Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an extension of F-1 student status that allows you to work in the U.S. in order to gain practical experience in your major field of study. Any employment you undertake must be directly related to your major field of study and commensurate with your degree level. OPT must be recommended by your international student advisor (see Center for Global Education), and it must be authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS – Division of the Department of Homeland Security).
F-1 Optional Practical Training is the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in your degree program. The training must directly relate to your level and field of study. OPT is recommended by the Center for Global Education and authorized by USCIS. This authorization may take up to 3 to 5 months to obtain.
The maximum amount of time granted to work on F-1 OPT is 12 months per degree level. You may use some or all of the available 12 months or OPT during your course of study or save the full 12 months to use after you complete your program. You may apply for Post-Completion OPT up to 90 days before the end date listed on your I-20 and USCIS MUST RECEIVE YOUR APPLICATION PRIOR TO 60 DAYS beyond your end date. Your OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the issue date as noted on the new OPT I-20 to avoid denial.
To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must:
- Have been in full-time student status for at least one academic year by the requested start date of your OPT
- Be maintaining valid F-1 visa status at the time of application
For additional information, please contact Heather Ryan-Sigler in Global Education at sigler.h@lynchburg.edu.