REMINDER:
Do NOT submit your I-765 to USCIS without receiving your OPT recommended I-20 from ISS.
Submitting your I-765 without OPT recommended I-20 will result in your OPT being denied by USCIS.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for students on F-1 visas. It allows students to work off-campus in a job directly related to their major field of study. The purpose of OPT is for students to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the classroom to practical work experience in the U.S.
OPT is generally available for up to 12 months per degree level, as long as students progress in degree levels. (Example: A student earns a bachelor’s degree and uses 12 months of OPT. They return to school to earn a master’s and earn another 12 months of OPT).
ISS assists students with OPT by recommending work authorization on their I-20s. The OPT application is processed by U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Processing time can take up to 5 months, so it is important to apply early. USCIS allows students to apply for OPT up to 90 days before program completion. Students may apply for OPT before receiving a job offer.
ISS has a mandatory workshop for students to complete prior to applying for OPT. This is located in Terra Dotta.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
A degree-seeking F-1 student who:
- Has been enrolled full-time for one full academic year
- Academic year = consecutive fall and spring semester enrollment
- Is maintaining valid F-1 status
- Is physically present in the U.S.
- Intends to pursue a practical training or employment opportunity directly related to their major field of study
- Has not been authorized for 365+ days of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same degree level
- Has not been authorized for 12 months of OPT at the same or higher degree level
No job offer is required to apply for OPT.
Types of OPT
Pre-completion OPT – employment authorization to begin and end before you complete your degree program requirements
Post-completion OPT – employment authorization to begin after you complete your degree program requirements
STEM Extension OPT – 24 month extension for eligible Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors to begin after an authorized period of post-completion OPT.
Preparing for your Application
Apply early!
Applying for OPT is a long process. It may take ISS up to 15 business days (three weeks) to process your OPT I-20 request. USICS processing time may be up to 5 months once you submit your I-765 application.
Not sure what dates to choose or when to apply? This OPT Date Calculator can help you plan ahead!
- Pre-Completion OPT: The earliest date USCIS can receive your OPT application is 90 days before you complete the one full academic year enrollment requirement. The latest date USCIS should receive your OPT application is 90 days before your employment offer start date.
- Post-Completion OPT: The earliest date USCIS can receive your OPT application is 90 days before your date of program completion. The latest date USCIS can receive your OPT application is 60 days after your date of program completion. USCIS must receive your OPT application no later than 30 days from the date your new I-20 was issued to you by ISS.
Your expected date of program completion determines when you can apply for Post-Completion OPT and what start date you can choose. It is important to think carefully about these dates before submitting your application in Terra Dotta since these are also the dates of OPT employment you are requesting with USCIS!
What is your expected date of program completion?
- Undergraduate Student and Coursework-Only Master’s: Two business days after final grades are due for UW-Madison, according to the academic calendar. This date gives you time to confirm that you have completed all degree requirements and have passed all your courses with a high enough GPA to graduate.
- Master’s with Thesis and Doctoral Students: Date that you plan to deposit your thesis or dissertation to the Graduate School or to the Library, depending on your academic program’s requirements. This should be a date that you and your faculty advisor or committee agree upon in advance. What happens if your deposit date changes after you apply for OPT? You can continue working on your thesis or dissertation while also beginning employment on OPT. You must deposit before the end date on your USCIS-approved Employment Authorization Document (EAD). ISS does not recommend applying for post-completion OPT until you are sure you are depositing!
Is my date of program completion the same as my current I-20 end date?
Maybe. It is possible that your current I-20 end date (the I-20 before you apply to ISS for OPT) is different from your actual date of program completion.
You may end your program earlier than estimated. ISS will shorten your current I-20 end date to match your date of program completion when processing your OPT Request in Terra Dotta.
You may need more time to complete all degree program requirements (there is no additional time to complete certificate/minor requirements). You will need to work with your academic/faculty advisor or graduate coordinator to extend your I-20. You must extend your I-20 before the current I-20 end date!
(There is an exception for master’s with thesis and PhDs who have completed all coursework, but have not completed their thesis or dissertation.)
NOTE: On-campus employment must end on or before your I-20 end date.
Application Process
Applying for OPT requires two applications: one to ISS in Terra Dotta and one to USCIS. Do not submit your application to USCIS until you receive the OPT recommended I-20 from ISS. Applying without the OPT I-20 will result in your OPT being denied by USCIS.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Step 1: Open the OPT Request in Terra Dotta
The application process for OPT starts with a request in Terra Dotta. Open the OPT Request and read the instructions carefully. ISS provides a lot of information about OPT, eligibility, and documentation required to submit your application.
