1. Optional Practical Training (OPT) Tutorial for F-1 Visa International Students
International Students & Scholars (ISS)
5200 N. Lake Road, KL 101
Merced, California 95343
(209)

2. What is OPT?
Optional practical training is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 visa students to gain practical work experience (on or off-campus) by applying their academic knowledge to a position directly related to their area of study.

3. Three Types of OPT Pre-Completion - OPT used before degree completion
Must be part-time during Fall and Spring semesters
Any pre-completion OPT is deducted from 12 months of allotted OPT (part-time is deducted at 50%)
Post-Completion – OPT used after degree completion and is only full-time. All students are permitted 12 months at each education level
24 Month STEM Extension – Eligible students in certain Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics fields currently on approved OPT can apply for an additional 24 months of OPT

4. Eligibility
You have been enrolled and maintained F-1 visa status for one full academic year
Pre-completion OPT - Can apply anytime after one academic year (part-time only during fall/spring semesters and must enroll full-time)
Post-Completion OPT can apply 90 days before your program end date or during your 60 day grace period after your program end date
You have not used OPT at your current education level previously or used full-time CPT for 12 months or more
No job offer is required to apply, but once you obtain a job, the employment must be directly related to your major
Passport must be valid for 6 months into the future

5. Important Points
You are permitted 12 months of OPT at each education level, i.e. 12 months at the BA/BS level, 12 months at the MA/MS level, and 12 months at the PhD level
A job offer is not required to apply for OPT
The employment can be anywhere in the U.S.
You remain classified as an F-1 student while on OPT
More than 90 days of unemployment during OPT is a violation of status
Following submission of your OPT Request form, the new I-20 and I-765 application packet must be received by USCIS within 30 days of date on new I-20
Once USCIS receives your I-765 application, you may not change employment start date
Once you complete your degree program, you are not permitted to work on or off-campus until you have your EAD in your possession and you may only begin working on the employment start date noted on your card

6. OPT Application Timeline
90 Days Before Program End Date
Within 60 Day Grace Period
Earliest date to file OPT application with USCIS
Earliest possible
OPT Employment Start Date
(Day after I-20 program end date)
Last possible OPT Employment Start Date
Last possible date for USCIS to receive OPT application
Program End Date on I-20 (Last day of semester or dissertation defense date)

7. Example – May 18th Program End Date

8. Scenarios for Applying Early vs. Late

9. 24 Months STEM Extension if Eligible
OPT Timeline
12 Months OPT
24 Months STEM Extension if Eligible
60 Day Grace Period
An additional 60 days of unemployment permitted for a total of no more than 150 days total unemployment during 36 months OPT
No More Than 90 Days Unemployment Permitted

10. Application Process
Submit OPT Request Form - New I-20 will be ready for pick-up within 2-3 days after submitting the OPT Request form to the Office of International Affairs. The request form can be found online at:
Prepare and mail your I-765 application and supporting documents to USCIS
Mail by a method you can track the receipt
USCIS must receive within 30 days from date on new I-20
Receipt of I-797 Notice of Action
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) – USCIS average processing time is 90 days

11. Step 1. OPT Request Form Complete the ISS OPT Request Form
Expected Program Completion Date
Select Employment Start Date
Obtain Academic/Faculty Advisor Signature

12. Expected Program Completion
The “Expected Completion Date” is the day you complete your final degree requirements. This date is important so be sure to discuss with your advisor when obtaining his/her signature on your OPT Request form.
Undergraduate Students – Last day of the semester in which you complete your final courses for your degree program
Graduate Students – The date when all degree requirements are fulfilled such as the date of your thesis/dissertation defense. You may also be eligible before your defense date if no other coursework/enrollment is required.

