Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• Overview & Eligibility
  

• Types of Employment Allowed
  

• Application & Timing

  • Application Process & Steps
    

• Before You Apply
  

• After You Apply
  

• Common OPT Application Issues
  

• Responsibilities While on OPT
  

• Travel on Post-Completion OPT
  

• STEM Extension
  

• H-1B Cap-Gap Extension
  

• Upcoming OPT Workshops and Sessions
  

• Frequently Asked Questions

  • Application Process

  • Travel and F-1 Visa

  • After OPT is Approved and Reporting Requirements

  • Employment and Unemployment

  • Ending OPT and Grace Period

  • STEM OPT

  • OPT & H-1B

Overview & Eligibility

OPT is temporary employment authorization for F-1 students in degree programs to gain experience in jobs directly related to their major area of study. F-1 students are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT per educational degree level (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate).  Students in non-degree programs are not eligible for any kind of off campus work authorization.

OPT Quick Facts:

Details about all of these facts can be found on the page below:

• You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

• You may not pursue a new course of full-time study while on OPT.

• The application is approved by United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS), but OPT must first be recommended by OIA.

• Currently, the approval process for USCIS takes between 3-4 months.  The latest processing times, which may fluctuate, can be found here on the USCIS website: Processing Times (uscis.gov)

• USCIS has introduced Premium Processing for OPT applications. Find more information about Premium Processing here. 

• You must be in a degree program to be eligible. Students  in non-degree programs (e.g. GSAL, NDVS, IBEP, and other short-term programs) are not eligible for OPT.

• You must not have used OPT at a higher degree level. For example, if you complete a Phd, then use OPT, and then complete a Master's-level program, you will not be eligible for OPT for the Master's level.

• You must be in the U.S. to apply. You will not be eligible to apply for OPT if you are outside of the U.S. at the time of application. 

• You are eligible for 12 months OPT per education level. For example, if you are completing a second Master's degree and you have already used OPT at the Master's level, you are not eligible for 12 additional months of OPT after completing the second Master's degree. 

• Each segment and type of OPT requires separate, complete applications to USCIS.

• As long as each position meets the required employment criteria, you can work for multiple employers simultaneously.

• Pre-Completion OPT (Before program end date listed on I-20)

  • Not very common

  • Usually used for summer internships that do not fit into program's CPT option, start ups, and independently found jobs

  • Part-time while classes are in session (20 hours or fewer per week, cannot be averaged)

  • Full-time or part-time during breaks or vacation quarters

  • Master’s/Doctoral Students ONLY: Full-time or part-time after courses finished, while working on thesis

• Post-Completion OPT (After graduation, or after completion of course requirements for MA/PhD students)

  • Very common

  • Used for jobs after completion of your program or graduation

  • Granted on a full-time basis only (over 20 hours a week)

  • All previous periods of OPT at the same level are deducted from the 12-month total. Part-time OPT is counted at a half-rate.  Example: Four months part-time OPT is subtracted from the total as two months.

• Eligibility for Pre- and Post-Completion OPT is based on program end date listed on your I-20, which might be different from your actual graduation date/quarter.  If your current I-20 end date does not currently reflect the actual end of your program, it must be adjusted.  See our information on shortening or extending your record.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for OPT you must:

1. Be registered full-time in a degree program for at least one academic year (three quarters) in valid F-1 status

2. Have not used 12 months of OPT for a previous degree at the same level (e.g. you are doing an MBA and have already used your Master's level OPT after a previous MA/MS degree)

3. Have not used OPT at a higher-degree level (e.g. you previously finished a PhD and now you are pursuing an MD, MBA, LLM, MS/MA etc)

4. Be present in the U.S. in valid F-1 status at the time of application.

Important Notes:

• If you are outside of the U.S. after your program end date and have not applied for OPT, you will lose OPT eligibility. 

• Twelve months or more of full time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT. Part time CPT has no impact on OPT eligibility.

• On-campus employment does not count against the 12-month OPT eligibility.

If you have a special case or have completed a higher-level degree in the past, contact your OIA adviser for eligibility information.

