Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an off-campus employment authorization for eligible
F-1 students who wish to work in a job related to their field of study. OPT can be
done during your studies (pre-completion OPT), after completion of your studies, (post-completion
OPT) or a combination of both.
F-1 students with certain science, technology, engineering or mathematics degrees
can extend their Post-Completion OPT. For more information, visit 24-Month STEM OPT Extension.
Pre-Completion OPT
Pre-Completion OPT is for eligible F-1 students interested in working off-campus before graduation where employment is related to their field of study or major.
Eligibility for Pre-Completion OPT
F-1 students are eligible to apply for Pre-Completion OPT if they meet all of the
following requirements:
In valid F-1 status for one academic year (two semesters)
In good academic standing and not on academic probation: minimum GPA for undergraduates
is 2.0; minimum GPA for graduate students is 3.0
Pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree; or I-20 approved certificate program
Not been granted 12 months of cumulative full-time Curricular Practical Training in
their current academic program
Eligible to enroll in the next term and will graduate in a future term
Post-Completion OPT
Post-Completion OPT is for eligible F-1 students interested in working in the United
States after graduation where employment is related to their field of study or major.
Eligibility for Post-Completion OPT
F-1 students are eligible to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training
(OPT) if they meet all of the following requirements:
In valid status and enrolled on a full-time basis for one academic year (two semesters)
In good academic standing and not on academic probation: minimum GPA for undergraduates
is 2.0; minimum GPA for graduate students is 3.0
Pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or a doctoral degree; or I-20 approved certificate
program
Not been granted 12 months of cumulative full-time Curricular Practical Training in
their current academic program
Has met or is in the process of meeting all graduation requirements (including English
writing proficiency requirement, comprehensive exams, projects or thesis) and will
no longer be enrolling in the next semester or session
When to Apply for OPT
OPT Type
Graduation Term
Graduate Date
Deadline to Submit to ISS
Application Window
Range of OPT Start Dates
Pre-Completion
Future Semester *Cannot apply during your final term
Semester End Date
VARIES depending on desired start date
VARIES depending on desired start date
VARIES
Post-Completion
Spring 2025
05/23/2025
07/15/2025
02/22/2025-07/22/2025
05/24/2025-07/22/2025
Post-Completion
Summer 2025
08/01/2025
09/19/2025
05/03/2025-09/30/2025
08/02/2025-09/30/2025
How to Apply for OPT
View the ISS Optional Practical Training (OPT) Overview Video. You are responsible
for understanding the information in this video prior to proceeding to Step 2.
Submit the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request Form. Allow 10-15 business days for processing by ISS. Your electronic OPT Recommendation
I-20 will be sent to your CSUF email address.
Print your electronic OPT I-20. Sign and date the Student Attestation section in black
ink.
File your application with USCIS using one of two methods:
ISS highly recommends that you file your OPT Application Packet to USCIS within 3
business days of receiving your OPT I-20 from the ISS Office. USCIS will deny your
application if it is not received within 30 calendar days of the date your OPT Request
was processed by an ISS Advisor.
Note: For current USCIS processing time, please refer to this USCIS webpage.
USCIS Website for Form I-765 - Information on Form I-765, instructions, filing fee, photo specifications, and
where to file.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for OPT from outside the U.S.? No. You must be physically present in the U.S. at the time you submit your application.
What if I get a job offer with a start date earlier than my EAD start date? You must wait until the EAD start date to begin employment. Working before the EAD
start date is a violation of status.
Can I have multiple jobs on OPT? Yes, as long as all jobs relate to your major and meet employment criteria (over 20
hours/week in total).
Can I volunteer instead of work? Yes, but it must be directly related to your field and at least 20 hours/week. Keep
documentation of your role and hours.
What happens if I go over the 90 days of unemployment? Your SEVIS record can be automatically terminated, which jeopardizes your F-1 status
and future immigration benefits.
Can I work on-campus after my program end date if I’ve applied for OPT but it’s not
approved yet? No. On-campus employment must end on your program end date unless you’ve transitioned
to OPT and it’s authorized.
Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act Notification:
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime
Statistics Act, the current Annual Security Report (ASR) is available for viewing
at: https://hr.fullerton.edu/risk-management/clery-act. This report contains the current security and safety-related policy statements,
emergency preparedness and evacuation information, crime prevention and sexual assault
prevention information, and drug and alcohol prevention programming. The ASR also
contains statistics of Clery Act crimes for California State University, Fullerton
for the last three (3) calendar years. Paper copies are available upon request at
the CSUF Police Department.
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