OPT for F-1 students is the USCIS program that provides permission for a student to work off campus in a job related to their area of study.
Some Basic Information:
- An F-1 student is eligible for a MAXIMUM OF 12 MONTHS of OPT
- OPT is available to students who have been enrolled on a full-time basis in F-1 status for at one academic year.
- Students may apply for OPT up to 90 days prior to completion of studies or up to 60 days after (We recommend that you apply at the beginning of your last semester.)
- You must still report address changes and employment information to Wooster while on OPT
- Authorization to engage in OPT is automatically terminated when the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Gather and review your application and documents. Then contact the ISS Office to create your OPT-endorsed I-20. We recommend students to apply online. This is a faster method and provides clear guidelines on what to submit.
You will need to provide the following items (refer to the I-765 website the complete list)
- Form I-765 (and form G-1145 for paper applications) – https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
- Copies of all old I-20s
- Copies of your passport, visa, and I-94
- Two recent passport-style photos
- $470 made payable to the “U.S Department of Homeland Security” (online application will use pay.gov)
Notes:
- It can take up to 90 days for your OPT to be approved by USCIS
- A student is not legally able to begin working until he/she has been issued an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) by USCIS
- You may begin looking for work before OPT starts
- Employment must be directly related to your major
- Once OPT begins, you are granted up to 90-days of unemployment, if needed
Unauthorized employment will result in the termination of your SEVIS record.
Students in violation of employment regulations cannot apply for reinstatement.
Material on this Web site is general and for informational purposes only. It does not constitute or replace professional legal advice, and you should not rely on it solely when making decisions about your immigration status or reporting requirements.