Employment Requirements & Types of Employment

While on OPT, you are required to be employed and working at least 20 hours/week in a job (or multiple jobs) directly related to your field of study/major. Your OPT 'clock' starts ticking on the start date printed on your EAD. Anytime before your EAD start date is not considered unemployment. Information about these employment requirements follow:

Employment Requirements (Post-Completion OPT)

• Unemployment:  During your initial post-completion OPT period, you can have up to 90 days of unemployment. The 'clock' begins on the start date listed on your EAD. USCIS keeps track of your unemployment days based on the employment information reported in your SEVIS record.  If you accrue more than 90 days of unemployment or fail to provide OPT updates, USCIS will terminate your record. Visit our employment FAQ (below) to learn what is considered employment, how unemployment works, and what to do if you accrue 90 days of unemployment.

• STEM: The STEM OPT extension allows 150 days of unemployment for the entire time spent on OPT (regular OPT (90 days) and STEM (adittional 60 days) combined).

• Reporting: During OPT, you must report all employers directly in your SEVP Student Portal within 10 days of any new job. Failure to meet reproting requirements may result in issues with your immigration status in the US.

• Multiple jobs: OPT is not employer specific. As long as they otherwise meet all employment criteria, you can work for multiple employers simultaneously

Showing that OPT is directly related to a degree program

• After your OPT has been approved and you start working, you are required to report what your position is and how it is related to your degree program via the SEVP Student Portal within 10 days of the start date. If the SEVP Student Portal is not working for any reason, then you'll need to use the OPT Update Form to report employment.

• You must be able to concisely describe how your work is related to your studies in 2-3 sentences.

• OIA advisers are unable to determine your degree relevancy or confirm that your job is directly related; determining the relevancy is up to you.

• OIA cannot provide feedback on your degree relevancy statement or edit for clarity/corrections.  If you submit the OPT Update form to report employment, we will report it to USCIS exactly how you've written it. Make sure to proofread before submitting your updates.

• If it is not clear from the job description that the work is related to the student's degree, SEVP highly recommends that you obtain a signed letter from your supervisor or manager or the employer's hiring official stating how your degree is related to the work performed and keep it for your records. OIA does not need a copy of this statement.

• The Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) recommends that you maintain evidence - for each job - of the position held, proof of the duration of that position, the job title, contact information for the your supervisor or manager, and a description of the work. This documentation should be kept for your own records and may be requested during future immigration applications (e.g. H-1B). OIA does not need a copy of this documentation.

Types of Paid Employment Allowed on OPT:

As long as each position is directly related to your studies, commensurate with your level of education, and all jobs combine for at least 20 hours/week, essentially all kinds of employment situations and employers are allowed while on OPT, including:

• Multiple employers: You may work for more than one employer, but all jobs must be directly related to your field

• Short-term multiple employers (performing artists): You’re allowed to have multiple short term jobs or gigs (e.g. music performances).  Keep a list of all gigs, the employer, and duration of each.

• Work for hire: Commonly referred to as 1099 or Independent Contractor Employment; keep evidence of the duration of contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.

• Self-employed/business owner: For immigration purposes, you can start a business or be self-employed while on OPT.  You should be able to prove that you have the proper business licenses and that it is related to your degree program.

• Consulting/Temp Agency: Employment through an agency or consulting firm is also allowed, as long as it meets all requirements.

• Other types of employment: As long as the position/job is directly related to your studies (and, of course, is legal), the type of employer or job you have does not really matter.  It can be a big or small company, start-up, internship, temporary work, full-time, post-doc, hourly, unpaid, salaried, unconventional hours,  non-profit, for-profit, self-employment, NGO or any other employer situation.

• Additional questions about types of OPT employment? See our OPT Employment FAQs below for more information.

Unpaid Employment:

• You may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern while on OPT, where this practice does not violate labor laws.

• Assuming it meets all other criteria, unpaid internships and volunteer positions can qualify as OPT employment for reporting purposes.  As any other position, you must report this job through the

• OPT Update Form (linked below).

