OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to engage in temporary training directly related to their field of study.
Upcoming OPT Info Sessions via Zoom
12:30PM-1:30PM on following days:
Zoom Meeting ID: 615 659 6035
September 9, 2022September 30, 2022December 9, 2022January 5, 2023March 3, 2023March 30, 2023May 11, 2023- June 2, 2023
- September 8, 2023
- September 29, 2023
Dates and times are subject to change, check weekly ISSS newsletter for most up to date info.
Different OPT Categories
There are three different types of OPT.
- Pre-completion OPT is OPT that students can engage in before completion of their studies.
- Post-completion OPT is OPT that students can be engaged in after completion of their studies.
- Students who majored in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) fields may be eligible to apply for STEM OPT extension after completion of post-completion OPT.
Who is Eligible to Apply?
- Maintained F-1 student status at the time of application.
- Be enrolled full time for three consecutive quarters before OPT benefit starts (time spent studying full time in a status other than F-1 may be counted)
- Has not exceeded 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Graduating Quarter |
Earliest Date to Apply to USCIS |
Priority Deadline to Request OPT I-20 |
Deadline to Apply to USCIS |
---|---|---|---|
Autumn 2022 |
September 17, 2022 |
October 3, 2022 |
February 14, 2023 |
Winter 2023 |
December 17, 2022 |
January 9, 2023 |
May 16, 2023 |
Spring 2023 |
March 11, 2023 |
April 3, 2023 |
August 8, 2023 |
Summer 2023 |
May 20, 2023 |
June 12, 2023 |
October 17, 2023 |
Autumn 2023 |
September 16, 2023 |
October 2, 2023 |
February 14, 2024 |
Graduating Quarter |
Program End Date |
Earliest Date to Start OPT |
Latest Date to Start OPT |
---|---|---|---|
Autumn 2022 |
December 16, 2022 |
December 17, 2022 |
February 14, 2023 |
Winter 2023 |
March 17, 2023 |
March 18, 2023 |
May 16, 2023 |
Spring 2023 |
June 9, 2023 |
June 10, 2023 |
August 8, 2023 |
Summer 2023 |
August 18, 2023 |
August 19, 2023 |
October 17, 2023 |
Autumn 2024 |
December 15, 2023 |
December 16, 2023 |
February 13, 2024 |
Disclaimer: ISSS is able to provide students with general guidance on how to apply for OPT and maintenance of F-1 student status during OPT. However, any advice provided to students by our office, as well as information on this website, should not be construed as legal advice. Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, U.S. government entities may change its interpretation of these immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits, at any time. We will do our best to provide students with the most current guidance. Each case is fact-specific and it is advised that students contact experienced immigration attorneys or seek advice from USCIS officers at a USCIS Field Office .