F-1 international students who wish to work in the United States after completing their academic program at CMC must apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) before beginning employment.
OPT authorization must be granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and students may only begin working after receiving their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) (Form I-766).
A job offer is not required to apply for OPT.
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization for eligible F-1 students to gain work experience directly related to their major field of study.
OPT may be used during or after the completion of a degree program.
Students may apply for up to 12 months of OPT per degree level.
Students with a degree in a qualifying STEM field may be eligible for a 24-month extension. A new application is required for the extension.
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible to apply for OPT if you meet the following conditions:
You have maintained valid F-1 status for at least one academic year.
You have not engaged in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at your current degree level.
You intend to work in a position directly related to your major field of study.
Types of Employment Permitted on OPT
Work must be directly related to your major.
Post-completion OPT employment must be at least 20 hours per week.
Employment may be paid or unpaid.
You may not exceed 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT authorization period.
Note: Unauthorized employment is a violation of U.S. federal law and may result in the loss of F-1 status.
When to Apply
You may submit your OPT application:
As early as 90 days before your program end date (as listed on your Form I-20), and
No later than 60 days after your program end date.
Since USCIS processing may take up to 60 days or more, students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Application Process
Step 1: Request OPT Recommendation
Choose your desired OPT start date.
Submit the Statement of Agreement and OPT Request Form to your Designated School Official (DSO).
Step 2: Receive Updated Form I-20
The DSO will issue a new Form I-20 with an OPT recommendation. Important: you must file your Form I-765 within 30 days of the recommended I-20 has been issued.
Do not file Form I-765 until your SEVIS record has been updated with the OPT recommendation and you have received the updated Form I-20.
Step 3: Prepare Required Documentation
Photocopy of passport ID page(s)
Printed copy of Form I-94
Form I-20 with OPT recommendation
Photocopies of all previous Forms I-20 with CPT authorizations
Two passport-style photos (Click here for photo requirements and specifications)
Form I-765 filing fee ($470)
Photocopy of any previous Employment Authorization Documents (Form I-766), if applicable
Step 4: Submit Form I-765 to USCIS
Create an online account at myaccount.uscis.gov
File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, online
You may request your application to be reviewed by Taivna Mills (PDSO) prior to submission
After You Apply
1. Receipt Notice (Form I-797)
USCIS will issue and mail a receipt notice (Form I-797) confirming your application was received. This notice can also be retrieved in your USCIS portal.
The notice includes a case number to check your application status at USCIS Case Status.
If additional documents are needed, USCIS will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE).
2. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Once your application is approved, you will receive your EAD card by mail.
You may begin employment only after receiving your EAD and reaching your approved start date.
3. Reporting Requirements
You must report your employer’s information to your DSO by email or via the SEVP Portal.
You must report any changes in employment or address
Failure to report employment may result in a loss of F-1 status.
Maintaining F-1 Status While on OPT
To maintain valid F-1 status during OPT, you must:
Ensure that your SEVIS record and SEVP Portal information are accurate.
Report all employment and personal information changes within 10 days to the DSO or through the SEVP Portal.
Required Updates
Report the following to your DSO or via the SEVP Portal:
Change in employer name or address
Change in physical or mailing address
Change in phone number or email
Change in legal name
Employment Information to Report
Explanation of how the job relates to your major
Employer name and address
Start and end dates of employment
Full-time or part-time status
Optional: Job title, supervisor name, and contact information
Email updates to your DSO at [email protected] or use the SEVP Portal.
Travel During OPT
If traveling internationally while on OPT, be sure to carry:
Valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your return date)
Valid F-1 visa
Form I-20 with a travel signature (valid for 6 months)
EAD card
Proof of employment or job offer in the U.S.
Note: Traveling before receiving your EAD card may result in being denied re-entry to the U.S. Travel is not recommended until after your EAD has been issued.
After OPT Ends
You are granted a 60-day grace period following the end of your OPT authorization. During this period, you may:
Remain in the U.S. (without working)
Transfer your SEVIS record to another SEVP-certified school
Apply for a change of immigration status
Prepare for permanent departure from the U.S.
Important: If you exceed the maximum unemployment limit (90 days), the grace period does not apply.
24-Month STEM OPT Extension
If your degree is in a STEM-eligible field, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your OPT. To be eligible, you must:
Be currently on valid post-completion OPT
Hold a degree listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List
Work for an employer enrolled in E-Verify
Apply before your current EAD expires
For details and application instructions, visit:
STEM OPT Extension – USCIS
Questions?
For assistance with OPT, contact:
Taivna Mills (PDSO)
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization for eligible F-1 students to work in a role related to their major.
What is the difference between pre-completion and post-completion OPT?
Pre-completion OPT: Employment before your program end date.
Post-completion OPT: Employment after your program end date.
When can I apply for post-completion OPT?
Up to 90 days before your program end date, and no later than 60 days after.
How long can I work on OPT?
Up to 12 months per academic level. If you pursue a higher degree, you may be eligible for a new 12-month period.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
No. However, after your OPT begins, you may not be unemployed for more than 90 days.
Can I work multiple jobs?
Yes, as long as all jobs are directly related to your major and properly reported.
Do I need to report my employment?
Yes. You must report any new employment, changes in employment, or periods of unemployment within 10 days.
Can I apply for the STEM extension later?
Yes, if you meet eligibility requirements. You must apply before your current OPT ends.