• Questions? See our OPT Application FAQs (below) for more information.

OPT Application Process

OPT Application Timeline

Pre-Completion OPT (before your program ends):

• You can apply up to 90 days before your requested work start date

• The end date must be on or before your I-20 end date

• You can apply for pre-completion OPT before you finish your first year of study.  However, the work cannot start until after you complete 3 quarters of full-time enrollment.

Post-Completion OPT (after your program ends):

• You can apply for OPT from 90 days before your end date, until 60 days after your end date.

• USCIS must receipt (not receive) your application no later than 60 days after your I-20 end date. 

• Your OPT start date can be between the day after your end date and 60 days after your end date.

• If you are outside of the U.S. or leave the U.S. after your program end date and you have not applied for OPT, you will lose your OPT eligibility. 

Download OPT Date Calculator (XLSX)

Before You Apply

Required: Before you begin the application process, you must:

• Attend a virtual OPT Workshop session (highly recommended).

Starting your OPT application without attending or viewing the information on this web page could lead to application errors and delays in processing your request, as well as have a negative impact on your application to USCIS.

Applying for OPT is a two-step process. First, you must get a recommendation from OIA (a new I-20 showing requested OPT).  Second, you must send your application to USCIS.  Both steps are explained in detail below:

STEP 1: OIA Recommendation

IMPORTANT: If you will file your application online, you must obtain your OPT recommendation (“OPT I-20”) from the OIA before submitting the application through your USCIS Online Account. Failure to obtain your OPT Recommendation before submitting your application online will result in the denial of your OPT benefit. If you receive notice of the denial before your 60 day grace period expires, you may reapply for OPT but will need to resubmit all application materials again, including a new OPT Recommendation from OIA and the filing fee. The 2nd application will also be subject to the same standard processing times.

1. Make sure your 'SEVIS US' Address is updated and correct in My.UChicago.  See the SEVIS Address Update instructions for more information.
   
   

2. Submit your request to OIA at least two weeks before you would like your new I-20. Due to large application volume, we cannot accommodate expedited processing requests, so please plan ahead.  You do not need to see an adviser before submitting your request, unless you have specific questions. If you would like to meet with an adviser, you can either schedule an appointment in advance or attend your adviser's virtual Quick Question Advising hours (no appointment needed). You can find that information here.

To submit your OPT Recommendation request to OIA, complete the Online F-1 OPT Recommendation Request

• You will use your CNet Credentials to access the form.

• You must include OPT start and end dates on this form.

• When choosing an OPT start date, make sure you consider your proposed job start date, class schedule (for pre-completion OPT), your plans for future study at the same degree level, and potential H-1B plans.

• For post-completion OPT, your OPT start date has to be between the day after your end date and 60 days after your end date.

• Upload a signed Verification of Completion Form as a PDF (see below for more details)

• a. Verification of Completion Form (PDF)
  (For Post-Completion OPT Applications Only)

• Confirmation signed by your faculty advisor/Dean of Students or Academic Adviser (please check with your Dean of Students office to confirm who should be signing the Verification of Completion forms for your program, before submitting your request to OIA) - verifying that you will complete either all course requirements with the exception of the thesis OR all degree requirements by the expected graduation date.

• If your ending quarter is earlier than your current end date, your F-1 record will be shortened to reflect the change. Shortening your record will add additional processing time, so please plan ahead.

• Shortening your record to an earlier end date is final and cannot be reversed without a complete extension application.

• This document is required for post-completion OPT applications only.

• b. Submission: Your form will be considered "submitted" once you see green text at the top of the page.  

Submitting Forms to OIA and Getting the New I-20

Once you complete the F-1 OPT Recommendation Request, OIA will review your documents and create a new I-20 that shows your OPT request.

• Review at OIA takes approximately two weeks. Due to high volume, we cannot accommodate expedite requests, so please plan ahead.

• You will receive an email confirmation when your new I-20 is ready. Email providers vary in how the sort mail; make sure to check your junk mail folder, as well.

