​OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a benefit of temporary employment that is directly related to a student’s field of study. F-1 students may be eligible for this benefit for up to twelve months of OPT authorization for each level of study (Associate, Bachelor, Master's, Doctoral). The majority of students apply for post-completion OPT as they near the end of their academic studies. Utilizing OPT after the completion of your studies allows you the opportunity to use the skills you have learned at The Chicago School in a “real world” environment. 

Overview of the OPT Application Process & Important Notes: 

An overview of the basic process/steps:
  1. Attend an OPT Workshop. If you are unable to attend a live session, contact [email protected] for a recording. 
  2. Determine your end date with your academic advisor/Department. 
  3. Get an OPT recommendation letter from your academic advisor/department.  A template is on page 3 of this OPT Request Form
  4. Send a completed OPT Request Form  and letter to [email protected]
  5. Collect all of the required documents (see page 1 of the OPT Request Form)
  6. Set up a time to meet with a DSO where you'll share your screen and complete the online OPT application through your USCIS account. (There is also a paper mail-in version (Form I-765) if preferred)
  7. Prior to meeting, a DSO will adjust your end date if needed and recommend you for OPT in SEVIS, send you an OPT I-20, which you'll need to sign and submit with your application. 
  8. Wait for OPT to be approved and receive EAD in the mail.

Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
  1. The earliest you can apply for OPT is 90 days before your actual program end date. The latest you can apply is 60 days after your program end date. It is generally recommended to apply as early as possible! 
  2. Students apply for OPT directly through USCIS, and USCIS adjudicates your OPT request. A DSO will join you when you're ready to complete the online application to review your submissions. 
  3. Be prepared that it often takes upwards of 3-4 months for USCIS to adjudicate OPT applications. Sometimes it may be quicker, and sometimes could be longer. 
  4. The application fee is currently  $470 (fees may change)  
  5. There is a premium processing option of an additional $1685 which guarantees OPT application review within 30 days of submission. 

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OPT Application ONline 

OPT Online Application Required Documents:

 POST-completion OPT Evidence 

Evidence  

(as listed in online filing system) 

Example 

Notes 

2 x 2 photo of you 

Passport Photo 

See “Photo Requirements” 

U.S. Department of State photo requirements.  

DOS also has a photo check tool that you can use to check the photo ahead of time. 

Form I-94 

Entry I-94 

Or 

Change of Status I-797 Approval 

Download your most recent I-94 here: 

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/ 

Employment Authorization Document 

Valid passport biographical page 

F-1 visa page 

EAD if applicable

 

Previously authorized CPT or OPT 

I-20(s) for all previous authorized CPT for your current degree

And

EAD (for previous OPT) 


Form I-20 

Newest I-20 with post-completion OPT recommendation 
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USCIS OPT Online Application: step-by-step instructions with screen shots​ ​

REQUIREMENTS AFTER OPT APPROVAL

STEP 1: Create your SEVIS portal account within 14 days of receiving the SEVIS email. Please make sure to check your Junk mail. 

STEP 2: Once you receive your employment offer, send your Job Offer Letter and this OPT Employment Update Form​ to [email protected]. 
​

OPT: FAQs

Q:  How many times am I eligible for OPT?

A:  A student is eligible for up to 12 months of full time OPT per academic level (Associate, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate).  However, once a student has changed educational levels, they lose the privilege to engage in OPT for the lower educational level if they do not engage in OPT employment BEFORE changing levels.  

Q:  Does use of Curricular Practical Training (CPT) affect my eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

A:  In some cases, yes. Use of full time CPT for 12 months or more eliminates the participant’s eligibility for OPT.  However, use of less than 12 months of full time CPT or part time CPT does NOT affect eligibility for OPT.

Q:  Can I change my OPT start date once my application has been submitted to USCIS?

A:  Maybe; a request may be submitted to USCIS but it is unlikely that USCIS will be able to adjust your dates of employment once they have processed your application.

Q:  Can I cancel my OPT request after it has been submitted to USCIS without losing the possibility of doing OPT at a later time?

A:   Maybe; it depends on whether USCIS has approved the application for OPT.  After it has been approved by USCIS, a student must use the OPT benefit or will lose it. 

Q:  I think I may complete my degree this semester, but I’m not sure.  When should I apply for OPT?

