International Programs

International Student & Scholar Services

International Programs

F-1 OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) INFORMATION

F-1 OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (Standard, NON-STEM)

General Information

Optional Practical Training for F-1 students is intended to provide hands-on practical work experience complementary to the academic program.  An F-1 student is normally eligible for a MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS.  However, if a student begins a new academic program at a higher level (e.g., master’s after bachelor’s degree, or PhD after master’s), the student is eligible for an additional 12 months of OPT.

NOTE: Certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree holders may be eligible for an additional 17 months of OPT time in addition to the regular 12-month OPT.  Please refer to F-1 Optional Practical Training STEM Extension.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Optional Practical Training, you must:

  • have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year;
  • currently be maintaining a full-time program of study and valid F-1 status; and
  • work in a job directly related to your major field of study.

Please note that students in English language training programs are not eligible for practical training.  If you are uncertain whether you meet the eligibility requirements, please meet with an advisor in the Office of International Programs, International Student and Scholar Services (OIP-ISSS).

Types of OPT

OPT is available in the following cases:

  • part-time or full-time during the student's annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session, if the student intends to register for the following semester
  • part-time while school is in session
  • part-time or full-time after completion of graduate course work requirements excluding a thesis or dissertation
  • full-time after completion of the course of study

Reporting Requirements While on OPT

Students on OPT are required to report to OIP-ISSS any change of name or address, or any interruption of such employment within 10 days. Such reporting should be done via e-mail to oipadm@pobox.upenn.edu.

Limited Periods of Unemployment to Maintain Status

During post-completion OPT; F-1 status is dependent upon employment.  Students may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment during any authorized period of standard post-completion OPT.

OPT Filing Window

For pre-completion OPT, students may file their OPT application with USCIS up to 90 days before being enrolled full-time for one academic year or 90 days prior to the requested employment start date for students who have already met the academic year requirement. 

For post-completion OPT, students may file with USCIS up to 90 days before the program completion date.  The OPT application must be received by mail and accepted for processing by USCIS no later than 60 days after the program completion date.  

The application must also be received by the USCIS within 30 days of the date on which OIP-ISSS issues an OPT I-20.  Processing times for OPT applications can be found on the USCIS website.  In general, expect that the OPT application will take three months to be approved.

Selecting OPT Dates

Pre-Completion
List the dates you actually intend to work. Your start date should be the earliest date that you could possibly begin work. Your end date should be the latest day that you could possibly work.


Post-Completion
If you are applying for post-completion OPT, the beginning date must be within 60 days of the completion date of your studies. 

For PhD Students: You may request your post-completion OPT to begin once you are in dissertation status or wait until the 60 day period that follows the end of the term during which you have defended and submitted your dissertation.  PhD students are encouraged to discuss their dates for OPT with an OIP-ISSS advisor.

Duration of OPT Employment Authorization

Employment authorization is normally granted to begin on the date requested or the date the employment authorization is adjudicated, whichever is later, and is authorized until the end date requested.

Application Process

Step One
Request an I-20 recommending OPT from OIP-ISSS. You may request an OPT I-20 by seeing an OIP-ISSS advisor with the following items, or by dropping off the following at the OIP-ISSS reception desk:

  • OPT Recommendation & Request (completed by you and your academic advisor)
  • Photocopy of pages 1 and 3 of all previous and current I-20(s)
  • Photocopy of passport (photocopy of photo page, renewal page if original has expired, and pages showing amendments such as name changes, corrections etc.)
  • Photocopy of current Form I-94 (front and back)
  • Photocopy of any previously issued employment authorization documents (EAD cards)
  • If you have been in F-1 status for less than one academic year, copies of documents indicating your previous status in the US

NOTE: OIP-ISSS is not responsible for making copies.

After reviewing the material listed above, an OIP-ISSS advisor will prepare an I-20, recommending OPT on Page 3.

Step Two
Pick up the OPT I-20 at the OIP-ISSS reception desk after three business days.

Step Three
Mail the following items to the USCIS Service Center which has jurisdiction over the address listed on Form I-765:

  • Completed Form I-765 – type or print legibly
    • For pre-completion OPT, enter “c 3 A” under Item 16.
    • For post-completion OPT, enter “c 3 B” under Item 16.
  • I-765 Application Fee, payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Photocopy of pages 1 and 3 of all previous and current I-20s, including a copy of the new OPT I-20
  • Photocopy of current Form I-94 (front and back)
  • Photocopy of passport (photocopy of photo page, renewal page if original has expired, and pages showing amendments such as name changes, corrections etc.)
  • Photocopy of visa page (if applicable)
  • Two US passport-style photos (Photograph instructions are found on the Form I-765 instructions under Required Documentation.  Also, lightly print your name on the back of each photo with a pencil.)
  • Copy of any previously issued employment authorization documents (EAD cards)

IMPORTANT:      

  • Check all documents for completeness and accuracy.  
  • Be sure to sign Forms I-20 and I-765.
  • Make a complete copy of your application for your records. OIP-ISSS does not maintain copies of OPT applications.

