Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Post-Completion OPT allows you to work in the United States after you complete your degree. Your job(s) must be directly related to your major field of study.

You are eligible for up to 12 months of work authorization through Post-Completion OPT. Any time you used for Pre-Completion OPT will be deducted from this total.

You will receive your work authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You may only begin working after you receive your EAD and only during the dates listed on the card.

Eligibility

You may apply for Post-Completion OPT if you meet all of the following requirements:

• You are currently in valid F-1 status
• You have completed (or will complete) at least one academic year in F-1 status
• You are in good academic standing
• You will complete all required coursework for graduation
• You have resolved any Incomplete (I) or NR grades from prior semester
• Your passport is valid for at least 6 months into the future
• You have not exceeded 365 days of full-time CPT
• You have not used 12 months of OPT at your current degree level

Key Guidelines

Duration: You can request Post-Completion OPT for a maximum of 12 months. Any time you used for Pre-Completion OPT will be deducted from this total.

Offer of employment: You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT

Processing times:

• VIS processing: 5–7 business days
• USCIS processing: approximately 3–6 months

Premium Processing is an option for expedited USCIS processing. Learn more on the Premium Processing webpage.

Immigration status while on OPT: You remain in F-1 status while on OPT

Employment rules:

• OPT is full-time work (21+ hours per week)
• There is no maximum number of hours you can work
• You may work for multiple employers, as long as all work is related to your major(s)/academic program

When to Apply

• Apply up to 90 days before your program completion date
• Apply no later than 60 days after your completion date
• USCIS must receive your application within:
  • 60 days of your completion date, and
  • 30 days of your OPT I-20 issuance date

View the OPT timeline below to understand the general application process and key deadlines:

You must be physically present in the U.S. when USCIS receives your application.

Applying early gives you more flexibility. If you are unsure about completing your degree requirements, wait until you are certain.

Choosing Your Start Date

• Your OPT start date must be within 60 days after your program completion date
• OPT must end within 14 months of your completion date
• You are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT per degree level
  • Your requested OPT end date is set to 12 months from your requested start date, minus one day.

Important considerations:

• Your requested start date is not guaranteed
• USCIS may issue a later start date based on processing time
• You cannot change your start date after submitting your I-765

How to Apply

Step 1: Review OPT Information

• Attend a Post-Completion OPT Information Session, or review the OPT presentation slides to understand the process and your responsibilities.

Step 2: Submit Your OPT Request

1. Log in to accessVIS using your NetID and password.

2. Select Employment & Training from the left menu.

3. Submit the Post-Completion OPT Request.

• Within this request, you will submit both forms:
  • Obligations for Maintaining your F-1 Status
  • Request for an I-20 Recommending OPT

Step 3: Academic Department Review

• Upon submission of your I-20 Recommending OPT Request, the form will be routed to your academic department (Graduate) or advisor advisors (Undergraduate) to verify your:
  • Academic standing
  • Expected completion date
• Allow 3-5 business days for processing

Step 4: Complete the I-765 Tutorial

• I-765 Tutorial is a step-by-step guide on how to complete the I-765 application, and maintain your status while your I-765 is pending and after approval
• You can find the link to the tutorial in the I-765 Tutorial e-form within the Post-Completion OPT checklist
• You must complete the required tutorial before receiving your OPT I-20
• It is recommended to complete the tutorial while you are waiting for your OPT I-20 to be issued
• Upload your completion certificate in accessVIS under the I-765 Tutorial e-form

Step 5: Receive the OPT I-20

• If approved, VIS will issue a new I-20 recommending OPT to download.
  • Print and sign your I-20
  • Review it carefully for errors
• Allow 5-7 business days for your I-20 to be issued after your academic department completes their verification.

Step 6: Apply to USCIS

Submit Form I-765 to USCIS. USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of your OPT I-20 issuance.

Review I-765 Application Guide

Processing times are typically 3–6 months. Expediting your application through premium processing is available.

Learn More About Premium Processing

Do not submit your I-765 application to USCIS until you have received your I-20 recommending OPT.

What's Next?

SBU OPT Fee

You will be charged a $100 International Student Fee when your OPT I-20 is issued. Learn more on what this fee provides to you.

Learn About OPT Fee

I-765 Application & Status

Review VIS guidance to complete the I-765 application, understand what happens after you apply, and troubleshoot common issues and questions.

Learn about Form I-765

Reporting Requirements

Understand what information you must report while on OPT, when to report it, and how to keep your F-1 status active.

Learn about OPT reporting

SEVP Portal

Learn how to use the SEVP Portal to update your employment and contact information while on OPT.

Learn about SEVP Portal

Travel while on OPT

Understand the requirements and risks of traveling outside the U.S. while on OPT, including required documents and re-entry guidance.

Learn about Travel