On March 6, 2023, USCIS announced Premium Processing and New Online-Filing Procedures for Certain F-1 Students Seeking OPT or STEM OPT Extensions.

STEM majors (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics) who secure related employment with an E-Verify employer can qualify for a STEM-OPT extension for an additional two years.

In response to a Federal Judge’s ruling in July 2021, USCIS extended flexibilities to F-1 students seeking OPT affected by government processing delays. Initially applicable to filings received by May 1, 2021, this now extends to filings received by October 31, 2021.

Students whose OPT applications were received between October 1, 2020, and October 31, 2021, can complete their 12-month OPT period within 14 months of their EAD approval, rather than 14 months from program completion.

F-1 students whose EAD applications were rejected due to USCIS delays can refile by November 30, 2021, if initially filed between October 1, 2020, and October 31, 2021.

All OPT applications received through October 31, 2021, can be filed up to 120 days before the F-1 program end date, extended from the standard 90 days.

On April 12, 2021, USCIS announced that F-1 students seeking OPT or STEM-OPT extensions can apply online.

General Information: Optional Practical Training

USCIS regulations, at 8 C.F.R. 214.2(f)(10), offer optional practical training to F-1 students enrolled full-time in a SEVP-approved educational institution for at least nine consecutive months.

To apply for OPT, submit form I-538 (Certification by DSO) to your Designated School Official (DSO) within 90 days before or 60 days after completing studies.

Students can engage in practical training after completing all degree requirements, with the Employment Authorization Document I-766 allowing employment for up to 12 months.

Students may apply for part-time OPT before program completion and full-time OPT after completion. STEM graduates may extend OPT for an additional 17 months with E-Verify employer enrollment.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an alternative option. USCIS requires students with one year or more of CPT to forfeit OPT benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Types of OPT: Part-time or full-time during breaks, after graduation, or degree completion.
• When to Apply: Up to 90 days before program end, and within 30 days of DSO recommendation.
• Travel: With valid passport, F-1 visa, and endorsed I-20; travel after OPT completion requires additional documents.
• Pending Applications: Travel permitted based on entry date relative to I-20 completion date.
• Expired F-1 Visa: Travel allowed, but a new F-1 visa is necessary.
• OPT Duration: Begins on requested or decision date and lasts until requested end date.
• Unemployment Period: After 90 days of unemployment, consider transferring schools, changing education levels, leaving the U.S., or consulting an immigration attorney.

Each OPT application is unique. Consult our firm for personalized guidance.