Are you an F-1 student who will graduate in spring 2021? 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.
If this is something you are interested in, we encourage you to apply early. The earliest you can apply for OPT is 90 days prior to the official graduation date of the semester. This year, that date is Feb. 22, 2021. We recommend that you apply for OPT as soon as possible, as USCIS can take over three months to approve your application. Please allow up to 10 days for us to process your OPT request. Currently, USCIS is delayed in processing receipt notices. We recommend that you use a mailing service that provides tracking and delivery confirmation (e.g. FedEx, UPS) so you have a record that your application was delivered while you wait for your OPT receipt.
You can begin the application process in myIO. You must complete the OPT workshop in myIO before you can apply for Post-Completion OPT. Please remember that myIO does not work in Chrome and is best accessed via the Firefox web browser.
If you have additional questions about OPT, check out the information on our website, and if you still have questions, schedule an advising appointment with one of our knowledgeable staff. We look forward to receiving your application!
*Note – OPT used prior to graduation is called Pre-Completion OPT.*
