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OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING for students in F-1 status

Notice: The USCIS is currently in the process of reviewing and updating the OPT policies and procedures. The information contained in this page will be updated very soon as we receive the final ruling from the SEVIS system and after we develop institutional procure to implement the new changes. Please consult our Office of International Student Services (ISS) for more information on upcoming changes.

Please click here to view a presentation that will guide you through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) permits students in F-1 status to work in the United States so that they may reinforce what they have learned in university and college degree programs. This benefit is called Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows F-1 students to obtain employment in areas related to their academic major. OPT is available for periods up to twelve months at each higher academic level. A job offer is not necessary to apply for OPT and a student may work for one or more employers, change jobs, or look for work during the training period.

Eligibility
To be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must:

  1. Have been in full time student status for at least one academic year.
  2. Maintain a valid F-1 status at the time of the application.
  3. Intend to work in a position directly related to your major field of study.

Violations of the F-1 status make you ineligible to apply for OPT. Violations include; but are not limited to, failure to maintain full-time enrollment while you are in the U.S. (unless you are authorized for a "reduced course load”), unauthorized withdrawal from class during your program of study, failure to extend your I-20 Form, and participating in unauthorized employment.

How to Apply
Important: You may apply for post-program completion OPT no more than 120 days before you complete your program of study, and you may not apply after you complete the program.
Note: "Completion of study" is not the same as "graduation." USCIS distinguishes between the date you complete your studies and the date of graduation (which is routinely a later date).

Documents required for OPT include:
For a complete list, Click here.
I-765 – For assistance with this form, Click here.
Transcript Request Form (PDF)
Two photographs

What is my next step?

  1. Download the OPT application form. OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING REQUEST FORM
  2. Receive approval from your department advisor.
  3. Gather the documents required on the OPT Submission Checklist.

Make an appointment with an International Student Services Officer.

Employment Authorization
You will receive a small photo identification card from USCIS called an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This card will state the type and length of time for the authorized employment. When you receive this card, check to make sure the information is correct. If any of the information is incorrect, contact the ISA at VIU immediately to see if it needs to be returned to USCIS for corrections.

When you may begin working
You may NOT begin employment before you receive your EAD from USCIS. Working before practical training has been authorized by USCIS constitutes illegal employment that will jeopardize your legal status in the U.S.

Post-program completion students may select an OPT start date on any day between the completion of the program, up to 60 days after. This 60-day period is consistent with a student's grace period during which the visa status remains valid.

If you receive your EAD before the employment authorization validity dates, you may NOT begin working until the employment start date listed on the EAD.

If you receive your EAD after your employment start date, you may NOT begin working until you receive the EAD card. For example, if your OPT start date is February 1, 2009, and you do not receive your EAD until February 28, 2009, you are not authorized to start working until you receive the EAD card. If that happens, you will lose that portion of your OPT time allotment. If you do not hear from USCIS within 90 days of your OPT application submission, contact the ISA office at VIU. In order for the ISA office to track your application, you will need to retain a postal receipt that verifies the date your application was received by USCIS in Vermont. Please send your OPT package by certified mail, with a return receipt, at a United States Post Office.

Travel Outside the U.S.
Note: You must NOT travel outside the U.S. while waiting for the EAD. If you leave the U.S., you will loose your F-1 status and your OPT application will be canceled.

You may travel while on OPT. However, please keep in mind that you are still in F-1 status and that you will need the following documents in order to re-enter the U.S.:

1. Your I-20 Form that is signed for travel within the past 6 months.
2. Your EAD card.
3. A letter from your employer indicating you have a job, or a job offer, in your field of study and are returning to or starting employment.
4. Your valid passport, with a valid F-1 visa.

During OPT
USCIS regulations require VIU to report to the USCIS student tracking system (SEVIS) any change in your address during the OPT period. Students participating in OPT can log in to their “My VIU” and notify VIU of any changes, or they may come to the Front Desk at Waples Mill Campus to fill out a change of address form. Note: You must inform VIU when you get a job.

After OPT
You will be allowed a sixty-day grace period beyond the last day of training as indicated on the EAD card. You may not work during this time in the U.S. You must notify VIU if you plan on leaving the U.S. or transferring to another program after your OPT.