Optional Practical Training

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

How to Apply for OPT

1. 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.
   
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.
3. Print your electronic OPT I-20. Sign and date the Student Attestation section in black ink. 
4. File your application with USCIS using one of two methods:
   1. Mail the application by using the ISS Guidelines for Preparing and Mailing your OPT Application to USCIS. Mailed applications must be postmarked within 30 days of OPT I-20 issuance and postmarked within the specified application window.
   2. File the application Online by first gathering the documents listed on the E-Filing Pre & Post-Completion OPT Document Checklist, then submit to USCIS by following the Pre and Post-Completion OPT Step by Step E-Filing Guide. For E-filed applications, USCIS uses UTC or Coordinated Universal Time to determine the time/date filed. If you are e-filing from California, your actual filing date will be adjusted to UTC, which is 8 hours ahead. It is your responsibility to ensure that your electronic submission is on-time.
5. 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. 

Maintaining Status While on Post-Completion OPT

After USCIS approves your OPT application and you receive your EAD card, please upload a copy of your OPT EAD card directly to: https://uee-file01.fullerton.edu/ using these instructions. 

You must report to ISS within 10 days of your employment start date by submitting theOPT Employer Update form.

Visit our Maintaining Status While on Post-Completion OPT webpage to learn more about how to maintain status.

Additional Resources on OPT

• Study in the States: Training Opportunities - More information on OPT for F-1 students.
• 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.