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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).

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: 
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. OIE will review your documents within 10 business days and send you feedback if corrections are needed
    1. OIE will send you an OPT I-20
  4. Once your application documents are perfected, submit the online OPT application to USCIS
    1. DO NOT START THIS PROCESS UNTIL YOU RECEIVE YOUR OPT I-20 OR YOU WILL BE DENIED