The International Center will start accepting requests for post-completion Optional Practical Training on Monday, February 13, 2023 for F-1 students who are completing their programs this May*. If you are planning to apply for OPT, we recommend applying early since OPT applications can take 3 months to process. You do not need a job offer to start the application process.
To apply for OPT you should follow these steps:
Attend a virtual OPT workshop - see our workshop calendar for the next available dates
Wait for the International Center to process your OPT request
After you receive a new OPT I-20 from the International Center, submit your I-765 application to USCIS
Do not submit your I-765 application to USCIS without completing all of the above steps - USCIS will reject an incomplete application.
*Graduate students who will have finished all requirements by May except the final thesis, capstone or integrative project, or dissertation are also eligible to apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training, as long as all coursework requirements have been completed by May.