• You will receive your new I-20, SEVIS screen shots in an email outlining next steps:

  • I-20: Sign and date your I-20 at the bottom of page 1. Save all previous I-20s for your records. You may be asked for them during future applications.

  • SEVIS Screen Shot: This shows any previous CPT time used at UChicago. You will receive the CPT screenshot, if you have used CPT in the past. 

  • These copies will include the 'SEVIS U.S.' address from my.UChicago.  If the screenshot address is different from your current address, it will not impact your OPT application.  However, as you are required by law to keep your address up to date, make sure you follow the SEVIS Address Update instructions to make any necessary changes to fulfill your F-1 address update requirement.

• Make sure your 'SEVIS U.S' address is correct in the my.uchicago. system.

Once you receive these documents, then you can move on to Step 2.

STEP 2: USCIS Application Procedures

Students now have the option to file by mail or file online.

 If filing online, please follow these OPT Online Filing instructions (PDF).

If filing by mail, please compile the following documents to send USCIS as instructed below. If filing online, you will upload these same documents or input information from these documents as prompted during the online application process.

1. Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization (include all 7 pages, and handwritten signature and date on page 4). If filing online, you will input this information directly into the online I-765 form. For guidance on how to complete the paper I-765, you can review this I-765 sample (PDF) and these I-765 instructions (PDF).

2. Two NEW passport photos in color that meet the U.S. government passport photo standards.

   1. Photos must be NEW and must not have been used in any previous application. Students do receive RFEs or rejections for photos that have been used previously

   2. Available at the ID & Privileges Office in Regenstein, Walgreen's, and CVS

   3. If mailing: Write your name on the back of the photos and put them in an envelope and paperclip the envelope to the top of Form I-765. If filing online, can just upload photo.

3. Payment: A personal check or money order payable to the "U.S. Department of Homeland Security". Do not use abbreviations. (If filing online, you can just enter your payment information into the system when prompted).

   1. The current filing fee can always be found on the USCIS website. Note: the $85 biometric services fee DOES NOT apply to the post-completion OPT application.

   2. Either check or money order is fine. More payment information available on the USCIS website. 

   3. Payment must come from a U.S. financial institution and draws on U.S. funds

   4. Put your payment in the envelope with your passport photos and paperclip the envelope to the front of the I-765

   5. Personal checks: Make sure your check has your current address.  If it is no longer accurate, you can cross it out on the check and hand write the new address that is associated with your bank account. It is OK if it is different from your I-765 address or SEVIS screen shots.

   6. This fee is non-refundable. Once you put your application in the mail, you will not be able to get your payment back. This is true whether you withdraw your application or if it is rejected.

4. Copy of OPT I-20 (the newest one with the OPT recommendation on page 2):

   1. Sign the I-20 at the bottom of page 1

   2. Do not send the original version of this I-20 (the actual I-20 you received from us), send a copy instead and keep the original.

   3. Include page 1 and 2 of your I-20. The third page with the regulatory information does not need to be included.

   4. USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of our OPT recommendation. This date can be found next to the OIA signature on page (this is NOT your travel signature date on page 3).

      • If you are approaching the 30-day deadline, visit the OIA during our walk-in hours

5. Copy of 1st / Oldest UChicago I-20. (recommended by OIA, but not required)

6. I-94 Documentation:

   • Visit CBP website to retrieve and print out a copy of your electronic Form I-94

   • If you entered the U.S. on or before April 29, 2013 and have not left the U.S. since then: Photocopy of your I-94 Departure Record card, front and back.

7. Screenshot from SEVIS of previously granted UChicago CPT (you will get this from OIA with your new I-20 if you have used CPT).

8. Copies (front and back) of all previous EAD(s) issued to you for F-1 OPT (color photocopy recommended). You do not need to include EAD copies from other statuses (e.g. J-2, H-1B, etc). Don't have copies anymore? See our Application FAQ (below) for guidance on how to meet this requirement.

9. Copy of the identity page(s) of your passport. This includes the page that has your photograph and biographical information (color photocopy recommended). You do not need to include a copy of your F-1 visa.

