Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is permission for off-campus employment granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). OPT enables students to gain work experience in their field of study. Individuals must have the approved Employment card (EAD) before they can work.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary work permission for off-campus employment granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). OPT enables students to gain work experience in their field of study. 12 months of OPT is available per degree level, as long as the subsequent degree is at a higher educational level. OPT may be used before or after completion of a program. A job offer is not required. Center for Global Engagement must recommend OPT for a student. USCIS then provides final approval and issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Individuals must have an EAD before they can begin OPT employment.
OPT Eligibility Criteria
- Completed one full academic year of full-time study
- Valid F-1 status
- Good academic standing
- Pursue Employment directly related to your major field of study
You are not Eligible if you:
- Have been authorized 12 or more months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at your current degree level.
Post-Completion (Category c.3.b as you complete form I-765)
- OPT that will be done after you complete your degree program. Most students choose this category.
Pre-Completion
- Academic Year: During fall and/or spring semesters and student has not completed required course work. On and off campus work combined may not exceed a total of 20 hours per week.
- Vacation Period: Authorization may be part-time or full-time.
Most students choose to use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) if eligible for off-campus work authorization before they complete their degree rather than Pre-completion.
OPT Application Deadlines
- Post-completion Applications: Between 90 days before your expected date of completion or up to 60 days after your actual date of completion. The I-765 must be received by the Service Center no sooner than 90 days before the program end date, and no later than 60 days after the program end date.
- Pre-completion Applications: 90 days before your requested employment starting date.
OPT Application Process
- Everyone must Request an OPT recommendation from Center for Global Engagement on their I-20.
The Center for Global Engagement must process a recommendation for your OPT request. Five working days are required to process a recommendation for OPT and get you the NEW I-20 recommending OPT. Please submit the OPT Request form to international@mnstate.edu or in-person for review.- It must be signed (E signature is fine) by your Adviser or the Registrar’s Office verifying your Graduation unless:
- Signature not required if you previously submitted a Reduced Course Load form for this term signed by one of them.
- USCIS must receive your OPT application no later than 30 days after the "date issued" on your new OPT I-20.
- Create your myUSCIS online account and log into your myUSCIS account.
- Complete the online I-765 (follow the directions given in myUSCIS). You should complete all pages of Form I-765 online and keep a copy for your records. When asked, your eligibility category is c (3)(B) Student Post-Completion OPT.
- Upload pdf scans of all the documents that are listed below in the Mailing Option (I-94,Passport, old I-20s etc. For your new I-20, you should sign it and upload pages 1 and 2.
- Pay the $470 fee.
After your payment is accepted, you will be redirected to a confirmation screen which will include your receipt number. You should keep a copy of your receipt number for your records. You can track the status of your OPT application through your myUSCIS online account.
Once it is submitted, USCIS will communicate with you through your myUSCIS account. You will receive notifications at the mobile number and/or email address you entered in your online I-765.
Submit the following items to USCIS:
- Complete Original Form I-765 (after reviewed by Center for Global Engagement)
- Check or money order, for $520 payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" for the OPT application fee. Or, the completed form G-1450 authorizing payment by credit card.
- Copy of New I-20 with OPT recommendation. Sign page 1 before copying and mailing., also include photocopies of any previous I-20s and I-20’s with CPT. Do not mail original I-20s.
- Copy of I-94
- Two color photos. The instructions with Form I-765 provide detailed photo requirement information. Print full name and most recent I-94 number in pencil on the back of each photo. Place the photos in a clear plastic bag or an envelope and staple it to the application.
- Photocopies of as many as possible of the following that contain your name and photo: (1) the identity page of your passport, (2) entry visa stamp with a photo, and (3) any previously issued EAD.
- Form G-1145 (if desired) allowing USCIS to send text and/or email notifications.
