPT I-20 with OPT recommended on page 2. You must page 1 of your new OPT I-20 under the "student attestation" section and upload this OPT I-20 PDF document to your USCIS online I-765 application.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You MUST have a new OPT I-20 from ISS with OPT recommendation on page 2 in order to apply for OPT and before you move on to the next step! DO NOT submit your USCIS I-765 online OPT application without a new OPT I-20 from ISS.

Step 5: Create your USCIS Online Account and apply online through the I-765 online application, must submit application to USCIS within 30 days of receiving your OPT I-20

• Go to USCIS.gov and select create account
• Once you have created your account, you will select My USCIS
• Select File a Form Online
• In the drop down menu under "type of form" you will select I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
• Be sure to enter eligibility category for post-completion OPT (c) (3) (B)
• The online application will take you through questions and upload requirements. Questions are the same as the "practice" I-765 PDF form linked on this page (if you want to prepare ahead of time). Please make an ISS appointment if you would like to review the online I-765 application with an ISS advisor.
• You will be prompted to pay the I-765 OPT application fee online as the last step in the USCIS application submission process.

Step 6: Save your OPT application documents for your records

We strongly suggest saving all documents submitted to USCIS through your OPT online application as well as the full completed I-765 (this is available to download from your USCIS online account).

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of ISS issuing your OPT I-20 with recommendation.
• Once application is submitted to USCIS, you can not change your OPT start date.
• If you choose not to apply for OPT, you have a 60 day grace period from your degree program end date (listed on page 1 of your I-20) to either leave the country, transfer to another program in the US, or submit a change of status.

Once your online I-765 OPT application has been submitted, USCIS will send several status update notices. You will receive electronic updates through your USCIS online account and you can sign up for email & mobile SMS updates. Pay close attention to your mail and save any documents received from USCIS.

You will receive the following notifications from USCIS - these updates and documents can be accessed through your USCIS "I-765 case" in your online account:

• Receipt Notice: This is your official receipt from USCIS confirming receipt of your application, application fee is paid, and it has been accepted for processing. You will receive your receipt number immediately after submitting your application through your online USCIS Account.
• Approval Notice: This confirms your OPT has been approved. This approval notice is not considered proof of work authorization. You must wait until you have your EAD card and your OPT start date has arrived to begin working.
• Notices about EAD Card Status: EAD Card is in Production > EAD Card has been Mailed (this notice will include a UP Postal Service delivery tracking link) > EAD Card has been Delivered
• Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card will be delivered by the US Postal Service: This is your official authorization to work in the United States. If you receive your EAD card before your OPT start date, you must still wait for your OPT start date to arrive before beginning work. Check the front of your EAD card for your official approval authorization dates.

Additional Reminders:

EAD cards indicate “Not valid for re-entry to the United States.” You are allowed to travel internationally while on OPT, this just means the EAD card alone is not a re-entry document.

During OPT, your F-1 visa sticker in your passport is a required re-entry document. You must still have a valid F-1 visa and obtain an ISS travel endorsement signature on your OPT I-20 if traveling outside the US to re-enter.