Optional Practical Training (OPT)

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR OPT?

To be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must be an F-1 student who has been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year. NOTE: Summer Semester does not count towards the one full academic year requirement. You must be in good academic standing at the time of the application. OPT employment MUST be directly related to your program of study and appropriate for your education level.

HOW MUCH OPT CAN I USE?

Students are eligible for a cumulative maximum of 12 months of OPT for each new degree level. For post-completion OPT, only full-time employment can be requested. Once an application for OPT has been submitted to USCIS and the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued, it is difficult to change or cancel. 

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY?

Applications for post-completion OPT should be submitted approximately 90 days before the projected start date.  OPT applications must be received by USCIS BEFORE the end of your grace period.  The following are estimated application date ranges for timely application processing:
May graduates: apply February-March
August graduates: variable, depending on completion date but generally May/June
December graduates: apply September-October

HOW DO I APPLY?

Submit the following documents to OIP in order to receive a new I-20 with OPT recommendation, which is required for the OPT application.

1. Letter from your academic advisor on RU letterhead or emailed directly to the International Student Advisor OR copy of graduation application.
2. OPT Request Form.

You can pick up two original I-20s three (3) full business days after you submit the above documents. One original copy is for you to mail to USCIS with your OPT application; and the other one is for you to keep with your passport and other important travel documents. 

USCIS must receive the OPT application no more than 30 days after the OPT recommendation has been issued.  Please submit your application as soon as possible after receiving the recommendation.  Applications received later than 30 days after the OPT recommendation may not be approved.

WHAT DO I DO NEXT?

Mail the following documents directly to USCIS to apply for EAD—OPT card. USCIS will mail your EAD card to your home address. If you move and change your address before you receive your EAD card, you must call the National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283 to update your address.

1. Completed I-765 application form.You may also complete and submit this form online (pay with credit card) at www.uscis.gov.
2. Money order or personal checks payable to “Department of Homeland Security” for $380.
3. Two “passport”- style color photos with a white background taken no earlier than 30 days before submission to USCIS. The photos should show a full-frontal facial position. The photo should not be larger than 2 x 2 inches, with the distance from the top of the head to just below the chin about 1 1/4 inches. Lightly print your name and “Roosevelt University” on the back of each photo in pencil.
4. One original copy of I-20 with OPT endorsement on page 3, and copies of all previous I-20s. 
5. Copy of your passport information page (with picture, biographical information, and expiration date).
6. Copy of all US visas (all types).
7. Copy, front and back, of Form I-94 arrival/departure card, indicating F-1 (usually stapled in your passport)  
8. Copy of your most recent EAD, front and back (only if you have previous USCIS work authorizations)

Mail application and all supporting documents to the USCIS Phoenix Lockbox

U.S. Postal Service deliveries:
USCIS   
PO Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ 85036

Express mail (DHL, FedEx) and courier deliveries:
USCIS    
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S; Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85034

Remember, USCIS must receive the OPT application no more than 30 days after the OPT recommendation has been issued.  Please send the application in as soon as you have received the recommendation.

WHEN CAN I START MY OPT EMPLOYMENT?

You cannot accept employment until AFTER you receive your EAD card, and cannot begin working until the start date listed on the EAD card.

OPT TRAVEL ADVISORY

Traveling outside of the US while your OPT is pending can be a risky affair with no certainty that you will be allowed back in. After you have received your EAD card there is still a risk of not being permitted back into the US, especially if you are not employed. If travel is necessary, you should carry all of the following documentation with you when traveling:

1. Your EAD card
2. A travel endorsement signature on your current SEVIS I- 20 from the International Student Advisor
3. A letter from your employer confirming your OPT status and stating the purpose of your travel.

Note: If you do not possess a current, valid visa at the time of travel, you may encounter difficulty obtaining a new visa for re-entry to the US. OIP cannot guarantee re-entry to the US while on OPT.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR OPT EXTENSION?

For specific criteria and processing information, please visit the USCIS website: Questions and Answers: Extension of Optional Practical Training Program for Qualified Students.  Extension applications are accepted only for students currently working on OPT, not from students who are initially applying for post-completion OPT.