Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit given to F-1 students who are completing a Bachelor's or graduate degree in the United States. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity to gain employment experience in a student’s field of study. OPT is adjudicated (approved) by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
How to Submit an OPT Application:
Complete the OPT Online Workshop
F-1 international students interested in applying for OPT must complete the OPT Online Workshop. It includes important details about eligibility requirements, application timeline, reporting requirements and other pertinent topics related to OPT. All necessary forms for the OPT application are available at the end of the online workshop.
OPT Hand-in Sessions
After completing the online workshop and all the necessary forms, students must attend a hand-in session to submit the OPT application to OIS. Please note that these sessions are not informational sessions. They are reserved for those students who have completed the online workshop and who are ready to submit their completed application materials.
Hand-in sessions are held EVERY WEDNESDAY until 3 weeks before the end of each semester. Please note that OPT applications should be submitted to OIS no less than 3 weeks before graduation.
The details of date, time and location of OPT hand-in sessions OIS for each semester are available on the OIS Calendar of Events.
OPT Take-in Appointment
Students who are unable to attend group hand-in sessions on Wednesdays should call the OIS front desk at (213) 740-2666 to schedule an OPT take-in appointment with an advisor.
90 Day Unemployment Rule
Regulations limit the time of unemployment a student can accrue during OPT to a maximum of 90 days. Please review this guide for further details.