10. Recommended: Form G-1145, "E-Notification of Application/Acceptance," if you want to be notified electronically when your application is received. (If filing online, this form will not be needed).

STEP 3: Mail Your Application to USCIS or File Online

Once you have assembled your, you must submit it to USCIS, using this guidance:

• Double Check for Common RFE and rejection reasons 

• Make a copy or scan and save a copy of your completed I-765 before mailing it; keep the copy with your mailing receipt in your records.

• Double check your I-765 address!  Make sure:

  • The address on the I-765 will be valid at least 4-5 months into the future

  • If you are sending to friend or family member, their name must be on the address line of the I-765 (e.g. 'C/O Emily Friend, 1432 Friend Street).  If the name and address will not fit in the box, you can hand write the C/O information above or next to the address box. if your friend's name is not on the I-765, your packet will not be delivered to their address.

  • If you are sending to a friend or family member's address, make sure the return address on your envelope has both of your names on it (e.g. 'Emily Friend, Attn: You, 1432 Friend Street...).  This will help make sure the application is sent back to you correctly in the unlikely event the post office sends it back to you as 'undeliverable'.

• Make sure to apply in time! Your OPT application must be receipted by USCIS no later than the end of the grace period, not just received by mail.  It usually takes an additional 7-14 days for USCIS to provide a receipt after they receive your document by mail.

  • Your application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the OPT recommendation provided by OIA.  You can check the date located next to the adviser signature on page 1 (this is NOT your travel signature date on page 3).

• If you are approaching the 30-day time limit, contact OIA before sending your application.  We may need to cancel your original OPT request and add a new one before you send it.

• If mailing, we recommend secure mail with delivery confirmation/tracking, such as U.S. Postal Service Certified Mail. You can also use services such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL. 

• If you want to use a courier service (such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL), you must use the lockbox street address instead of the PO Box address.  You can find the correct Lockbox address on the USCIS website.  The destination is based on the address you are using on your I-765.

• The cost of mailing your OPT application will differ from the cost of mailing a standard letter. Visit the post office in person or check the USPS website to ensure you include sufficient postage on your package. Contact USPS or go to the post office if you have any questions about their services or mailing policies.

What Happens After You Apply

Application Receipt and USCIS Notification

By Mail: When you mail your application to USCIS, you are mailing it to a lockbox facility, which is a mail collection center and not the actual processing center.  After your application is received at the lockbox facility, it will be sent on to the appropriate processing center, which is in another state.

Your application will be receipted after it gets to the processing center. Because of this, there will be gap of usually 1-3 weeks in between your USPS delivery confirmation and you receiving a receipt from USCIS.

If your delivery confirmation said that your package was delivered, you can be assured that USCIS has received your application.

Online: You will just submit online and immediately receive a receipt number.

Ways to Tell if Your Application was Received:

• If you filed Form G-1145, you will receive an email or text from USCIS with confirmation that your application was received and a receipt number. This typically occurs 1-3 weeks after you mail your application.

• Within a month of mailing your application you will receive a Receipt Notice (I-797) from USCIS.

• If you paid the filing fee with a personal check, check your bank account to see if the check has been cashed.

• If filed online, you should receive a receipt number immediately.

Checking On the Status of Your Application

• Your I-797 Receipt Notice includes an receipt number (upper left-hand side) that begins with three letters (e.g. SRC, LIN, EAC, etc). You can use this receipt number to check the status of your application on the USCIS Case Status Search Page.

• Your cases status will say "pending" until it is approved. 

• If you receive an RFE, the case status will be updated to show that you were sent an additional notice explaining how you need to respond.  The reason for the RFE will not be listed on the online system and will only be sent as a paper copy through the mail.  Make sure to check your mail regularly for any notices about your case.

• If you have any issues with your receipt, application, or online portal, you can call USCIS National Customer Service hotline at 1-800-375-5283 and report the issue.

• If filed online, can check the status of your application by logging into your USCIS account.

Special Issues 

If you have application issues, please contact OIA for guidance. In some cases, OIA will be able to intervene with USCIS on your behalf.  However, in most cases you will need to contact USCIS yourself about any issues by calling the USCIS National Customer Service hotline at 1-800-375-5283 and report the issue.

