Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to experience real-world work related to their field of study.
For students engaged in post-secondary education or at conservatories. Twelve months of regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. (For example, a student may have 12 months for a bachelor’s degree and another 12 months for a master’s degree).
In order to apply for OPT, you must
Application Process:
For students engaged in post-secondary education or at conservatories. Twelve months of regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. (For example, a student may have 12 months for a bachelor’s degree and another 12 months for a master’s degree).
Eligibility
In order to apply for OPT, you must
- have been enrolled full-time for one academic year (spring and fall)
- not be taking Intensive English (IEP) courses
- have not been participating in full-time CPT for more than 365 days
Application timeline
- You may apply for OPT as early as 90 days before the program end date on your I-20
- The OIE recommends you apply as soon as you are able to as it usually takes USCIS 3-5 months to review your application
- The last day you can apply for OPT is 60 days after the program end date on your I-20
Application Process:
- Participate in the most recent OPT workshop or watch the recording of it
- You can watch the recording of the Spring 2025 OPT workshop here (link only valid until Thursday, May 29, 2025)
- Participation in the workshop or watching the recording is mandatory
- Start the OPT Document Review Request
- Deadline for May 2025 graduates: June 1
- Upload every required documents for the OIE to review
- When you have completed the Document Review Request, email oisa@emporia.edu
- OIE will review your documents within 10 business days and send you feedback if corrections are needed
- OIE will send you an OPT I-20
- Once your application documents are perfected, submit the online OPT application to USCIS
- DO NOT START THIS PROCESS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR OPT I-20 OR YOU WILL BE DENIED