Are you an F-1 student graduating in Spring 2024? If so, now is the time to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) is here to guide you through this important process.
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training is an employment benefit for students with F-1 status. It allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their major field of study and is granted by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How do I apply for OPT?
To successfully apply for OPT, you must first obtain an OPT I-20 form from an ISSS advisor. Then, you should submit your OPT application to USCIS. The OPT I-20 form is a critical part of your application. Without it, your USCIS application will be denied. You can find details about the application process below.
Where can I find resources on OPT and the application process?
- Check the ISSS post-completion OPT webpage.
- Complete the required OPT modules in myIO or on the ISSS OPT webpage.
- Attend an OPT information session.
Is there a cost associated with OPT?
Yes, students must pay an OPT administrative fee and a USCIS I-765 application fee.
Note that the USCIS I-765 application fee will increase on April 1, 2024. The current filing fee for OPT applications is $410 for both e-filed and paper-filed applications. Students who submit an F-1 OPT application to USCIS before April 1 will continue to pay $410.
The USCIS fee increase that goes into effect on April 1 will differ depending on the method of submission. E-filed applications will require a $470 fee while paper applications will require $520. Students who file their OPT application with USCIS on or after April 1, 2024, must pay the increased fee.
For those who want their applications expedited, USCIS now offers premium processing at an additional cost. With premium processing, USCI will process the application within 30 calendar days.
Timeline to Apply for OPT
Apply early. You may apply for OPT up to 90 days before your graduation date.
USCIS can take three months or more to process your OPT application, not including the time it takes to produce the physical card and mail it to you. Remember, you may not begin work until you have the card in hand and your OPT start date has arrived.
When should I request my OPT I-20 form?
The earliest date this year that you can request your OPT I-20 in myIO is Monday, February 5, 2024. You can expect to receive your OPT I-20 within 10 business days from the date of your request, but no earlier than Monday, February 12, 2024. Once you receive your OPT I-20 form, you may submit your OPT application to USCIS.
When should I submit my OPT application to USCIS?
For students graduating this spring, the earliest date that USCIS can accept your application is Monday, February 12, 2024.
The latest date to apply for OPT is at the end of the 60-day grace period following your graduation, which is Wednesday, July 10, 2024, for spring graduates. However, if filing online, please be sure to file no later than Tuesday, July 9, 2024, to account for time zone differences. That is the latest date USCIS can receive your application and still approve it.
In addition to meeting the deadlines above, you must also ensure that USCIS receives your OPT application within 30 days of ISSS issuing your OPT I-20 (29 days if filing online).
How to Apply for OPT
ISSS provides detailed instructions on how to complete your OPT application, including Form I-765. You can find information on our OPT webpage.
To request your OPT I-20, log into myIO > F-1 Practical Training > OPT Request and do the following:
- Fully review the OPT modules.
- Pay the OPT administrative fee.
- Complete and submit the OPT request in myIO.
- Obtain your OPT I-20 from ISSS.
- Submit your OPT application to USCIS. ISSS recommends filing your application online.
OPT Information Sessions
If you have questions or want to know more after reviewing our OPT webpage, including the modules listed under “Required OPT Workshop,” join one of our upcoming Zoom OPT information sessions. An international student advisor will explain OPT and answer all your questions.
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