Contact OIA if you: Need to cancel your OPT application, Need to change your OPT dates, Don’t graduate as planned, Receive an RFE or rejection, Need to update your mailing address on your I-765

Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 

You can find current estimated processing times for OPT applications here on the USCIS website.  Learn more about Premium Processing here. Once your application is approved, you will receive your EAD at the address listed on your I-765.  You can see example EADs below:

• USCIS will issue an EAD when your application has been approved.   The card will state the specific start date and end date for your OPT.

• You cannot legally begin working until you have the physical card and the start date has been reached!

• Your EAD will say 'Not Valid For Reentry to U.S' on it, as in the example above.  It is supposed to say this.  Visit our Travel FAQ for more information about what this means.

Common Application Issues

OPT is a benefit of F-1 status, similar to applying for a driver's license or Social Security Number.  As long as you follow all of the instructions exactly and apply within the correct timeframe, your application should be approved. We help students submit hundreds of OPT applications each year and see very few issues. However, we do see some routine application issues, which tend to fit in to one of the following:

1: Address Issues: Receiving Application After Approval

The most common issues we see with OPT applications is not with the application material but with address and mailing issues. Once your OPT has been approved, USCIS still needs to get it to you.  They are going to send it to the address listed on your I-765. 

• It crucial to use an accurate, reliable address that will be valid for 4-5 months into the future.

• If your home mail system tends not to be reliable, consider sending it to a trusted friend or family member. 

• If you are going to move 3-4 months after you submit your application, make sure to use a different address.

• If you are sending to a friend/family member and want them to send it to you abroad, remember that this increases the risk of the card being lost in the mail or mishandled.  We do not recommend this.

• OIA does not permit the use of our address for OPT application purposes

• Make sure to have the correct mailing address for your application.

Review our Application FAQs (below) and OPT mailing guidance (above) to learn more about selecting a valid address for your OPT application.

2: Requests for Evidence and Rejections

Requests for Evidence (RFE)

If USCIS has additional questions about your application materials or eligibility, they are likely to send a Request for Evidence (RFE). Though rare, RFEs are more common than rejections. RFEs stop the application timeline and can significantly delay your application.

Contact your OIA advisor as soon as possible and provide a copy of the RFE notice that you receive from USCIS. Usually, USCIS gives a response window of 1-2 months.  If you don't respond to the RFE within the timeline provided in the notice, your application will be denied.

OPT Application Rejections

It is extremely rare for applications to be rejected.  However, when they are, it is because the student is not eligible for OPT. 

The most common scenarios that cause rejections include: 

• Submit your application too early or too late (outside of the application window)

• OIA's OPT recommendation was more than 30 days before the date USCIS received your application. USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the OIA recommendation (check the print/signature date listed on page 1 of your I-20).

• You are not eligible for a different reason (such as you've already used OPT at a higher degree level in the past or you've already used all available OPT time for that degree level)

To forestall an RFE or avoid a rejection, make sure to follow all instructions listed on this website exactly.  Prepare ahead of time and re-read the application instructions in detail and make sure you submit your application with all required materials within the time frame allowed.

Review our Application FAQs below to learn more about common delay and rejection reasons and learn about the most common OPT issue.

Responsibilities While on F-1 OPT

While on OPT, you continue to be in F-1 status sponsored by the University of Chicago.  As such, the school continues to be responsible for your immigration record and you continue to have regulatory responsibilities. As before, you must keep OIA informed of any changes and are required by law to report your employment & update your address via the SEVP Student Portal.

Reporting Responsibilities

• All F-1 students on post-completion OPT are required to report the following information within 10 days of any new job or interruption of employment through the SEVP Student Portal (you should receive an email from SEVP directly to access the portal):

  • Legal/passport name

  • Physical address, e-mail, and U.S. phone number

  • Employer name/address

  • Dates on EAD card

  • Description of how your job is related to your degree,

  • Average number of hours/week

  • Any interruption of employment/ending a job

  • Accruing more than 90 days of unemployment

• IMPORTANT: You must meet these OPT reporting requirements in order to keep your F-1 status and OPT active.  Make sure to report any changes via the SEVP Student Portal within 10 days. 

