Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. At PCC, eligible students can apply to both Pre-Completion OPT (before graduation) or Post-Completion OPT (after obtaining degree).

Pre-Completion OPT: Any OPT completed before graduation or obtaining a degree 
  •  Authorized by USCIS
  • Pre-completion OPT will be counted toward the 12-month allowance (see Post-Completion OPT below)
  • Part-time Pre-Completion OPT will count ½ and full-time Pre-Completion OPT will count full. For example, if you are authorized for 2 months of part-time pre-completion OPT, you will only have 11 months remaining to use following the completion of your program of study. If you are authorized for 2 months of full-time pre-completion OPT, you will only have 10 months remaining to use following the completion of your program
  • Part-time work (20 hours or less) during Fall and Spring semesters, or full-time work (40 hours) during Winter and Summer semesters allowed in your major or field of study
  • You do not need to secure employment while applying for Pre-Completion OPT
  • No unemployment restrictions. If you do not secure employment after your Pre-Completion OPT is authorized, it will still be counted towards your 12-month OPT allowance
  • Must report employer, dates of employment and type of employment to ISC and USCIS
  • Employment during pre-completion OPT may include paid employment, multiple employers, short-term multiple employers (performing artists), work for hire, self-employed business owner, employment through an agency or consulting firm, and unpaid employment 
    • For more information about types of employment allowed while on OPT, refer to section 7.2.1 on SEVP Policy Guidance.
Post-Completion OPT: Any OPT completed after graduation or obtaining a degree
  • Authorized by USCIS
  • Students can qualify up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization after completing degree
  • If you have completed any pre-completion OPT, your 12 months will be shortened depending on the length of authorization that was previously given
  • If you have completed OPT at a higher degree level, you will not be eligible to apply at a lower degree level
  • Unemployment restrictions: 90 days of unemployment
  • Student must work a minimum of 20 hours per week in your major or field of study
  • Must report employer, dates of employment and type of employment to ISC and USCIS
  • Employment during post-completion OPT may include paid employment, multiple employers, short-term multiple employers (performing artists), work for hire, self-employed business owner, employment through an agency or consulting firm, and unpaid employment 
    • For more information about types of employment allowed while on OPT, refer to section 7.2.1 on SEVP Policy Guidance.

OPT Eligibility Requirements

  • Student must have maintained valid F-1 status
  • Student must have completed one year as a full-time student
  • Student must not have accrued 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
  • Student must have applied for graduation with the academic counselor

When to Apply

  • Pre-Completion OPT: Up to 90 days before reaching your one-year of academic study as a full-time student 
  • Post-Completion OPT: Up to 90 days before degree completion date (last day of the semester) or up to 60 days after degree completion (last day of the semester)
  • USCIS must receive the complete OPT application packet within 30 days of the OPT I-20 issue date. The date of when the OPT I-20 was issued is located on page 1 of your OPT I-20 
    • NOTE: Post-Completion OPT Students - If you depart the U.S. during your 60-day grace period before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services receives your OPT application, you will lose your OPT eligibility

How to Apply 

STEP 1: Complete and Prepare the Following Forms

STEP 2: Attend an OPT workshop or watch the recorded video

STEP 3: Prepare OPT Application Documents

  • Do not staple your documents. Use paperclips
  • Application Fee to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. A check or money for the application fee must be made payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security”. View the most updated fees www.uscis.gov/i-765 You will pay online, if you submit your application online. 
  • Two identical U.S. passport-style color photos taken within 30 days of application. Write down your name and I-94 number in pencil on back of the photos. Put both check and passport photos in a plastic bag
  • Original Form G-1145. Download at www.uscis.gov/g-1145 (only used if you are mailing your OPT application)
  • Original Form I-765. Download at www.uscis.gov/i-765 (type and sign the form) or complete and submit online, provide a copy of the PDF Draft to your ISC advisor 
  • Recent I-94 admission record. Download at www.cbp.gov/i94 OR a copy of paper I-94 (front and back)
  • Copy of your OPT I-20 and copies of all the I-20s you have ever had. You must sign every I-20 before making a copy
  • Copy of passport picture page
  • Copy of F-1 visa or I-797 Approval Notice for F-1 if you changed status in the U.S.
  • Copy of previously issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (if applicable)
  • ISC’s Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request Form – This is only for ISC

STEP 4: Book an Appointment with an ISC Educational Advisor to Review Documents  

  • If everything is in order and the ISC advisor determines that you meet all eligibility requirements for OPT, the advisor will issue an updated SEVIS Form I-20 with an OPT recommendation
  • You will receive an email with instructions on how to pick-up or receive your OPT I-20

