Post-Completion OPT | International Services

Post-Completion OPT allows eligible F-1 students to gain practical work experience in the U.S. after completing their academic program.

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) may be authorized for up to 12 months per educational level for employment that is directly related to the student’s major area of study.

Application Process for Post-Completion OPT

Check Your Eligibility — Confirm you meet the requirements
Request Your DSO-Endorsed I-20 — Submit your request to International Services
Receive Your OPT-Endorsed Form I-20 — Wait for new OPT I-20
File Form I-765 With USCIS — Submit your application to USCIS

Depending on your travel history and your Admit Until Date, you may also be required to submit Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS.

Important OPT Rules

Job Offer Not Required — A job offer is not required to apply for OPT
Full-Time CPT Limit — 12 months or more of full-time CPT eliminates OPT eligibility at that educational level
Maintain Qualifying Employment — Students must maintain qualifying employment throughout authorized OPT
90-Day Unemployment Limit — Students may not exceed 90 cumulative days of unemployment during post-completion OPT

Applications Filed Before March 18, 2027

A special transition provision applies to certain F-1 students applying for post-completion OPT prior to March 18, 2027.

Without Travel After September 15, 2026:

Form I-765: Employment Authorization

With Travel and Re-entry After September 15, 2026:

Form I-765: Employment Authorization
Form I-539: Extension of Stay, as applicable

OPT Applications Filed After March 18, 2027:

Form I-765: Employment Authorization
Form I-539: Extension of Stay, as applicable

EOS requirements may depend on your individual immigration circumstances. Consult with International Services before filing to determine which applications are required.

Eligibility for Post-Completion OPT

An F-1 student may be eligible for post-completion OPT if the student:

Has been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year with the current SEVIS ID.
Has (or is) completing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.
Has not exhausted available OPT eligibility at the current educational level.
Has not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time CPT.
Obtains a DSO recommendation in SEVIS and new Form I-20 with an OPT-endorsement.
Properly files Form I-765 with USCIS within the required filing period.

When to File for Post-Completion OPT

Earliest USCIS Filing Date: 90 days before your program end date
DSO Endorsement Deadline: At least 2 weeks prior to last filing date
Requested Start Date: Must fall within the applicable grace period following program completion
USCIS Receipt Date: USCIS must receive the Form I-765 within 30 days of the DSO’s OPT recommendation in SEVIS
Latest USCIS Filing Date: Before your Admit Until Date (AUD)
USCIS Processing Time: 4+ months

Important: You must meet both the USCIS filing deadline and the 30-day deadline following your DSO’s OPT recommendation.

How to Apply for Post-Completion OPT

Before beginning the OPT application process:

Attend an OPT workshop
Review the OPT application process and requirements.
Confirm with International Services whether an Extension of Stay (EOS) application is also required in your situation.
Confirm with your academic department that you have completed all academic requirements for your degree.
Obtain the required letter of completion or other academic completion documentation.
Confirm that you have been enrolled at your current degree level for at least one full academic year.
Review any previous use of OPT.
Review any previous use of full-time CPT.
Confirm your program completion date.

Submit the OPT DSO Endorsement Request through the International Services Portal.

No earlier than 90 days before your program completion date
At least 2 weeks before your applicable USCIS filing deadline

Required Documents:

Requested OPT start and end dates
Program Completion Letter
Any additional documents requested by International Services

Important: Do not file Form I-765 with USCIS until your DSO has entered the OPT recommendation in SEVIS and issued your OPT-endorsed Form I-20.

You must have the newly endorsed Form I-20 before submitting your OPT application to USCIS.

If you are eligible for OPT, International Services will:

Enter the OPT recommendation in SEVIS.
Issue a new Form I-20 showing the OPT recommendation.
Provide the OPT-endorsed Form I-20 to you.

Important Filing Deadline: Your OPT-endorsed Form I-20 has a 30-day filing period.

USCIS must receive your Form I-765:

Within 30 days of the date your DSO enters the OPT recommendation in SEVIS; and
Within the applicable post-completion OPT filing deadline.

Applications submitted after either deadline will be denied.

After you receive your OPT-endorsed Form I-20, file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS. If applicable, you may also need to file Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

To file online:

Go to myUSCIS and select “File a Form Online”
Select “Form I-765 – Application for Employment Authorization”
Select eligibility category “(c)(3)(B) — Post-Completion OPT”
Complete the application and upload the required evidence
Review your application, pay the filing fee and submit

Filing details on USCIS:

USCIS I-765 Instructions
USCIS Filing Fee: $520 (subject to change)
USCIS Processing Time is 4+ months
Premium processing: available for an additional fee via Form I-907
Additional form, if applicable: Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status

Required Evidence:

Students must upload the following documents when submitting the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization to USCIS for post-completion OPT.

2” x 2” Photo: Your photo must meet USCIS standards
Form I-94: Most recent Arrival Record / CBP I-94
Passport: Provide your valid passport biographical page
Employment Authorization Document: Provide any previously issued EAD cards (if any)
Form I-20: OPT-endorsed Form I-20, signed by DSO within the last 30 days
College Degree: Not required for post-completion OPT applications
Institutional Accreditation: Not required for post-completion OPT applications
Additional Information: Upload evidence of any previous CPT or OPT work authorizations.

USCIS may require an applicant to provide biometrics, such as fingerprints, a photograph, or a signature. USCIS may also require an interview or additional documentation.

After You Apply

After submitting your application:

Track your case through your USCIS Online Account.
Respond promptly to any USCIS request for additional information or evidence.
Keep copies of your complete application and supporting documents.
Continue maintaining your F-1 status while your application is pending.
Report your employment and any required changes to International Services in accordance with F-1 regulations.

Do not begin employment until you have:

Received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD); and
Reached the OPT start date approved by USCIS.

Employment before both requirements are met is not authorized.

Report your employment and any required changes to International Services as required by F-1 regulations.

To maintain valid F-1 status while on OPT, you must:

Work at least 20 hours per week
Ensure employment is directly related to your major
Not exceed 90 days of unemployment throughout your OPT period
Report changes (employment, address, visa status, etc.) within 10 days
Maintain valid documentation (I-20, passport, EAD, I-94)

SEVIS will count each day without an active employer (Start Date–End Date) as a day of unemployment. A student without employer information in SEVIS is considered unemployed and may fall out of status after 90 days of unemployment.

Once authorized for post-completion OPT, employment must be directly related to the student’s academic major. Students must work at least 20 hours per week in qualifying employment.

Unemployment Limit

Students authorized for post-completion OPT may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during the OPT authorization period.
A student without employer information reported in SEVIS may be considered unemployed.

Qualifying types of employment under post-completion OPT may include:

Paid Employment: Employment with one employer for at least 20 hours per week.
Employment with Multiple Employers: Combined positions must total at least 20 hours per week.
Multiple Short-Term Positions: Combined positions must total at least 20 hours per week.
Independent Contracting or Work for Hire: Contract-based employment.
Self-Employment or Business Ownership: Appropriate business and active operations maintained.
Employment Through a Staffing or Employment Agency: Employment averages at 20 hours per week.
Qualifying Unpaid Internships or Volunteer Positions: Must comply with applicable labor laws and average at least 20 hours per week.

All employment must be directly related to your academic major.

Keep documentation showing your employment, including employer information, dates of employment, hours worked, and how the position relates to your degree.

Students must report applicable changes within 10 days. Reportable changes include:

New Employment