13. Employment Start Date
You must select an employment start date on your OPT request form. This employment start date will appear on the 2nd page of your new I-20.
Selected start date must be within your 60 day grace period
You can select the day after your I-20 program end date or any date up to the 60th day of your grace period.
Your are not permitted to work until the employment start date on your approved EAD card

14. Required Signature
The advisor signature on the OPT Request form verifies the program completion date and registration status at the time of submitting the form to ISS.
Undergraduate Students – Obtain the signature from your academic advisor
Graduate Students – Obtain the signature from your faculty advisor/PI. Be sure he/she understands their signature verifies you are at the end of your program and that further enrollment would require you to cancel your OPT. You would be eligible for Filing Fee Status in a subsequent term, but an academic or student appointment at UC Merced is NOT permitted on Filing Fee Status.

15. Check New OPT I-20 for Accuracy
Notify ISS immediately if any discrepancies are found on your new I-20!
Education level may have changed. (For example, PhD candidate decided to graduate with a Master’s)
Program completion date will be updated to the program completion date on the OPT request form. (I-20 remains valid through OPT authorization period noted on page 2)
DSO/Int’l. Student Advisor signature and date should be less than 30 days when USCIS receives application
Don’t forget to sign and date your new I-20

16. 2nd Page of New I-20
Employment authorization dates selected may differ depending on when application is sent and approved by USCIS.
Employer will appear here following OPT approval and only after student has reported employment s required.
Travel signature authorization. While on OPT this signature must be update every 6 months if you plan to leave and re-enter the US.

17. Step 2. Complete and Mail I-765 Application
Complete Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization on USCIS website
Gather required documents and new passport photos
Have an ISS advisor review the application packet when you pick up your new I-20 (optional)
Mail the application packet to USCIS

18. Form I-765
This is a sample I-765 application for employment authorization used to apply for OPT.
This two page form can be found on the USCIS website located at
Important: Use the most current version of the I-765. The most recent version can be found on the USCIS website above.

19. Required Documents
2 U.S. Passport Photos taken within last 30 days (with name and I-94 number written lightly in pencil on back of each)
Check or Money Order for $410 made payable to: U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Do not abbreviate Department of Homeland Security
Form G-1145 to confirm receipt and obtain case number in advance of paper notification:
Original form I
Original I-20 requesting OPT on the 2nd page that was issued within the past 30 days. Don’t forget to sign it!
Photocopy of passport biographical page and F-1 visa stamp
Photocopy of paper Form I-94 (both sides) or electronic I-94 record
Photocopy of previous EAD card, if applicable. (Front and back)

20. Passport Photo Requirements
The recently taken photos required to be submitted with your OPT application must meet the specifications of U.S. style passport photos. To see a full description of these specifications, go to the U.S. Department of State web site:
Passport photos must be 2 inches by 2 inches and taken within the last 30 days. Write name and I-94 number lightly on the back of each photo in pencil.
USCIS has been examining passport photos more strictly. ISS recommends students have their photos taken professionally and inform picture taker the photo must meet government specifications.

21. Filing Fee
The filing fee to apply for OPT is $ The check or money order is payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Do not abbreviate.
If you don’t have a check, money orders can be purchased at the post office, bank or some grocery stores.
Be sure your name and address are printed on your checks or written on the money order.
Write your SEVIS ID #
on your check in the memo or
for line at the bottom left of your
check
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
410.00
Four hundred ten dollars and 00/
Signature
SEVIS ID#

22. Form G-1145
Use this form to request a text message and/or when USCIS receives your OPT application and when there are any updates
There is no cost to include the form G-1145
Found online at
Attach to the top of your OPT application packet

23. Required Documents New original I-20 requesting OPT on 2nd page
Photocopy of passport and visa
Photocpy of I-94 card (front and back) or electronic print out
Copies of previous I-20s recommended (Especially important if prior CPT or OPT authorized)

24. Required Documents
You must submit a copy of front and back of prior EAD card if you were previously approved for employment authorization.
Can be OPT approved at a different education level or other institution.
Speak to an ISS advisor if you If you are unable to locate your previous EAD card.