STEP 5: You can submit your application to USCIS either online or by mail

  •  Apply online or mail within 30 days of the OPT I-20 issue date. The date of when the OPT I-20 was issued is located on page 1 of your OPT I-20
    • Online Application (recommended[RMV1] ):
      • §  You will submit your application and supporting document online
      • §  Create a USCIS account here. 
      • §  Complete Application for Employment: Form I-765
      • §  Upload supporting documents and pay application fee
    • By mail application:
      • §  Mail your application to the appropriate USCIS Lockbox depending on the mail carrier you choose
      • §  Make copies of your application materials for your records before mailing your application 
      • §  Check the USCIS website (https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses) to find the correct mailing address. Make sure to click on “Foreign Students” on the accordion drop-down and look at OPT. 

STEP 6: After you apply

  • Processing times for OPT applications by USCIS may range from 2 to 3 months
  • You will receive the I-797 Receipt Notice via mail in about a month after you submit your application to USCIS or you can download the receipt notice in your online account. This form confirms USCIS has received your application 
  • You can check your application status online at www.uscis.gov go to “Check your Case Status”
When can I start working?  

For Pre-completion OPT

  • May begin once you receive authorization from USCIS
  • While participating in pre-completion OPT, there is no unemployment restriction. In other words, you may be authorized for pre-completion OPT even if you never actually work. However, the time for which you are authorized will be deducted from your 12-month allowance, whether you work or not
  • The date that you request as the start date does not necessarily mean it is the start date that will be approved. Therefore, you must have the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in your possession and the start date on the EAD must be reached before you may start working
  • If you change your address while your OPT application is pending, submit the changes to USCIS at https://egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do as soon as possible. 
  • You must also update your address on your LancerPoint account and report the changes to ISC within 10 days of the change

For Post-Completion OPT 

  • May begin once you receive authorization from USCIS and any time up to 60 days after completion of all your degree requirements
    For example, if you will finish all degree requirements by June 15th, then the last day that you may request to start your period of OPT will be August 14th
  • The date that you request as the start date does not necessarily mean it is the start date that will be approved. Therefore, you must have the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in your possession and the start date on the EAD must be reached before you may start working 
  • Once you have completed all degree requirements, you may not work in any capacity until you have received your EAD. This includes on-campus employment
  • If you change your address while your OPT application is pending, submit the changes to USCIS at https://egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do as soon as possible. 
  • You must also update your address on your LancerPoint account and report the changes to ISC within 10 days of the change

After you receive OPT approval from USCIS
Documents will be mailed to you from USCIS and you will receive email notifications on how to create your SEVP OPT Student Account. Once OPT has been approved, it is difficult to cancel. You will have to use it or lose it.

  • Student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) mailed directly to you at the address on Form I-765. Provide a copy of your EAD to ISC via email iso@pasadena.edu
  • Student cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month period of post-completion OPT
  • Create the SEVP OPT Student Portal account to report your employment. You will receive a unique link from the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) to the email you listed in your I-765
  • Once you obtain a job offer, report the following information to ISC via email and update your portal account:
    1. Explanation how your job is related to your major
    2. Employer's name and telephone number
    3. Supervisor’s name and contact information
    4. Employer's address including city, state, and zip code
    5. Employment start date and your job title
    6. If your employment is full-time (20 hours or more per week) or part-time (less than 20 hours per week)

During your period of Post-Completion OPT

You are still considered to be in F-1 student status. Although you do not have to register for 12 units, you must still follow all other F-1 student status rules. 

  • You must keep ISC informed of any changes in your name, address, or any other information about your stay in the U.S. Failure to report any changes to ISC may jeopardize your legal status in the U.S.
  • If you travel outside the U.S., you must obtain a travel signature from an ISC advisor in the International Student Center. Travel signatures are valid only for 6 months during OPT
  • If you change your status, you must submit a copy of the approval Notice (Form I-797) to the ISC
  • If you begin a new degree program full-time at another institution and during your authorized period of OPT, you will lose any OPT time remaining on your EAD
  • You will be required to stop employment upon release of your SEVIS record from PCC to the new institution or upon issuance of a new Form I-20 for a different program
  • Once you are transferred out, your OPT will automatically cancel
  • Report employment and keep track of your OPT by reporting changes to ISC and the SEVP OPT Student Portal

After your Post-Completion OPT Ends
You have a 60-day grace period after the expiration date on your EAD to take one of the below actions. There is no option to extend the OPT on an Associate’s degree. When the 12 months have been completed, you must seek another visa status if you wish to remain in the U.S. to continue employment

  • You may transfer to a new degree program
  • You may depart the U.S 
  • You may change your status, if eligible

