International Graduate Student Services
Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students

When can you apply for Optional Practical Training?
Checklist for application
OPT application packet
Traveling while on OPT
Frequently asked questions and answers

When can you apply for Optional Practical Training?

• If you have been in F-1 status for at least 9 months (two academic semesters) you are eligible for optional practical training (OPT) which is temporary employment in your current field of study for purposes of gaining practical experience.
• You may receive twelve months of practical training for each academic level (Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate). For part-time (20 hrs or less per week) OPT only half time is deducted from the 12 months (e.g. for 4 months of part-time OPT only 2 months is deducted). However, please note that OPT taken after completion of your course of study must be full-time by definition.

You may apply for authorization for optional practical training directly related to your major area of study in the following cases:

• During your annual vacation (summer) as long as you intend to register for the next semester. It is advisable to have a job offer at the time of application in this case. The job can be full or part-time.
• While school is in session, provided that practical training does not exceed twenty hours a week. You must have a job offer before applying. Total number of work hours must not exceed 20hrs/wk, including on-campus jobs.
• After completion of course requirements except thesis/dissertation. You should have a job offer before applying. Please note that should you not finish all graduation requirements before the end of your OPT, you will not be able to extend your F-1 status to allow you more time to finish.
• For post completion OPT the application must be submitted and received by USCIS before the completion of your program or before the ending date of your I-20, whichever comes first. The start date of the OPT must be within 60 days of your program completion.

If you meet these qualifications, you can proceed with the application for practical training authorization. Upon completion of all the forms, an advisor will review your application and decide either to recommend or not recommend your application for submission to USCIS for adjudication. Application packets are available from IGSS in the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown. Please follow the instructions included in the packet and assemble your application according to the checklist on the cover page. Submit your completed application in the Graduate Life Center at Donaldson Brown for review. Processing takes several days. A new SEVIS I-20 will be issued with the recommendation of OPT. You will have to pick up your new I-20 form after processing has been completed.

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Checklist for application

1. I-765 (completed in blue ink and signed by you)
2. I-20 form (issued in SEVIS bearing the recommendation of a DSO). You must also bring in all previously issued I-20 forms and have them copied at the time when you submit your application for review.
3. Passport and I-94 card (these will be copied and immediately returned to you at the time when you submit your application)
4. Payment check made payable to Department of Homeland Security/USCIS -- the fee is $340
5. Recommendation letter from your department
6. Two color photos (please follow the instructions included in the application packet)

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OPT application packet

Please print out all the following forms as they are all necessary for the application:

• OPT application cover page
• Eligibility and application requirements
• Tips for completing the I-765 form
• I-765 form
• Sample letters for recommendation for OPT
• Photo specifications
• Change of address form

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Traveling while on OPT

You will need the following documents if you travel outside of the U.S. while you are on Optional Practical Training. All of these are necessary when you reenter the U.S.:

1. Valid F-1 visa
2. Valid passport
3. SEVIS I-20 form endorsed for travel
4. OPT authorization card from USCIS
5. Letter from employer stating job offer and conditions of employment

Frequently asked questions and answers

"Date admitted to the U.S." Is this the last time?

This is the last time when you were inspected and admitted to the U.S. A stamp in your passport and on your I-94 card shows the last date and place of entry.

When was I first granted F-1 status? When I got my visa at the consulate?

You were first granted F-1 status when you entered the U.S. in F-1 status for the first time, or when USCIS first approved a change of status to F-1 from any other visa status.

Can I change jobs during OPT?

Yes, you can, as long as the job is related to your area of study.

What if I move after I put down my address on the I-765?

You will have to notify USCIS in writing of your change of address. Unfortunately documents from USCIS are not forwarded to a new address by the postal service but instead returned to USCIS. If you know you will move within a few days or weeks after you submit your application, give a P.O.Box address or someone's address whom you trust where you will be able to receive correspondence and your OPT authorization from USCIS. Also remember that you are now obligated to report address changes to us and in turn we update your information in SEVIS.

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Can I split up my time on OPT?

While regulations do not prohibit the splitting of OPT time, current SEVIS procedures do not accommodate it. Please come by our office to discuss your plans with one of our designated school officials (DSOs).

What if I don't use all my OPT because I go back to school?

Your OPT will be cancelled if you transfer to a new school or begin a new degree program.

Can I go home just before I complete my degree?

You should not travel outside the U.S. right before your graduation unless you already have an approved OPT and a job offer in your hand. If you leave the U.S. after you have applied for OPT but before receiving the authorization or before even applying for OPT, you may not be able to return to the U.S., and thus lose your practical training.

What if I want to travel during OPT. Do I need to get a travel signature from VT?

Yes, you do. You will have to bring or send your I-20 form to us for travel endorsement. We will mail the signed I-20 form back to you to the address you specify. Please allow sufficient time for mailing, or send us a self-addressed stamped priority or express mail envelope for fast service. We mail documents by regular first class mail. If you need to renew your F-1 visa before you return to the U.S., a new I-20 form will be issued, that reflects that you are on practical training.

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Do I need to report my address changes to VT and USCIS while I'm on OPT?

Yes, you need to report to us if/when your address changes while you are on OPT.  Our mailing address is:

Attn: International Student Advisor
Graduate School 0325
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061