25. Mailing the OPT Application
USCIS must receive your I-765 application and supporting documents no later than 30 days after the new I-20 was issued by ISS requesting OPT on the 2nd page. The issue date is located next to the advisor’s signature on page 1 of the I-20 in the bottom right.
Please account for mailing time and send with delivery or signature confirmation.
If using FedEx or UPS, use the Express Mail address. If using USPS, choose the Priority Mail option and use the USPS address.
Express Mail USPS Mail
USCIS USCIS
Attn: AOS Attn: AOS
1820 E. Skyharbor Circle S, Ste. 100 P.O. Box 21281
Phoenix, AZ Phoenix, AZ 85036

26. I-797 Notice of Action
Following receipt of your OPT application, USCIS will mail you a I-797 Notice of Action. You should receive this notice within 3-4 weeks after mailing your I-765.
This is a very important receipt. There is no way to replace it if you lose it.
This receipt is necessary to check the status of your OPT application
This receipt notice is important if you will travel while your OPT application is pending

27. Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
USCIS average processing time is 90 days
Review Card for accuracy
Official approval of work authorization in the United States.
Present the EAD card to employer as verification of employment eligibility
Present at U.S. Port of Entry if traveling outside of the country along with other required doumentation

28. Maintaining Status on OPT
While on OPT, you remain in F-1 visa student status sponsored by UC Merced.
You may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment in your 12 months of OPT.
Work at least 20 hours or more in a job that is directly related to the field of your major.
Report employment, employment start dates and how it relates to your degree, any unemployment, name or address changes within 10 days of any change.
Obtain and keep job offer letter(s) from employer(s). Letter should be on company letterhead and include name, title, salary (if applicable), and period of employment.
Travel signature on 2nd page must be no more than 6 months old in case of international travel

29. Types of Employment Self-Employed (Must have proper business license)
If requested by Department of Homeland Security, you must be able to provide evidence that you work at least 20 hours per week and that the work is directly related to your field of study.
Single or Multiple Employers
Work for Hire (Contract or Agency)
Unpaid Volunteer or Intern
Self-Employed (Must have proper business license)
Short-term Gigs

30. Travel While on OPT
You remain an F-1 visa student while on OPT. Re-entering the U.S. in F-1 visa status in necessary to maintain your OPT.
There is always a risk of not being able to re-enter the U.S. when you travel to another country. There is no guarantee you will be permitted to re-enter.
UC Merced students have not reported any issues, but to avoid problems, be sure to carry the proper documents listed below:
Valid Passport
Valid F-1 Visa Stamp
OPT I-20 with valid travel signature within 6 months on 2nd page
I-797 Notice of Action Receipt
Job Offer Letter from Employer or proof of job search/interviews
EAD Card
Evidence of financial support

31. 24 Month STEM Extension
You must meet the eligibility requirements below to apply for the 24 month STEM extension:
Currently on approved post-completion OPT that has not expired
Have a degree in an eligible STEM field (Program List-Link below)
Employer registered in USCIS E-Verify program
Training Plan Form I-983
A new I-765 application is required to apply for the 24 month extension. If approved, the extension begins the day after the expiration of your current OPT and ends 24 months later.
Link to check if your major is included in the stem program list:

32. 24 Month STEM Extension
No travelling while the STEM OPT extension application is pending
An addiitonal 60 days of unemployemnt is permitted while on approved STEM OPT extension
You can change employers but the new employer must be e-verified and you must submit form I-983
You are required to submit a SEVIS validation report every 6 months to the ISS advisor. Be sure to reply quickly to requesting this information
Your employer and you are required to notify ISS when employment is terminated

33. Applying to Renew F-1 Visa While on OPT
If you will be travelling outside of the United States and your visa is or will expire, you must apply to renew your F-1 visa before re-entering the U.S. To apply to renew your F-1 visa, you will need the following documents:
Valid passport
Valid I-20 with OPT approval and travel signature within 6 months on 2nd page
EAD Card
Job offer letter in field of study
Evidence of sufficient funds (bank sattement, letter from sponsor or job offer letter)
Check the U.S. Department of State website for more information and specific requirements for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate you will be going to:

34. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I check the status of my OPT application? You can use the receipt # on your I-797 Notice of Action to check the USCIS website at
How do I contact USCIS? The number on the Notice of Action ( ) is the National Customer Service line. Be sure to have the receipt number ready before you call.
Is there any way to change the information on the EAD application (address, dates, etc.) once I have mailed the application? After you have mailed your application to USCIS no changes can be made except for address updates. To update your address, contact the National Customer Service line at ( ). Canceling the OPT application is very difficult and the fee is non-refundable. If the OPT has been approved, it is not possible to cancel.
How long can I stay in the US after the end date of my OPT? You have 60 days after your OPT ends to leave the US, request a transfer of your I-20, or change your status. You cannot work during this time.
USCIS said that my EAD was approved, but I have not received it yet –can I start working? No. You must be able to show the employer the EAD when you begin employment.

35. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
USCIS said that my application was approved over six weeks ago and I still haven’t received my EAD card. Is there a problem? Yes, there could be a problem. Make an appointment with an ISS advisor and be sure to bring your I-797 Notice of Action receipt.
How do I get an extension of my EAD? Only students who graduated with specific Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) majors and work for an e-verified employer are eligible to apply for an extension.
I lost my EAD card. How can I get a new one? You would have to submit a new application with fees, photos, etc. to obtain a replacement EAD card. This can only be done if you are in the U.S.
Is there a minimum number of hours I need to work? Yes. Full-time post-completion OPT is a minimum of 20 hours. Pre-completion OPT can be full-time only during semester breaks.

36. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
My EAD card says “not valid for re-entry”. Does this mean I can’t travel outside of the U.S. while on OPT? You can travel while on OPT with the other required documents. The EAD card alone will not grant permission to re-enter. You will need a valid passport, visa, I-20 and job offer letter.
What counts as employment? There are many different types of employment, paid and unpaid that are permitted that include self-employment with the proper business license and volunteer work.
I have been unemployed for 80 days, What is going to happen on the 90th day? If you accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment, you will be violating your visa status. You would need to make arrangements to remain in valid status before the 90th day.
Can I change employers while on OPT? Yes, you can change or have multiple employers as long as the emploment is directly related to the field of your major. Be sure to notify ISS of changes in employment.

37. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I pay taxes while working on OPT? Students in F-1 visa status are subject to all federal, state and local taxes that may apply.
What status do I have between my degree completion date and the start of my OPT? If you have chosen a start date after your degree completion date, you will remain in F-1 status while the OPT is pending. You may not work during this time.
Can I go to school while on OPT? Time spent going to school should only be an incidental part of your stay in the U.S. If you decide to go back to school full-time, you must speak to an ISS advisor.
Do I need to do anything from the UC Merced International Office while on OPT? Yes, you must report any change in address and employment information within 10 days by using the OPT Reporting Form.
Does my visa need to be valid while on OPT? While in the U.S., your visa may expire. It only needs to be valid if you wish to re-enter from abroad.

38. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my degree completion date is delayed after I apply for OPT?
Undergraduate students can continue with OPT application if they failed a course or due to unforeseen circumstances need to take another course. If full-time registration is needed, an undergraduate student must cancel their OPT application and can reapply 90 days before the end of their next semester. The USCIS filing fee will not be refunded.
Graduate students with only dissertation/thesis remaining have two options:
Option 1
Continue with OPT application and file for Filing Fee Status for the next term. Students do not enroll in courses during Filing Fee Status and they DO NOT qualify for an academic or student appointment.
Option 2
Withdraws pending OPT application and register for next semester. Can reapply for OPT 90 days before the end of the next term.

39. International Students & Scholars Contact
Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00am to 4:00pm
Friday - 9:00am to 2:00pm
Office Phone: (209)
Website: