Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Definition

Optional practical training is designed to provide you with an opportunity to gain actual employment experience directly related to your major area of study for a maximum of one year.  There are two types of optional practical training: pre-completion and post-completion.  Pre-completion training permits you to accept short-term employment that furthers your academic studies before you have graduated, and it will be deducted from the 12 months of practical training available.  Post-completion training allows you 12 months of employment after you have completed your program of studies
 

Eligibility Requirements

1.      Be in lawful, full-time F-1 student status

2.      Be in good academic standing

3.      Have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year

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The total periods of authorization for optional practical training shall not exceed the maximum of 12 months.  Part-time pre-completion practical training will be deducted from the available practical training at one-half the full-time rate.

Pre-completion practical training is limited to no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session.  You may work full time only during holidays and summer vacations.

Post-completion practical training may be granted for a maximum of 12 consecutive months and may take effect only after a student has completed his or her course of study.  It may be full time or part time and may take place anywhere in the US.  Training must be completed within 14 months of completion of studies.

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To apply for either type of optional practical training, you must do the following:

• Have two photos taken according to instructions in the I-765 form.  Lightly pencil your name on the back of each photo.
  
• Complete the attached I-538, I-765 and signature card.
  
• Go to the International Programs Office at 1136 Euclid Ave. to pick up the necessary forms and make an appointment to meet with the International Student Advisor.  For more information or to make an appointment, call the International Programs Office at 426-3652 .  Bring to the appointment your I-538, I-765, passport, I-94, photo’s, all I-20’s issued to you, and a check for $120.00 made out to INS.

If you meet the eligibility requirements for optional practical training, the International Programs Office will endorse the back of your I-20 ID and certify on the I-538 that practical training is recommended for a specified period of time.  The original I-538 will be sent to the INS Data Processing Center. 

The I-765, signature card, photos, application fee and copies of the I-20, I-94 (front and back), passport, and I-538 will be sent to the INS in Lincoln Nebraska.  The International Programs Office will return your original I-20, I-94 and passport to you.

You should allow for at least 90 days for processing in Nebraska.  If optional practical training is granted, you will be issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card that will have written on it when you may start working and when your employment authorization will end.  You cannot start working until you receive your EAD card.  No specific job offer is required to request recommendation for practical training or to apply for the EAD.  Once it has been granted, it cannot be cancelled, even if you are unable to find work.

For post-completion practical training, you may apply 120 days before, but no more than 60 days after completion of study.  Your lawful F-1 status expires 60 days after the date you complete degree requirements.  You are expected to leave the country by that date unless you file a timely application for practical training or make other arrangements to lawfully remain in the US.

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Travel Outside the US During Post-Completion Practical Training

To reenter the US, you will need to show the Immigration officials your I-20 that has your authorization, along with your EAD card.  It is not recommended to leave the US before you receive your EAD, because you may not be allowed to re-enter.

Employment Eligibility Verification, Social Security and Taxes

When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form entitled “Employment Eligibility Verification” (INS I-9 Form) which the employer retains.  The I-9 Form must be updated each time you receive a renewal of your work permission. 

You also need to complete a W-4 form (Employee Withholding Allowance Certificate) for tax purposes.  In general, F-1 students who have been in the US less than five (5) years are exempt from Social Security (FICA) tax.  Your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state and local tax.  Students must file a tax return on or before April 15^th each year, which will determine if any of the withheld taxes can be refunded.

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International Student/Work           International Programs