• If it has been more than 10 days since your employment began, you will need to use OIA's F-1 OPT Update Form so we can report the employment on your behalf. 

• USICIS keeps track of your unemployment days based off of the OPT update forms you submit.  If you fail to submit updates or if you accrue more than 90 days of unemployment, the SEVIS system will terminate your F-1 record, which will end your OPT and your legal presence in the U.S..

• If you change your status, provide evidence (e.g. approval notice, I-94 card, entry stamp, green card) of the new status to OIA so that we can clean up your F-1 SEVIS record appropriately. This can be done by submitting OIA's F-1 OPT Update Form.

• If you leave the country before your period of OPT authorization has completed, please provide documentation of your departure so OIA can update your SEVIS record appropriately. This can be done by submitting OIA's F-1 OPT Update Form.

• SEVP Portal Reset Request: Students on active OPT or STEM OPT who are unable to access their SEVP Portal because they did not receive their login information from SEVP, or have been locked out of their account, may use this form to request "DSO" assistance in resetting their SEVP Portal in SEVIS.

Transferring SEVIS Record to a New School

If you plan to start a new program either during or after completion of OPT, you can have your SEVIS record transferred.  This can be done up to the end of the 60 day grace period following your OPT end date.
If you transfer your SEVIS record while on OPT, you will lose work authorization the day that your record is transferred, regardless of the end date indicated on your EAD Card.
Additional SEVIS Transfer information and instructions can be found on our website.

Travel on Post-Completion OPT

OPT is a continuation of your F-1 status and is not a new status.  While on OPT, you continue to be sponsored by the University and remain subject to F-1 travel regulations.  A few important things to keep in mind:

Travel While OPT is PENDING

• Before Program End Date: You can travel normally as an F-1 student. NOTE: Contact employer for travel information if you are applying for H-1B or another immigration status.

• After Program End Date:  travel abroad after your program end-date will depend on whether you have received your EAD card or not:

  • If you plan to travel abroad after your program end-date, and before your OPT start-date, and your OPT has been approved and you have your EAD card: travel with your OPT I-20, valid passport, valid F-1 visa stamp, and EAD card. If you have a job offer, you may also carry it as well, although it is not necessary.

  • If you plan to travel abroad after your program end-date, and before your OPT start-date, and your OPT has NOT been approved yet (still pending) and you do not have your EAD card: you may still travel, but you should plan to remain outside of the U.S. until such time your OPT application has been approved and your EAD card can be sent to you abroad.

    • Attempting to re-enter the U.S. without your EAD card can result in your denied entry. 

    • If you attempt to re-enter as a tourist (ESTA or on a B1/B2 visa) while your OPT application is pending, your application will likely be rejected due to your change of status from F-1 to tourist/visitor (B or ESTA).

  • All documentation about your application, including any Request for Evidence (RFE), will be sent to your U.S. address.  If you are not in the U.S. to receive it, providing the documents requested in the RFE might be problematic.

  • If your OPT application is rejected (this is unlikely) and it is past your I-20 end date, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. to submit a new petition.

  • For more information, visit the Immigration  & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Travel FAQs 

• Travel through Chicago airports whenever possible

• You can remain in the U.S. if your F-1 visa has expired.  If you plan to travel in and out of the U.S. while on OPT, you must have a valid F-1 visa.

• If your F-1 visa will expire before you re-enter, you must apply for a new visa at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy abroad PRIOR to your return. 

Questions? See our OPT Travel FAQs below for more information.     

• F-1 Visa Application: As OPT is a continuation of your F-1 status, OPT makes you eligible for apply for a new F-1 visa.  Although visa approvals are always up to the individual officers, the fact that you are on OPT will not negatively impact a F-1 visa application by itself. As with any F-1 visa application, you must be able to demonstrate non-immigrant intent and that you plan to return to your home country after OPT ends.