Step 2: Watch the Required OPT Workshop in Terra Dotta
The OPT Workshop videos are part of the OPT request in Terra Dotta. These videos cover important information about applying for OPT and how to maintain your visa status while on OPT. You are required to watch all videos. This will take approximately 50 minutes to complete. Submit the OPT Workshop Quiz after all videos are complete.
Step 3: Complete the OPT Request in Terra Dotta
Upload all necessary documents and fill out the “Document Mailing Information” and “OPT Request Form” questionnaires. In the OPT Request Form, you will indicate your expected date of completion and your requested dates for OPT. These are the dates ISS will recommend you for OPT, so you should think carefully about what dates you are choosing before you submit the questionnaire. More information about choosing your expected date of completion are above.
At the end of the form, you will do the following:
- Certify that you have completed the required ISS OPT Workshop
- Review your mandatory reporting requirements while on OPT
- Acknowledge your understanding to fulfill those reporting requirements and the acceptable time frame to submit your OPT application materials to USCIS
Step 4: Submit the OPT Request in Terra Dotta
Click on the “Submit” button at the top of the OPT form after you have completed all sections and accepted the Statement of Responsibility.
For post-completion OPT, the earliest date to submit this form is 115 days before your date of completion. Speak with your ISS advisor if you are interested in applying for pre-completion OPT.
Processing time for all Terra Dotta applications is up to 15 business days (three weeks). ISS will not expedite applications. You must wait to submit your USCIS application until after you receive your OPT recommended I-20 from ISS.
Step 5: Compile Required Documents for USCIS
USCIS requires several documents to be submitted with your I-765. ISS recommends preparing these documents before starting your I-765 application. A list of required documents is available in the USCIS Application Instructions for OPT section of the OPT Request in Terra Dotta.
Step 6: Submit the I-765 and Required Documents to USCIS
As the applicant, you are responsible for completing and submitting your OPT application. You should review the full instructions available on the USCIS I-765 page.
ISS strongly recommends you file your USCIS OPT application online. You need to create a USCIS account. DO NOT pay for your application until you are ready to submit the form and all documents are uploaded. Once you pay the USCIS fee, your application will automatically submit.
ISS developed guidance for USCIS Form I-765 for Pre- and Post- Completion OPT in response to common questions from students. (Note: This is guidance intended to help you and should not be viewed as legal advice.)
View the USCIS Online I-765 Application Guidance here.
There is an option to mail your I-765 application to USCIS. This is not recommended by ISS. Speak with your assigned ISS advisor if you are interested in this option.
- Premium Processing
- Tracking Your Application
- Expediting Your Application
- OPT and the 60-Day Grace Period
When you apply online, USCIS will upload a receipt notice (I-797C) with your OPT application case status number to your USCIS online portal. This will appear within 48 hours of submitting your application online. You can track your case status at www.uscis.gov.
After you receive the I-797C in your online portal, check that the mailing address is correct. This is the address where your EAD will be sent once OPT is approved by USCIS. If the address is not correct, contact your assigned ISS advisor for information on how to correct this with USCIS as soon as possible.
ISS strongly recommends you sign up for Informed Delivery through USPS. This will allow you to track your EAD once USCIS mails it to you. In the event your EAD is lost or does not arrive, Informed Delivery verifications are helpful in obtaining a newly printed card from USCIS. It is your responsibility to update your address with USCIS if you move while your OPT application is pending. The EAD will be sent to the mailing address provided on the I-765, unless you report a change of address to USCIS.
Plan ahead!
You can check average USCIS processing times at www.uscis.gov. Times given on this page are approximate and are not a guarantee that your application will be processed within the given timeframe.
You cannot contact USCIS about your application until it is outside a normal processing time. USCIS provides a tool on their website to help you determine whether you can request a case update. If your case is within normal processing time, you will get an estimated date by which you can contact USCIS.
It is very difficult to expedite your OPT application with USCIS. The USCIS expedite criteria are difficult for an F-1 student to meet since your primary purpose in the U.S. is to study, and you must have sufficient funding to cover your educational and living expenses while in the U.S. in F-1 status.
Please do not contact State representatives to expedite your OPT application with USCIS. Wisconsin’s senators and representatives have contacted ISS directly to inform our F-1 students that they are unable to assist with OPT applications.
You can apply for post-completion OPT during your 60-day grace period. Your grace period starts the day after you complete all requirements for your degree program.
