Are you an F-1 student who will graduate in fall 2018? Do you want to work in the U.S. after graduation? If you answered yes to both questions, then you want to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT is work authorization for F-1 students that allows you to work in your field of study.
You must attend an OPT workshop (either online or at an in person session) before you can apply for Post-Completion OPT. Additionally, the earliest you can apply is 90 days prior to the official graduation date of the semester (September 24 for fall graduates). Applying for OPT early is recommended because USCIS can take around 3 months to approve your application.
If this is something that you are interested in, we encourage you to apply.
More information is available online about OPT.
*Note – OPT used prior to graduation is called Pre-Completion OPT. Attendance at an OPT workshop is not required for Pre-Completion OPT, but it is highly recommended.*
Hello,
I would like to know about possibilities to work as an Academic Training (AT) for J-1 visa holders. This is my case and I was wondering if there will be a workshop for it specifically, or if I could go to the OPT one that you are offering.
Thank you
Thanks for your question. AT is very different from OPT, so I don’t recommend attending the OPT Workshop. There will be an Employment Seminar held in October, which will cover AT and many other types of employment authorization.
https://world.utexas.edu/isss/about/events/fall-2018-employment-seminar
If you have any questions about AT I recommend you schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor to discuss the process or you can start by reading our web page on the topic.
https://world.utexas.edu/isss/students/work/j1
Hello,
I have a question about OPT application. I will be graduating in December, and let’s say I put the start date in February (the 59th day after graduation date) and my application hasn’t been approved by that start date (maybe it takes longer than expected for USCIS to approve), is that going to jeopardize my OPT application?
Thank you!
Thanks for your question. That does not jeopardize your OPT application. If you file your application on time, you may remain in the U.S. while your application is pending.