The Vermont Service Center has jurisdiction over the following states and territories: Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia. If the state you put on form I-765 in item 3 is not in this list, refer to the I-765 Instructions under the mailing instructions for F-1 OPT applications.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street Saint Albans, Vermont 05479-0001
Phone: 800-375-5283


We recommend that you mail your application by express mail such as Federal Express or UPS, or by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, so you will have a record of its delivery.

F-1 OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING STEM EXTENSION

General Information

This information is for certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree holders who are about to finish their regular 12 months of OPT and wish to request additional 17 months of OPT, for a total of 29 months.

Eligibility Requirements

  • You must have successfully completed a bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral degree in a field on the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM Designated Degree Programs list, as specified on your current I-20.

  • You must be currently participating in a 12-month period of OPT, working for a US employer in a job directly related to your STEM major area of study.

  • You must have a job offer from an employer registered with the E-Verify employment verification system at the time of application for the 17-month OPT extension.  It is your responsibility to ensure your employer is registered with E-Verify.

  • You must have not previously received a 17-month OPT extension after earning a STEM degree.

  • The Designated School Official (DSO) at International Student and Scholar Services (OIP-ISSS) must recommend the 17-month OPT extension in SEVIS, after verifying your eligibility, certifying that your degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, and ensuring that you are aware of your responsibilities for maintaining status while on OPT.

  • If you timely file a non-frivolous application for the 17-month OPT extension, you will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending, until a final decision on the I-765 or for 180 days, whichever comes first.

Employer’s Responsibility

The employer must agree to report the termination or departure of a STEM OPT employee to OIP-ISSS at the University of Pennsylvania via email with the subject line, “STEM OPT Employer Update” or through any other means or process identified by DHS if the termination or departure is prior to the end of the authorized period of OPT.  Such reporting must be made within 48 hours of the event.  An employer shall consider a worker to have departed when the employer knows the student has left the employment, or if the student has not reported for work for a period of 5 consecutive business days without the consent of the employer, whichever occurs earlier.

Reporting Requirements While on OPT

STEM degree holders on the 17-month OPT extension are required to report to OIP-ISSS within 10 days of any change of:

  • legal name
  • residential or mailing address
  • employer name
  • employer address
  • change or loss of employment

Students are also required to make a validation report to OIP-ISSS every six months starting from the date the extension begins and ending when the student's F-1 status ends, the student changes educational levels at the same school, the student transfers to another school, or the 17-month OPT extension ends, whichever is first. The validation is a confirmation that the student's name and address, employer name and address, and/or loss of employment are current and accurate. This six-month validation report is due to OIP-ISSS within 10 business days of each reporting date.  Changes and validation reports should be made via email to oipadm@pobox.upenn.edu.

Limited Periods of Unemployment to Maintain Status

During post-completion OPT; F-1 status is dependent upon employment.  STEM degree holders granted a 17-month OPT extension may not accrue an aggregate of more than 120 days of unemployment during the total 29-month OPT period.  

OPT Filing Window

A qualifying STEM degree holder may file the OPT application up to 120 days before the current OPT end date.  However, the OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the date on which OIP-ISSS issues an OPT I-20.  Processing times for OPT applications can be found on the USCIS website.  In general, an OPT application will take three months to be approved. However, a student’s work authorization is extended for up to 180 days while the STEM extension application is pending.

Duration of OPT Employment Authorization

The employment authorization period for the 17-month OPT extension begins on the day after the expiration of the initial post-completion OPT employment authorization, and ends 17 months later, regardless of the date the actual extension is approved.  For the 17-month STEM extension, the employee must be paid as a regular employee (e.g., not as a contractor).

Application Process

Step One
Request an I-20 recommending OPT from OIP-ISSS. You may request an OPT I-20 by meeting with an OIP-ISSS advisor with the following items, or by dropping off the following at the OIP-ISSS reception desk:

  • OPT STEM Extension Request Form
  • Photocopy of pages 1 and 3 of all previous and current I-20(s)
  • Photocopy of passport (photocopy of photo page, renewal page if original has expired, and pages showing amendments such as name changes, corrections etc.)
  • Photocopy of current Form I-94 (front and back)
  • Photocopy of current OPT/EAD card if you have not already provided one to OIP-ISSS

NOTE: OIP-ISSS is not responsible for making copies.

If you are no longer in the Philadelphia area, you may scan and email (oipadm@pobox.upenn.edu), or fax (215-573-9587) your OPT STEM Extension Request to OIP-ISSS. Please put “ATTN: OPT STEM Extension” on the subject line of your email or on the fax cover sheet.

Upon verifying your eligibility and determining that your degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, an OIP-ISSS advisor will prepare an I-20 recommending OPT on the employment page.

Step Two
Pick up the OPT I-20 at the OIP-ISSS reception desk after three business days or, if you are not in the area, arrange to have it mailed to you.

Step Three
Mail the following items to the USCIS Service Center which has jurisdiction over the address listed on Form I-765:

  • Completed Form I-765 including your employer’s E-Verify information
    • For post-completion OPT, enter “c 3 C” under Item 16.
    • Type or print legibly.