If your OPT application is still pending with USCIS during and/or after your grace period, you can legally remain in the U.S. in F-1 status until USCIS makes a decision on your case. You should keep a copy of your USCIS I-797C receipt notice as proof. If you are approved for OPT, your EAD is additional proof of your current F-1 status. If you are denied for OPT after the 60-day grace period ends, you must depart the U.S. immediately or risk accruing days of unlawful presence in the U.S. Always consult ISS if your OPT application is denied.
As long as you follow your OPT reporting requirements and you do not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during your authorized period of OPT, you earn a 60-day grace period at the end of your OPT.
OPT Reporting Requirements
Reporting to ISS
You are required to report certain changes directly to ISS once you are approved for OPT. The following must be reported directly to ISS within 10 days of the change happening:
- Change in U.S. residential address
- Change in permanent foreign address
- Update of employment status or employer information
- Change to your legal name in your passport
Report to ISS on the online OPT/STEM Extension Reporting Form.
Failure to report your information could result in the automatic termination of your I-20 SEVIS record by the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) without warning. If your I-20 SEVIS record is terminated while you are still in the U.S., you may begin to accrue days of unlawful presence.
You should keep proof of employment for your permanent records.
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
The SEVP Portal (Optional)
The SEVP Portal is not required. ISS recommends that you use the SEVP Portal as a view-only tool to verify the accuracy of your reporting updates to ISS. Do not make edits to your SEVP Portal. To make changes, report them directly to ISS through the OPT/STEM Extension Reporting Form.
The SEVP Portal is a tool that F-1 students on post-completion OPT or STEM Extension OPT can choose to use to report changes to their home address, telephone number and employer information. If you make changes in your SEVP Portal, you still need to report the changes directly to ISS.
The SEVP Portal will allow you to:
- View details about your post-completion or STEM OPT.
- Report changes to your address, telephone and employer information.
- View and update data on all your employers in one place.
Close to your OPT or STEM Extension OPT start date, you will receive an email from do-not-reply.sevp@ice.dhs.gov with instructions on creating a portal account. If you do not see the email, check your spam or junk mail folder. If you still do not see it, contact your ISS advisor in Terra Dotta by sending an information request.
Use of the portal is voluntary. If you have any questions about the portal or need assistance, call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400.
SEVP has created an SEVP Portal Help section on Study in the States with:
- Information about the portal.
- The SEVP Portal User Guide which provides screenshots and detailed step-by-step instructions for using the portal.
- SEVP Portal videos. Helpful explanations are provided here!
- A useful one-page reference sheet on the portal.
Travel and OPT
Students on OPT should consider international travel carefully and plan ahead of time. You should have the following documents to re-enter the U.S.:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months into the future
- Valid F-1 visa. Visit the Department of State website for the most recent information and processing times.
- Valid EAD
- I-20 with OPT and travel signature less than 6 months old
- Request an updated I-20 showing OPT approved when you report employment for the first time
- Proof of employment or an employment offer
If you need an updated I-20 or an I-20 reprint, you can submit an I-20 Reprint request form to ISS. Processing time may take up to 15 business days (3 weeks).
International travel with a pending OPT application can be risky. If you intend to apply for OPT, you should plan your international travel around your OPT application.
- You must be physically present in the U.S. to submit your application to USCIS.
- Your re-entry to the U.S. is the decision of Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Cancel or Withdraw your Application
Reasons to Cancel or Withdraw
It is your responsibility to submit your application to USCIS, either online or by mail. Failing to submit your application does not automatically cancel your OPT recommendation in SEVIS. It is important to cancel or withdraw your application if you realize that you:
- Have missed the USCIS application time frame: no more than 90 days prior to program end date and no later than 60 days after program end date. USCIS is likely to deny your OPT application if you miss this application window.
- Don’t want to do OPT at this time
- Change your post-graduation plans
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Cancelling an Application (Before you submit to USCIS)
Send an information request in Terra Dotta to your assigned ISS advisor to request that your OPT application be cancelled. Tell the advisor if you have or have not submitted an OPT application to USCIS.
Withdrawing an Application (After you submit to USCIS)
Step 1:
Write a letter to USCIS to request the withdrawal of your OPT application. Include your full name, SEVIS ID number, and USCIS receipt number. You must sign and date the letter. Handwritten signatures are strongly recommended. Make a copy of your USCIS I-797C receipt notice.
Step 2:
Schedule an appointment in Terra Dotta with your assigned ISS advisor or visit ISS during drop-in advising with:
- A copy of your letter
- USCIS I-797C receipt notice
Step 3:
If you applied online, upload the withdraw letter to your USCIS online portal under “Unsolicited Evidence.” Make sure you have physically signed the letter before uploading.
