international, Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students

International Graduate Student Services
Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students

When can you apply for Optional Practical Training?
Checklist for application
OPT application packet
Traveling while on OPT
Frequently asked questions and answers

When can you apply for Optional Practical Training?

If you have been in F-1 status for at least 9 months (two academic semesters) you are eligible for optional practical training (OPT) which is temporary employment in your current field of study for purposes of gaining practical experience.

You may receive twelve months of practical training for each academic level (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate). You may apply for authorization for optional practical training directly related to your major area of study in the following cases:

During your annual vacation (summer) as long as you intend to register for the next semester. It is advisable to have a job offer at the time of application in this case. The job can be full or part-time. (Pre-completion OPT).

While school is in session, provided that practical training does not exceed twenty hours a week. You must have a job offer before applying. Total number of work hours must not exceed 20hrs/wk, including on-campus jobs. (Pre-completion OPT).

After completion of all course requirements except thesis/dissertation and defense. Students must be enrolled if the employment period falls during fall or spring semester, and students are limited to working only 20 hours per week. This is a major difference from previous OPT regulations. You should have a job offer before applying. (Pre-completion OPT).

After your program end date; assumes you are completing ALL requirements for the degree before the beginning of OPT. You should apply no more than 90 days before your program completion date. The start date of the OPT must be within 60 days of your program completion, even if you apply during the 60 day grace period. (Post-completion OPT).

Extensions of OPT may be filed for a

cap-gap extension if you have been approved for H1b during post-completion OPT but you will have a gap between when your OPT ends and when the H b status begins, or

17 month STEM extension if you graduated with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math, and meet USCIS requirements while on post-completion OPT.

If you meet these qualifications, you can proceed with the application for practical training authorization. Upon completion of all the forms, an advisor will review your application and decide either to recommend or not recommend your application for submission to USCIS for adjudication.

Application packets are available from IGSS in the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown or from our website. Please follow the instructions included in the packet and assemble your application according to the checklist on the cover page. Submit your completed application in the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown for review. Processing takes several days. A new SEVIS I-20 will be issued with the recommendation of OPT. You will have to pick up your new I-20 form after processing has been completed.

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Checklist for application

I-765 (completed in blue ink and signed by you)
SEVIS I-20 form bearing an OPT recommendation by a DSO. You also must bring in all previously issued I-20 forms and have them copied at the time you submit your application for review.
Passport and I-94 card (these will be copied and immediately returned to you at the time when you submit your application)
Payment check made payable to Department of Homeland Security-- the fee is $340
Recommendation letter from your department on VT letterhead
Two color photos (please follow the instructions included in the application packet)

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OPT application packet

Please print out all the following forms as they are all necessary for the application:

Traveling while on OPT

Valid F-1 visa
Valid passport
SEVIS I-20 form endorsed for travel
OPT authorization card from USCIS
Letter from employer stating job offer and conditions of employment

Frequently asked questions and answers

"Date admitted to the U.S." Is this the last time?

This is the last time when you were inspected and admitted to the U.S. A stamp in your passport and on your I-94 card shows the last date and place of entry.

When was I first granted F-1 status? When I got my visa at the consulate?

You were first granted F-1 status when you entered the U.S. in F-1 status for the first time, or when USCIS first approved a change of status to F-1 from any other visa status.

Can I change jobs during OPT?

Yes, you can, as long as the job is related to your area of study. You must provide employment information to IGSS as soon as you are offered and accept employment, and report any changes in employment within 10 days, using the Change of Address for SEVIS form.

What if I don't have a job when I apply for OPT, or lose my job while on OPT?

Students on post-completion OPT may have up to a total of 90 days of unemployment during the 12 month OPT period. If you use the 90 days before your OPT period ends, your OPT will be terminated by USCIS.

Students with an approved cap-gap extension also are subject to the 90 day period of unemployment.

Students who receive a 17-month STEM extension are given an additional 30 days of unemployment for a total of 120 days over the entire post-completion OPT period.

What if I move after I submit the OPT application to USCIS?

You will have to notify USCIS in writing of your change of address. Unfortunately documents from USCIS are not forwarded to a new address by the postal service but are returned to USCIS. If you know you will move within a few days or weeks after you submit your application, give a P.O.Box address or someone's address whom you trust where you will be able to receive correspondence and your OPT authorization from USCIS. Also remember that you are now obligated to report address changes and employment information to us, and in turn we update your information in SEVIS.

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Can I split up my time on OPT?

Maybe. If you want to do summer OPT or apply for OPT before thesis/dissertation and defense, then this is considered pre-completion OPT. You can use part of your 12 month maximum eligibility for pre-completion OPT, and then apply for any remaining time as post-completion OPT when you complete your degree requirements. Please come by our office to discuss your plans with one of our designated school officials.

What if I don't use all my OPT because I go back to school?

Your OPT will be cancelled if you transfer to a new school (as of the transfer release date) or begin a new degree program at VT. (program start date on new I-20 form).

Can I go home just before I complete my degree?

You should not travel outside the U.S. right before your graduation unless you already have an approved OPT and a job offer in your hand. If you leave the U.S. after you have applied for OPT but before receiving the authorization or before even applying for OPT, you may not be able to return to the U.S., and thus lose your practical training.

What if I want to travel during OPT. Do I need to get a travel signature from VT?

Yes, you do. You will have to bring or send your I-20 form to us for travel endorsement. We will mail the signed I-20 form back to you to the address you specify. Please allow sufficient time for mailing, or send us a self-addressed stamped priority or express mail envelope for faster service. We mail documents by regular first class mail.

What if I need to renew my visa while on OPT?

If you need to renew your F-1 visa while on OPT, your visa will be limited by the time remaining on your OPT. Be sure you have a valid travel signature before leaving the U.S.

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Do I need to report my address changes to VT and USCIS while I'm on OPT?

Yes, you need to report to us if/when your address changes while you are on OPT. Our mailing address is:

International Student Services
Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown
Graduate School (0325)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Where can I learn more about the new OPT regulations and the cap gap extension and STEM extension?

Please read the NEW OPT Procedures for F1 students.