  • I-765 Application Fee, payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • Photocopy of the qualifying STEM degree transcripts or diploma (if it states the major)
  • Photocopy of pages 1 and 3 of all previous and current I-20(s), including a photocopy of the new OPT I-20
  • Photocopy of current Form I-94 (front and back)
  • Photocopy of passport (photocopy of photo page, renewal page if original has expired, and pages showing amendments such as name changes, corrections etc.)
  • Photocopy of visa page (if applicable)
  • Two US passport-style photos (Photograph instructions are found on the Form I-765 instructions under Required Documentation.  Also, lightly print your name on the back of each photo with a pencil.)
  • Photocopy of any previously issued employment authorization documents (EAD cards)

IMPORTANT:      

  • Check all documents for completeness and accuracy.  
  • Be sure to sign Forms I-20 and I-765.
  • Make a complete copy of your application for your records. OIP-ISSS does not maintain copies of OPT applications.

The Vermont Service Center has jurisdiction over the following states and territories: Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, and West Virginia.  If the state you put on form I-765 in item 3 is not in this list, refer to the mailing instructions for F-1 OPT applications in the I-765 Instructions.

US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street Saint Albans, Vermont 05479-0001
Phone: 800-375-5283


We recommend that you mail your application by express mail such as Federal Express or UPS, or by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested, so you will have a record of its delivery.

SPECIAL NOTES

  • For post-completion Optional Practical Training (non-STEM), we may shorten the program end date on your I-20 if deemed appropriate.

  • If you later decide not to mail your OPT application (Form I-765 plus supporting documentation) to USCIS for any reason, you must notify an OIP-ISSS advisor immediately so that we may timely cancel your OPT recommendation in SEVIS.  Failure to inform an OIP-ISSS advisor that you are not applying for OPT can cause problems in the future.

  • Please email (oipadm@pobox.upenn.edu) or fax (215-573-9587) a copy of your OPT card to OIP-ISSS immediately upon receipt.

  • Please keep in mind that OIP-ISSS will not authorize CPT after post-completion OPT has been recommended. Thus, if there is any possibility for CPT in your last semester, please plan accordingly.

  • While OPT is pending, we strongly advise you against changing the address listed on Form 1-765 as USClS has not been able to process change of address notifications properly.  Changing your address while OPT is still pending may result in your being required to file a new OPT application with a new fee if your documents are lost. We suggest that you use the address of someone who can receive mail on your behalf – remember to put “c/o”, followed by the person’s name and address, on Line 3 of Form I-765. The US Postal Service will not forward USCIS mail.

  • If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), please consult an OIP-ISSS advisor immediately.

  • Your OPT will be automatically terminated when you begin study at another educational level or transfer to another school.
  • If you find any errors by USCIS on your OPT EAD card, please inform OIP-ISSS immediately.
  • Immediately inform OIP-ISSS of any immigration status change.

Travel on OPT

It is prudent to consult an OIP-ISSS advisor prior to leaving the US as immigration regulations can change at any time.  Currently the following are required to return to the US:

Post-Completion OPT

  • A valid passport
  • A valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport (except Canadian and Bermudian citizens)
  • Your OPT I-20 endorsed for reentry by an OIP-ISSS advisor within the last six months
  • Your valid EAD for OPT
  • Evidence of employment such as a job offer or employment verification letter

If you do not have all of these documents listed above or plan to leave the US while your OPT application is pending with USCIS, you should consult an OIP-ISSS advisor before traveling abroad. For more information, see: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel/faq_f2.htm.

Please note: Your EAD will have a notation “not valid for reentry to US.” This is printed on all EAD cards issued for OPT and simply means that the card alone is not sufficient for reentry to the US.


Pre-Completion OPT
You can travel and return to the US with a valid passport, valid F-1 visa stamp, and your OPT I-20 endorsed by an OIP-ISSS advisor within the last twelve months. You do not need evidence of a job or a valid EAD issued by USCIS to return to the US.

H-1B CAP-GAP EXTENSION

Duration of F-1 status and work authorization will be extended for a student on OPT who is the beneficiary of a timely-filed, non-frivolous H-1B petition requesting a change of nonimmigrant status with an employment start date of October 1 of the following federal fiscal year (October thru September). The extension of duration of status and work authorization will automatically terminate upon the rejection, denial, or revocation of the H-1B petition filed on the student's behalf.

To request an updated I-20 for cap-gap extension, please provide the following evidence to OIP-ISSS via fax at 215-573-9587 along with a cover sheet stating, "Cap-Gap Extension I-20 Request":

  • Copy of current I-94 card, front and back
  • Copy of EAD card
  • For a receipted or approved H-1B petition: A copy of the Form I-797
  • For a wait-listed H-1B petition: A copy of the wait list letter from USCIS to the employer
  • For a properly filed H-1B petition: A statement from the employer that the student is the beneficiary listed on a properly filed H-1B petition and proof of delivery to a USCIS Service Center showing the date of receipt

Students on cap-gap extensions must also continue to report all changes of name and address, and interruptions of employment. 

More information at SEVIS Policy Guidance

Request Forms

 
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