OPT Application Guidline

OPT eligibility 

An active F-1 student is eligible for OPT if:

  • The student has been a full-time student for one academic year in an SEVP-certified school.
  • The student is not studying English as a Second Language.
  • The student’s proposed employment relates to the student’s major area of study. For more information see SEVP Policy Guidance: Practical Training – Determining a Direct Relationship between Employment and a Student’s Major Area of Study.
  • The student has not used all optional practical training available at the current level of study.
  • The student has not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
  • Full-time CPT at a previous school at the same program level counts toward the CPT 12month total affecting OPT. CPT at another program level does not affect OPT.
  • The length of part-time CPT won't impact student's OPT eligibility.

Before Applying for OPT 

  • Please confirm your graduation session. In order to successfully apply for OPT, you will need to confirm the following with your Student Services/Academic Advisor:  1) whether there are any courses you need to retake, 2) whether you have met the GPA requirements to graduate, 3) whether you have met the PLE requirements to graduate, and 4) when you will graduate.
  • If your graduation session differs from the program end date on your I-20, please email your International Affairs advisor to update the program end date update.
  • Please make sure that you have met the OPT eligibility and the following criteria:
    *You are in lawful and active F-1 status.
    *You have confirmed that you are graduating at the specific time because the dates cannot be changed after the application is submitted.
    *You have/or will have completed and passed the courses by the program end date on your Form I-20.

OPT Application Stages

  • Stage 1: Student Request OPT Recommendation I-20 from the University (I-20 valid for 30 days).
  • Stage 2: Student files application with USCIS  (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services).
  • Stage 3: If approved, student starts working and report employment on SEVP portal.

Post Completion OPT Application Process

  • All forms and documents are accessible via Westcliff Email Account. As soon as you complete the form, you will be in the queue for processing.
  • Submit this Post Completion OPT I-20 Request form 90 days before your program end date listed on your I-20.
  • Step 1: Check the OPT Checklist in the attachment. 
  • Step 2: Submit the Post-Completion OPT Recommendation I-20 Request Form.
  • Step 3: Submit your I-765 application to the USCIS.
    • If you receive an RFE (Request for Evidence) from the USCIS, please submit the RFE form here.
  • Step 4: Activate your SEVP portal.
    • You should have received an email from SEVP to help set it up within the first week of your start date on EAD. If you have not yet received it, for assistance with creating a SEVP portal, please refer to the following informational website: Create a SEVP OPT Portal Account.
    • Register your OPT employer within 90 days of your OPT approval start date.
    • Update your employment using SEVP Portal.

OPT Application Timeline

  • Students can submit this form as early as 90 days prior to their program completion date, but no later than 50 days after their program completion date. 
  • The processing time for this form is 7-10 business days. 
  • The USCIS must receive your application before the 59th day after the program end date.  

OPT Recommendation I-20 validity

OPT Recommendation I-20 is valid for 30 days. You must submit your application with USCIS within 30 days of the issued date. Failure to submit within 30 days will result in the denial of your Post-Completion OPT application. Please submit this form again if your OPT Recommendation I-20 is expired before your filing the Form I-765 with USCIS.

Was this helpful?
0 reviews
Print Article