If you applied by mail, you must mail the letter and USCIS I-797C receipt notice copy to the USCIS address on the receipt notice. Include your USCIS case status number on the outside of the envelope.
If your EAD is approved before USCIS processes the withdrawal request, you have lost your opportunity to re-apply for OPT at a later time at the same degree level.
Employment Options
Employment includes any practical training opportunities directly related to your major field of study (certificates/minors do not count). This may include:
- Internship
- Volunteer Opportunity
- Contracted specialist (1099)
- Staffing agency/Temporary agency
You are expected to work over 20 hours per week for both full-time pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT.
If you are approved for part-time pre-completion OPT, you should work a maximum of 20 hours per week.
Students on OPT may have multiple job opportunities at once and should report all employment to ISS.
You cannot exceed more than 90 days of unemployment during your authorized period of OPT. The days of unemployment begin on the EAD start date. See the Unemployment section for action you can take before you exceed 90 days of unemployment.
We encourage you to use the many career-related resources available to UW–Madison students and alumni to help you find the right practical training opportunity for you!
Unemployment
It is not required to have a job offer to apply for OPT. Once you are approved for OPT, you will need to report any employment directly to ISS.
You are still employed if you are approved by your employer for paid or unpaid leave for any of the following reasons. You should keep written documentation of the approval.
- Vacation
- Illness
- Disability of a family member
- Pregnancy
- Maternity or paternity leave
- Union business
- Other temporary leave approved by your employer
You should not exceed more than 90 days of unemployment during your authorized period of OPT. The days of unemployment begin on the EAD start date. You can do any of the following before reaching 90 days of unemployment:
- Depart the U.S.
- Return to UW–Madison for another academic program
- Attend another U.S. institution for another academic program
- Change your U.S. immigration status
Report your departure to ISS on the online OPT/STEM Reporting Form. Submit proof of departure. Failure to depart may result in you accruing days of unlawful presence in the U.S.
- The new full-time academic program must start within five months of your last date of employment, 90th day of unemployment, or your EAD end date, whichever is earlier.
- Once you are admitted to another full-time academic program, you can submit the Change of Education Level request with sufficient financial documentation to ISS.
- If this update is done before your EAD expires, you will lose any remaining OPT authorization you have at that same degree level.
- The new full-time academic program must start within five months of your last date of employment, 90th day of unemployment, or your EAD end date, whichever is earlier.
- Once you are admitted to another full-time academic program, you can submit the Transfer Out request with proof of admission to ISS.
- If this update is done before your EAD expires, you will lose any remaining OPT authorization you have at that same degree level.
If you have been approved for another U.S. visa status, submit proof of your approval to ISS at iss@iss.wisc.edu. ISS will update your SEVIS record and UW–Madison file.
STEM Extension
The OPT STEM Extension is a twice-per-lifetime 24-month extension for eligible STEM majors who are currently in an authorized period of post-completion OPT. It requires a separate application in Terra Dotta and to USCIS. For more information about STEM eligibility and the application process, see our STEM Extension page.
H-1B Cap Gap
If your employer has timely filed an H-1B petition and change of status (not consular processing) on your behalf by the deadline, you may be eligible for a Cap Gap extension of your authorized period of post-completion OPT. Read more about H-1B Cap Gap.
When OPT Ends
You earn a 60 day grace period after your EAD end date, as long as you:
- Reported your mandatory updates to ISS
- Did not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment
During your 60 day grace period, or before you accumulate 90 days of unemployment, you can do any of the following:
This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.
Depart the U.S.
If you will depart the U.S. and do not intend to return before your EAD expires, report your departure to ISS on the online OPT/STEM Reporting Form. Submit proof of departure.
Return to UW for another program
The new full-time academic program must start within five months of your last date of employment or your EAD end date, whichever is earlier.
Once you are admitted to another full-time academic program, you can submit the Change of Education Level request in Terra Dotta with sufficient financial documentation to ISS.
If this update is done before your EAD expires, you will lose any remaining OPT authorization you have at that same degree level.
Attend another school (transfer) for another academic program
The new full-time academic program must start within five months of your last date of employment or your EAD end date, whichever is earlier.
Once you are admitted to another full-time academic program, you can submit the Transfer Out request in Terra Dotta, with proof of admission, to ISS.
If this update is done before your EAD expires, you will lose any remaining OPT authorization you have at that same degree level.
Change your U.S. immigration status
If you have been approved for another U.S. visa status, submit proof of your approval to ISS at iss@iss.wisc.edu. ISS will update your SEVIS record and UW–Madison file.
If you are changing immigration status while on OPT, submit the online OPT/STEM Reporting Form to report your change in status.