Did you graduate in December 2013 or have you recently defended your dissertation? Are you an F-1 student interested in gaining work experience after completing your degree? If so, you should consider applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows students in valid F-1 status to gain up to 12 months of work experience in their field of study. For December 2013 graduations, your OPT application must be received at USCIS by no later than February 19, 2014. If you plan to apply for OPT based on your dissertation defense date, your OPT application must be received at USCIS by no later than 60 days after your defense date. We recommend that you apply as early as possible, as processing times are an average of 2-3 months.

How to Apply

In order to apply for post-completion OPT you must first attend an OPT Workshop. Please use our online scheduler to make reservations. Workshops take place every Monday and Friday in the International Office (2400 Nueces Street, Suite B). You must sign up in advance in order to attend the workshop. If you have already attended the OPT Workshop, please ensure to gather all necessary documents on our OPT handout and schedule an appointment to see an International Student Advisor as soon as possible.