• You must be in good academic standing and making full-time progress toward degree completion.
• You must not have used more than 12 months of OPT in the past at your current degree level.
• You do NOT need to have a job offer in order to apply for OPT, although once you are approved for OPT, the time is deducted from your 12 months regardless of whether you actually work.

Application Deadlines

If you have been a full-time student in F-1 status for MORE than one academic year, you may apply for pre-completion OPT up to 120 days before your desired OPT beginning date.

If you have been a full-time student in F-1 status for LESS than one academic year, you may apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before you have completed one academic year. However, your OPT cannot begin until you have completed the full academic year.

OPT requires an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). USCIS may take up to 3 months to process an application for OPT. Please plan accordingly - we recommend that you apply as early as possible.

Application Procedure

Applying for pre-completion Optional Practical Training is a three-step process: (1) you must first obtain a letter from your academic advisor; (2) come to the OISS for an OPT recommendation; and (3) submit your application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

(1) Download an OISS F-1 OPT Recommendation Form (PDF). Complete the form and have it signed by your academic advisor, dean, department chair or program coordinator. Your department must endorse your request for OPT by signing and completing the form; or by issuing a separate letter that states the following:

• That you are in good academic standing and are making satisfactory progress toward degree completion
• The anticipated date you will complete all of your degree requirements
• That the proposed employment is or will be related to your field of study

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