A:  Typically we recommend a student apply for OPT before they complete their degree requirements, however, if you are unsure, you may want to wait until the end of the semester to apply.  You may submit your OPT application at the earliest 90 days prior to your program end date, and at the latest 60 days following the completion of your degree (during your grace period).  Please reach out to [email protected] to discuss your situation and timeline.

Q:  Can I begin work as soon as I receive my EAD card?

A:  Students may begin employment when they receive their EAD AND it is the start date on the card.

Q:  What if I can’t find a job while authorized for OPT?

A:  You may want to consider volunteering your services in a position related to your field of study for a minimum 20 hours a week, which can count toward OPT employment and not accrue unemployment days. Immigration regulations state that a student on post-completion OPT may not accrue more than 90 aggregate days of unemployment or they will be considered out of status.

Q:  Can I travel while my OPT case is pending?

A: In general, it is not advisable to travel until you have your EAD and a job offer. 

Q:  Can I take classes while on post-completion OPT?

A:  If a student is already approved for post-completion OPT but discovers that coursework must still be completed, they can return to school but may only use the EAD to work part-time (20 hours/week).  Other students who are on OPT may pursue additional studies so long as they continue to work full time.  However, per immigration regulations, “authorization to engage in OPT is automatically terminated when the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level.”  If you have been authorized for OPT on the basis of your Master’s and wish to work on your Doctorate, you cannot do both things at the same time.

Q:  How long do I have after my OPT ends to remain in the United States?
A:  You have a grace period of up to 60 days. After, students must leave the country, transfer their SEVIS record to a new school or program, or change statuses. 

OPT: SEVP Portal

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) launched the SEVP Portal in 2018. The portal is a tool that F-1 or M-1 students on post-completion optional practical training (OPT) can use to report changes to their home address, telephone number and employer information. The portal is accessible from both your mobile device and computer.

You will receive an email with instructions on creating a portal account. This email will come from [email protected]. If you do not see the email, check your spam or junk mail folder. If you still do not see it, contact your designated school official (DSO) to have the email sent again.

You will also receive from the portal reminding you of important deadlines and changes to​ your SEVIS record.  When your email address changes in SEVIS, the portal will send a confirmation email to your old email address and new email address.​​

The SEVP Portal will allow you to:

  • View details about your post-completion OPT.
  • Report changes to your address, telephone and employer information.
  • View and update data on all your employers in one place. 

Any data updates you make in the portal will be sent directly to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Your SEVIS Portal Account will be closed by SEVP 6 months after the last day of your employment on the EAD card.

SEVP has created an SEVP Portal Help section on Study in the States with:

Use of the portal is highly encouraged by SEVP. If you have any questions about the portal or need assistance, call the SEVP Response Center at 703-603-3400.

EAD ERROR Correction instructions

EAD Error (made by USCIS):​

Steps to Request Corrections

Step 1: Write a Letter of Explanation
Write a letter to USCIS explaining the situation.
In your letter, include:

  1. The date;
  2. The address of the USCIS office as indicated on your approval notice;
  3. Your personal identifying information: 
    • Full name as indicated on your I-20, 
    • Date of birth, 
    • SEVIS ID number, 
    • USCIS Receipt Number for the OPT EAD with the error;
  4. A detailed explanation of your situation (that the EAD was issued with incorrect dates);
  5. A statement indicating that you have enclosed supporting documentation on the correct information (for example, your incorrect EAD card and the dates that should instead have been on your EAD card, a copy of your previous Post-Completion OPT I-20 and previous Pre-Completion OPT EAD card);
  6. A statement requesting USCIS to mail the new corrected EAD card to you;
  7. The US address that you would like the new EAD card to be mailed to;
  8. Your signature.

See also this sample letter​.
Step 2: Photocopy Your Supporting Documentation 
Make a photocopy of the original incorrect EAD card and your letter for your records before mailing to USCIS.
Step 3: Send Your Correction Request to USCIS
Send your letter, EAD card with the error, and other supporting documents via FedEx or UPS so that you can track the package. Keep a copy the shipment tracking information for your records.
If your application was approved by the Potomac Service Center, send the letter and supporting documentation to:
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
Potomac Service Center
2200 Potomac Center Drive, Stop 2425
Arlington, VA 20598-2425
If your USCIS receipt number does not begin with YSC, contact us and provide the first three letters of your receipt number so that we can instead provide you with the correct mailing address.

​If you think your EAD card is lost, please f​ollo​w the instruction and contact USCIS accordingly​

EAD Typographic Error made by the USCIS- e-file with USCIS for Correction​

Career & Professional Development Support​

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