Post-Completion OPT.
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Post-Completion OPT Eligibility
Two types of practical training are available to F-1 students:
- Pre-Completion OPT
- Post-Completion OPT (with potential extension for certain STEM qualifying degree programs)
Note: Pre-Completion and Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) use the same available 12 months, but Post-Completion OPT can only be used when you will complete your degree in the near future and meet the Post-Completion OPT eligibility requirements below.
You are eligible to apply for OPT if you:
- Have not been approved for a total of 365 days of full-timeCPT (Curricular Practical Training).
- Were enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters). Summers do not count.
- Have maintained active F-1 status.
- Will complete your degree in the near future.
Post-Completion OPT Eligibility
Two types of practical training are available to F-1 students:
- Pre-Completion OPT
- Post-Completion OPT (with potential extension for certain STEM qualifying degree programs)
Note: Pre-Completion and Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) use the same available 12 months, but Post-Completion OPT can only be used when you will complete your degree in the near future and meet the Post-Completion OPT eligibility requirements below.
You are eligible to apply for OPT if you:
- Have not been approved for a total of 365 days of full-timeCPT (Curricular Practical Training).
- Were enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters). Summers do not count.
- Have maintained active F-1 status.
- Will complete your degree in the near future.
Applying for OPT: A Two-Step Process
- Request an OPT I-20 in iStart.
ISSA issues eligible students an updated I-20 including the OPT recommendation.
Submit form I-765, the signed I-20 with the OPT recommendation, and other required documents to USCIS online.
- Check the current USCIS processing times for form I-765.
- You must be in the U.S. when you submit form I-765.
Applying for OPT: A Two-Step Process
- Request an OPT I-20 in iStart.
ISSA issues eligible students an updated I-20 including the OPT recommendation.
Submit form I-765, the signed I-20 with the OPT recommendation, and other required documents to USCIS online.
- Check the current USCIS processing times for form I-765.
- You must be in the U.S. when you submit form I-765.
OPT Timeline and Deadlines
- Apply for OPT as early as 90 days before your program end date.
- Note: ISSA can issue the I-20 with the OPT recommendation only after the 90-day window opens.
- Pick an OPT start date that falls within the 60-day grace period after your program end date.
- Submit your OPT application to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of the date of OPT I-20 issuance or by the 60th day from the program end date, whichever comes first.
- The OPT application window closes on the 60th day from the program end date.
- Submit your OPT I-20 request in iStart early to give ISSA time to issue your OPT I-20. We recommend submitting the form at least 4 weeks before the end of your program end date.
OPT Timeline and Deadlines
- Apply for OPT as early as 90 days before your program end date.
- Note: ISSA can issue the I-20 with the OPT recommendation only after the 90-day window opens.
- Pick an OPT start date that falls within the 60-day grace period after your program end date.
- Submit your OPT application to the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of the date of OPT I-20 issuance or by the 60th day from the program end date, whichever comes first.
- The OPT application window closes on the 60th day from the program end date.
- Submit your OPT I-20 request in iStart early to give ISSA time to issue your OPT I-20. We recommend submitting the form at least 4 weeks before the end of your program end date.
