OPT Information

OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING REGULATIONS

What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Optional Practical Training (or OPT) employment authorization is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) upon application from the student and recommendation from the International Student Advisor. OP is an opportunity for an international student (F-1 visa) to work full-time in the U.S. for 12 months upon completion of a college/university degree.

Key Features of Optional Practical Training

1. OPT is a separate category from Curricular Practical Training (internships).

2. Students who have completed MORE than 12 months of full-time CPT (full time is defined as more than 20 hours per week) are not eligible for OPT.

3. You do not have to have a job offer to be eligible to apply for OPT.

4. OPT may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year.

5. Students may be authorized for 12 months of OPT. OPT employment must be directly related to the student's academic area of study.

6. Authorization for OPT is automatically terminated when a student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level.

7. Students on OPT who transfer to another school after OPT must resume classes within 5 months after leaving the school that initially recommended OPT or the date that OPT ends, whichever is earlier.

8. F-1 students may be eligible for another 12 of OPT if/when they complete another higher education level (Masters, PhD).

9. After being granted, the OPT time is "used" whether the student works or not.

When can a student use OPT?

OPT is usually done immediately after completion of all course requirements for of a college/university degree (bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree program).

In limited situations a student may be granted authorization to engage in temporary employment for Optional Practical Training:

1. During the student's annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session, if the student is currently enrolled and is eligible for registration and intends to register for the next semester.

2. While school is in session, provided that practical training does not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session. For the purpose of calculating available practical training, this is counted at half the full time rate. In other words, 1 year of part time practical training is equivalent to 6 months of full time practical training.
However, great care should be taken because OPT taken before graduation will be subtracted from the one year (12 months) time available, thus reducing the possible OPT time after graduation.

The OPT application process
1. IMPORTANT: Schedule a meeting with the International Student Advisor no later than February if you will be a May graduate or no later than September if you will be a December graduate.

2. Before you can submit your USCIS I-765 form, you must have a recommendation from the International Student Advisor.

3. Submit the completed I-765 and the $175 application fee to USCIS. Applications may be filed no earlier than 120 days before your graduation date.

4. Once the I-765 has been filed, international students need to begin an active job search for a full-time position that will qualify for OPT. Take advantage of faculty connections, on-campus job fairs and work closely with the Whittier College Career Services Office.

5. The processing period is approximately 60 to 90 days.

6. A student may request a "starting employment date" as early as the day after graduation.

7. Employment cannot begin until a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has been issued by USCIS.

8. With an average 90-day waiting period, it is essential that the student apply well in advance of the anticipated starting date of employment. There are NO expedited procedures for a student who has a job offer.

9. Applications for OPT must be submitted to USCIS BEFORE the last day of the final semester.

Contact the Career Services Office

Linda Ross, Director
(562) 907-4230
lross@whittier.edu

Questions about USCIS and OPT?

Contact Darryl Foy, International Student Advisor
(562) 907-4238
dfoy@whittier.edu