- Keep a copy of the above documents for your records. Put application materials together in the following order: Form I-765, photocopy of I-20, copies of identity verification, and the photocopy of Form I-94. The small pieces (bag/envelope containing photos and check) should be placed on the top and clipped with the entire application. Do not put staple holes in the photos. Mail the application by registered or express mail to obtain a signed receipt.
- Mail the I-765 and the assembled materials to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox. You should send them as certified or express mail so you can track your package.
- For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
USCIS
PO Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680 - For FedEx, UPS, and DHL deliveries:
USCIS Attn: I-765 C03
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517
- For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
Wait for EAD to be mailed from USCIS
- It takes approximately 2 to 5 months for USCIS to process your request and mail your EAD to the address on Form I-765. Find current processing times for I-765 (OPT) applications.
- Several weeks after you apply, you should receive a receipt notice (Form I-797) in the mail from USCIS. Or you may receive a text or email if you submit G-1145 authorizing electronic delivery of notices.
- You may not begin OPT employment until you have received your EAD, even if your requested start date has passed.
- You may not continue student employment (including assistantships) after the completion date on your OPT I-20, even if you have not yet completed your degree. Any employment, including assistantships, after this completion date must be with OPT authorization.
- The EAD will reflect the dates of your employment authorization.
- Submit a copy of your EAD card to Global Engagement at international@mnstate.edu.
- Report address and employment information within 10 days of any change in your SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) Portal account. Be aware that the SEVP Portal will not allow you to enter an employment start date that is more than 10 days in the past, so it is essential that you report your employment on time.
- Work at least 20 hours per week in one or more jobs that are related to your major.
- Not exceed 90 days of unemployment.
- Monitor and keep your MSUM email active. It is automatically kept active for one year, and by checking it monthly it will remain active throughout your STEM extension. Any updated E I-20’s must be sent to your MSUM email.
The SEVP Portal (or portal) is a system that allows you to have limited access to update your SEVIS record during OPT. You can access the portal from both mobile devices and computers.
How will I be able to access the SEVP Portal?
You will create your own portal account. On the start date of your EAD card, or soon after, you will receive an email message with instructions on how to create your portal account. The email will come to your umn.edu email address. It will be from do-not-reply.SEVP@ice.dhs.gov and the subject line will be "OPT Approval - the next step. Create an SEVP Portal account."
What if I don't receive the email? What if I have problems using the SEVP Portal?
First check your MSUM spam folder.
If you still do not see it, or if you have problems, inform ISS by emailing international@mnstate.edu.
What must a student on OPT do in the SEVP Portal?
After creating an account and logging in to the portal, you must:
- Report changes to your physical address (where you live), mailing address, and telephone number.
- Report updates about your employment information.
You are required to report these changes and updates within 10 days of the change.
You may also:
- Review details about all employers in one place.
- Review details about your post-completion OPT.
Any updates you make in the portal will be sent directly to SEVIS.
How will I know the information I enter in the SEVP Portal is in SEVIS?
What you see in the SEVP Portal is the same information as in SEVIS. It is a real-time update.
Do I have to use the SEVP Portal?
Yes. You are required to report address, telephone number, and employment updates directly in the SEVP Portal.
You should also send residential address and telephone number updates via your MSUM eServices so the University can contact you.
Will MSUM ISS make the updates?
No. ISS will not make these changes for you.
What if I do not report my employment information or changes to my address or telephone?
F-1 students have always been required to report this information within 10 days of the change or update. This requirement has not changed; the SEVP Portal is just a different, and more direct, way for you to report.
Failure to report employment information or changes to your address or telephone within 10 days of the update or change may result in the loss of your OPT status or other immigration benefits. The SEVP Portal will not allow you to report employment that started more than 10 days in the past, so it is essential that you report your employment on time.
Where can I find more information?
SEVP has created a SEVP Portal Help section 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 that help with navigating and reporting in the portal.
- A useful one-page reference sheet about the portal.
If you have any questions about the portal or need assistance, call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400.
Students in their 12-month OPT authorization period with a qualifying STEM approved degree and working for an E-verify registered employer, may apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT.
