Optical Practical Training (OPT) lets F-1 students work while temporarily studying abroad in the U.S. The program gives F-1 students up to twelve months of employment either during their studies or immediately afterward. Any time F-1 holders spend employed through OPT before finishing their studies rolls over to the period afterward. So if student spends two months working under the OPT program attending university, they’ll still have seven months left after the finish their studies.

The Dos

Completing the following tasks helps OPT applicants in the filing process:

• Applying Early: Filing opens 90 days before the current program ends and no later than 60 days after it.
• USCIS must receive OPT application within 30 days of the Designated School Official (DSO)’s OPT recommendation in the Student & Exchange Visitor
  Information System (SEVIS).
• Check all forms carefully before submitting.
• Use the latest Form I-765 from the USCIS website or file online.
• Make sure the Form I-20 has an OPT recommendation on page 2 and is signed by both the applicant and their DSO.
• Information displayed on Form I-765, Form I-20, passport, and Form I-94 remains consistent.
• Submitting an address that lets applicants safely pick up their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
• Saving a complete copy of the application packet and all receipts or emails from USCIS.
• Tracking the application’s progress after submission.
• Reporting any DSO changes via SEVP less than ten days after OPT approval.
• Only starting work on the date specified in the OPT application or after receiving an EAD card.

The Don’ts

When filing, OPT applicants shouldn’t:

• File Too Late: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) automatically denies any applications submitted after the 60-day deadline.
• Work before their EAD starts or without having their EAD card on hand.
• Use a temporary mailing address. USCIS mail isn’t forwardable.
• Exceed 90 days of unemployment, after which USCIS terminates their SEVP information.
• Ignore DSO or SEVP portal updates.
• Withold any employment or address changes.
• Withold any changes in their travel or job information.

OPT beneficiaries caught violating any of these statutes lose their status.

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