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Student Services » Practical Training » Optional Practical Training


Optional Practical Training

Please see a detailed description of new OPT rules, effective April 2008

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations as "temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study". It must be at a level that is commensurate with the student's degree level.

OPT can be used before and/or after a student completes a program of study. A student must be in legal F-1 status in order to be eligible to apply. In addition, a student must also have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year. No offer of employment is required to apply. In fact, students are strongly advised to apply early; preferably at the beginning of the last term of enrollment.

Students have a total of 12 months of OPT. As permitted by DHS, students may use these 12 months either before and/or after completion of studies. Full-time OPT is defined as more than 20 hours per week while part-time OPT is defined as 20 hours or less per week.

Students must apply to DHS for the work permission through the Center for International Education. You must have the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in your hands before you can begin working.

When Can Students Use OPT?

  1. During a regular term. A student can work up to a maximum total of 20 hours per week and must be enrolled for a full course of study at the same time.
  2. During summer vacation. A student who enrolled full time during the Spring semester and intends to enroll full-time during the Fall semester is eligible to apply. The employment can be full-time or part-time. The student does not have to be enrolled during the summer session.
  3. After completion of all required coursework with only thesis or dissertation hours left to complete (This category is for graduate students only. )
  4. After completion of the course of study. OPT in this category will be granted for full-time use only. The student must submit the application prior to completing his/her studies.

Defnition of Completion of a Course of Study

For undergraduate and graduate non-thesis track students, completion of a course of study is the UT commencement(graduation) day.

For all other graduate students, completion of a course of study is when students have successfully defended and turned in the completed thesis/dissertation. This date is established between the student and the academic advisor/chair.

When to Apply?

Since OPT must be approved and granted by USCIS, planning is essential. Students should plan to apply 3-4 months in advance. Students who wish to apply for one of the first three categories may do so up at anytime, but keep in mind that it may take 3-4 months for the actual approval to be granted by USCIS.

Students who wish to apply for the 4th category may do so up to 120 days before the completion of studies. The application must be filed before the completion of study. OPT done after completion of studies must be completed within a 14-month period following the completion of study.

What Is Needed To Apply ?

You must attend an OPT seminar to get a packet of information and forms.

Please refer to the International Student Services calendar of events for dates and times of Optional Practical Training seminars.

  • All I-20s (copies)
  • An I-765 Form
  • Academic Advisor Form
  • Student Form
  • Form with instructions for handling the Employment Authorization Documents (EAD)
  • Two DHS specified photos
  • Photocopy of bio page of passport.
  • Photocopy of F-1 Visa stamp.
  • Photocopy of I-94 (front & back)
  • $340.00 check or money order
  • Academic History (available at Student Services).
  • A copy of your schedule with the current date on it (available in 209 Students Services Bldg or Circle Park Online).

Please turn in all these materials to CIE in a complete packet.

Some Points to Remember

  • Students may interview and even accept a job offer before the OPT is approved. However, you cannot begin working until you have the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in your hand.
  • Planning ahead is essential. Please check with CIE for the latest processing times and consult an international student advisor if you have questions.
  • All eligible international students have the option of purchasing the UT Health Insurance plan for the duration of their OPT period.
  • When planning to travel outside the U.S., you must contact the CIE either for a travel signature or a new I-20 to obtain a new F-1 visa. Please allow sufficient time for processing your requests.
  • In order to re-enter the U.S. after a trip abroad, you must have a valid passport, valid I-20, valid F-1 visa, valid EAD and an employment letter to present to DHS.