Travel during Post-Completion OPT
You may travel outside the U.S. during your OPT but you must receive a travel signature from ISC. Travel signatures on OPT I-20 are valid for 6 months 

·         Student must have a valid passport

·         Student must have a valid F-1 visa 

·         Student must have an OPT I-20 with a travel signature (signature is valid for 6 months during OPT)

·         Student must have the EAD card or I-797 Approval Receipt Notice

·         Regulations only permit you to re-enter the U.S to resume OPT employment

·         We do not advise you to travel if you have not secured employment

·         Recommended: unofficial transcript, a job offer letter from an employer, and EAD or I-797 Receipt Notice

 

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What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment that allows international students to apply their classroom knowledge in a work environment. This training must be directly related to your major field of study. There are two types of OPT: pre-completion OPT and post-competition OPT. Students are allowed 12 months of OPT for each degree level.

Eligibility:

Pre-Completion OPT:

  • Maintained F-1 Visa status for one full academic year, within 90 days of doing so
  • Have not worked for 12 months or more with full-time CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
    • Part-time CPT does not affect OPT

Post-Completion OPT: 

  • Must apply between 90 days before graduation date and 60 days after graduation date (with an associate degree)
    • Graduation date is the day that you complete your final degree requirement
  • Have not worked for 12 months or more with full-time CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
    • Part-time CPT does not affect OPT

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Off-Campus Employment 

There are a few different type of work opportunities you can engage in as an international student:

Practical Training

Practical training is defined as work experience in the student’s major field of study that can be conducted off-campus. Two types of practical training are available to international students: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training. 

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment that allows international students to apply their classroom knowledge in a work environment. This training must be directly related to your major field of study. There are two types of OPT: pre-completion OPT and post-competition OPT. Students are allowed 12 months of OPT for each degree level.

Eligibility: 
Pre-Completion OPT:
  • Maintained F-1 Visa status for one full academic year, within 90 days of doing so
  • Have not worked for 12 months or more with full-time CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
    • Part-time CPT does not affect OPT
Post-Completion OPT: 
  • Must apply between 90 days before graduation date and 60 days after graduation date (with an associate degree)
    • Graduation date is the day that you complete your final degree requirement
  • Have not worked for 12 months or more with full-time CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
    • Part-time CPT does not affect OPT
How to Apply to OPT:
Post-Completion OPT:
  1. File for graduation with academic counselor (need associate degree)
  2. Complete the OPT Request Form with an academic counselor
  3. Collect and complete all required documents (see below)
  4. Receive a new I-20 from ISC Advisor
  5. Mail OPT packet to USCIS office (between 90 days before your graduation and 60 days after your graduation)
  6. Receive work authorization
Application Documents: 
  • Form I-765: https://www.uscis.gov/ 
  • Application fee ($410.00)
    • Make check to U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Form G-1145: https://www.uscis.gov/ 
  • Copies of ALL I-20’s issued to you (first and second page), including the new OPT I-20
  • Copy of passport identification page
  • Copy of F-1 visa
  • Copy of I-94: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home 
  • Recent passport photos with name and I-94 number written on the back
  • Photocopy of previously issued EAD (if any)
Mailing the OPT Application:
  • Pick up OPT packet with your new OPT I-20
    • Include all documents from the application checklist
  • Mail your OPT application to USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses. Make sure to click on “Foreign Students” on the accordion drop-down and look at OPT. 
 After Applying:
  • Wait 3-5 months for response
  • Track status of OPT status on USCIS website: https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do 
  • After your application is processed, you will receive your approval notice and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) & Social Security card (if applicable)
Responsibilities While on OPT:
  • Report Employment
  • Report Unemployment
    • Only 90 days of allowable unemployment
    • If you use all unemployment days, you should transfer out, change status or leave the U.S.
  • Field of Study
    • All employment must be in your field of study.
    • You must be able to explain the relation between employment and field of study
Employment Responsibilities: 
  • Post-Completion OPT
  • Work at least 20 hours per week
  • Multiple jobs are acceptable (all in your field of study)
  • Self-employment is acceptable as long as you have a proper business license, tax ID number and keep records
  • International Travel with OPT
    • Must maintain F-1 Visa status
    • Required documents: 
      • Valid F-1 visa
      • I-20 with travel signature (signature valid for 6 months while on OPT)
      • Employment authorization card (EAD)
      • Proof of employment recommended (letter from employer)
    • Should I Travel while OPT is Pending:
      •  Very risky & not recommended
      • Will need EAD card to re-enter the U.S
After OPT Ends:
  • Post-Completion OPT
    • You have a 60-day grace period
    • Things you can do during this grace period:
      • Transfer out to another U.S school
      • Prepare to leave the U.S
      • Change visa status (if applicable)