The 12-month period of post-completion OPT can be extended by 24 months for certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degree holders. Review the STEM Designated Degree Program List to determine if your field and CIP Code are included in the list. The CIP code is the 6-digit code (00.0000) next to your Major name on your I-20.
NOTE: ISSS does not designate your major as STEM or non-STEM. Further, the CIP code is a U.S. Department of Education code that is used for many purposes, not just STEM OPT extensions. If you feel strongly that your major's CIP code is inaccurate, you should contact your academic program.
Can I apply for the STEM OPT extension at the same time as I apply for post-completion OPT?
No. First you apply for OPT. You may apply for the STEM OPT extension when you have 90 days remaining in your post-completion OPT period.
If you will begin a new degree program at MSUM or another school you must get a new I-20. F-1 regulations are clear that your OPT authorization is automatically terminated when a) your SEVIS record is transferred to another U.S. school, or b) you begin study at another educational level in the U.S
Beyond this, U.S. government guidance is limited regarding study during OPT. Therefore, the interpretation of F-1 regulations can vary from school to school. Some, but not all schools believes that if you are working full-time (at least 20 hours per week) with post-completion OPT authorization, you are eligible to attend school part-time if it is not part of a degree program.
You also have up to 60 days after your OPT is completed to request MSUM transfer your I-20 to another school. You must begin within 5 months of your OPT end date or the next available term.
Under normal circumstances, a student who has (1) an EAD for post-completion OPT or receipt notice and (2) a job or job offer and (3) a current valid F-1 visa, should not experience difficulty reentering the US. If any these conditions is missing, then the student is assuming greater risk. Remember: The page 2 I-20 Signature is only good for 6 Months while on OPT .
The following two questions should help clarify further queries you might be have regarding travel during post-completion OPT.
Can I reenter the U.S. if my request for OPT is pending?
Yes, you may reenter to search for or begin your employment. When you go through U.S. immigration, be prepared to show the immigration inspector your I-765 receipt notice (Form I-797), as proof of eligibility for reentry. Additionally, if you have been offered a job, carry a copy of the job offer letter.
Note: If you depart the U.S. without a job offer before the EAD was issued, but attempt to reenter the U.S. after the EAD was issued, you might experience difficulty reentering the U.S. if you cannot document that you have a job offer.
Can I reenter the U.S. if I left while on OPT?
If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you have a job or job offer, or no longer have a job, you might experience difficulty reentering the U.S. because you would be unable to document that you are currently working or have a job offer. If you have a job or job offer, you may travel and reenter to resume work at the job.
- Be sure to obtain a current travel signature on your I-20 before travelling.
- For reentry to the U.S. travel with your passport, valid F-1 visa, I-20 (signed), and EAD.
Your EAD is not valid by itself for reentry to the U.S. You must have a signed I-20 as well.
Unemployment Limits
If you travel out of the U.S. while Unemployed it will continue to accrue. Students on post-completion OPT have limitations on unemployment. In order to maintain F-1 visa status students must NOT EXCEED a total of 90-days of unemployment. Students on STEM Extension have a 150 day limit on unemployment, (90 + 60 additional days=150).
Additional points
- During OPT you are still in F-1 status at the Minnesota State University Moorhead.
- Enrollment in a new degree program during OPT will void any remaining time on your EAD. This time cannot be re-captured at a later date.
- You must continue to update your Current Mailing in MSUM eServices address through Center for Global Engagement.
- Notify Center for Global Engagement if you decide to permanently depart the US during your OPT.
- Notify Center for Global Engagement if you change your visa status during your OPT.
- Center for Global Engagement is required to have a copy of your EAD. Upon receipt of the EAD, email a copy of it to international@mnstate.edu. Include your Dragon ID number in the email.
- You must also notify Center for Global Engagement of your employer, employer's address, and any change of employer or periods of unemployment.
- You can only have 90 days of unemployment (OPT) or 150 days on STEM OPT.