• EAD: Your EAD will say 'Not Valid For Reentry to U.S' on it. It is supposed to say this. 

   

F-2 Dependent Travel

In addition to their own Form I-20 – with updated travel signature, valid passport and valid F-2 visa, F-2 dependents should keep copies of the following F-1 documents for travel:

• F-1 Form I-20
• F-1 Visa
• F-1 Passport identification page(s)
• F-1 I-94 Departure record, if available
• EAD   

STEM Extension

This is a post-completion OPT extension for which students holding USCIS-approved degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math degrees are eligible to apply. See our STEM page for more information on the STEM Extension. 

Questions? See our STEM FAQs for more information.

H-1B Cap Gap Extension

General Information

The "H-1B cap-gap" refers to the period of time between the end of a student's F-1 status (end of OPT or grace period) and the beginning of the student's H-1B status. The Cap Gap only applies for students submitting a Change of Status petition (not consular processing) for cap-subject employers.  

If a student has an H-1B application pending with or approved by USCIS, the cap gap extension rule automatically extends an eligible F-1 student's authorized period of stay in the U.S. during this "gap" period until the H-1B status becomes active (October 1).

This extension will extend your:

• Duration of status:
  

  • If your OPT expired prior to April 1, [current year], or if you are in your 60-day grace period, this extension will allow you to remain in the U.S. provided you maintain your status.  You are not permitted to work under any circumstances until your H-1B petition has been approved by USCIS and your H-1B status is in effect (October 1).

• Current period of OPT:
  

  • If your approved OPT work authorization ends April 1, [current year] or later, your work authorization will be extended from the date it expired until September 30th, the day before your H-1B status becomes active. The Cap Gap extension will be notated on your I-20.

Eligibility

This extension is available to F-1 students whose OPT was approved or who:

• Have an OPT end date on or after April 1 [current year] and

• Have a pending or approved Change of Status H-1B petition (I-539) with USCIS.  and

• The H-1B petition was filed in a timely manner with USCIS, according to the acceptance period, and

• The employer is subject to the H-1B cap  (is not exempt from the cap)

H-1B Extension Timeline

Cap Gap Application process
It is important that you work closely with your OIA adviser during this process. The Cap Gap extension should automatically be added to your SEVIS record once USCIS receipts the H-1B application. You will need to contact OIA to request that we print the Cap Gap Extension I-20.  

Denial of H-1B Petition by USCIS
If a pending H-1B petition is denied, rejected or revoked, the extension of status or work authorization will be terminated immediately.  The standard 60-day grace period will apply from the date the H-1B petition was denied, rejected or revoked.  You must stop working immediately upon receiving notice that your petition was denied, rejected or revoked. You will then have 60 days to leave the U.S.

Traveling while on Cap-Gap Extension
If you are on a cap-gap extension of OPT, you will not be able to travel during the cap gap extension period. Requirements for travel while on OPT include having an unexpired EAD. You will not receive a new EAD for your cap gap extension. Because your EAD will have expired, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. if you travel abroad. If you must travel abroad, please speak with your OIA adviser for more detailed advice. 

If you are on a cap-gap extension of STEM OPT, you will be able to travel during the cap-gap extension period, after the H1-B petition is approved and with the required documents listed here.

Questions? See our H-1B Cap Gap FAQs for more information.

Upcoming OPT Workshops:

In the OPT Workshops we provide an overview of the OPT application process, expectations for reporting while on OPT, timelines, reminders, etc. Workshops will take place via Zoom.

Unable to attend? View the OPT Workshop Powerpoint.

OPT Drop-In Sessions

Meet with an OIA Adviser on Zoom to review your OPT application! Similar to Quick Question Advising, students will be admitted from the waiting room in the order in which they entered. These sessions are meant for students who would like an adviser to look over their online I-765 before they submit it to USCIS.

If there are no upcoming sessions, please review these online OPT filing instructions and reach out to your OIA adviser if you have any questions.

For general OPT questions, we recommend you reach out to your OIA adviser or attend an OPT workshop. Additional workshops will be scheduled in Autumn 2024.