Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment for practical training directly related to a student's major area of study. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is the government authority that grants employment authorization for OPT to eligible students. The maximum time allowed for OPT is 12 months (one year). OPT must be completed within 14 months following the completion of study (as determined by the program end date on the I-20). OPT is a benefit of your F-1 status, not a new status or a new visa. While on OPT, a student is still in F-1 status and must obey all laws pertaining to that status.
Who is eligible?
Employment authorization for practical training may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis, continuously for one full academic year (at UCSD, 9 months = one academic year). Time spent studying in English language programs cannot be counted towards the academic-year requirement.
How Much Does it Cost?
$340 application fee payable to the Department of Homeland Security and $25 application assistance fee paid to UCSD Extension. (Note: These fees may change.)
How to Apply for OPT
  1. Request an OPT Application Packet from the International Student Services Office in Building E.
  2. Ask your Program Coordinator to write a letter of recommendation for you.
  3. Take your completed application, fees, and all supporting documents to the Immigration Advisor in Building E during student service hours Monday through Friday, 1-4 p.m.
When to Apply for OPT
OPT must be requested before the end of the 60-day grace period following completing the course of study (the end date on your I-20). UCSD Extension Certificate students may apply for OPT as soon as they begin their 3rd quarter of study. It is strongly recommended that you apply as early as possible so that you will receive your employment authorization soon after you complete your program of study. Remember, no matter when you apply, your OPT must end within 14 months from the end of your studies, so the later you apply, the less time you will have on OPT.
How Long Does it Take to Get Approval?
It will take on average about 3 months (90 days) for your application to be approved and to get your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students should apply early and plan ahead for this waiting period. You cannot begin working until the day your OPT starts and you have received your EAD.
When will my OPT begin and end?
You may request the starting date to be anytime within the 60-day period after completing your program of study. However, the end date must be no later than 14 months after you completed your program of study.
Travel While Waiting for OPT Approval
You may travel outside the U.S. and reenter provided you have the following:
  • Form I-797 – USCIS Receipt Notice for Application for Employment Authorization
  • Valid Passport
  • Valid F1 visa
  • Valid I-20 with a recent signature on page 3 from a Designated School Official (DSO)
NOTE: The documents listed above are required to apply for admission to the U.S. It is up to the inspector at the port of entry to grant or deny you admission.
Reporting Requirements
While on OPT, students must report any changes in their address or legal name, employer name and address, change of employer, or any periods of unemployment.
Employment Requirement
During OPT, students must be employed to maintain F-1 status. Students may not accrue a total of more than 90 days of unemployment. A student who has exceeded the period of unemployment while on post-completion OPT has violated his or her status unless he or she has taken one of the following actions:
  • Applied to continue his or her education by a change of level or transferring to another SEVP- certified school
  • Departed the United States
  • Taken action to otherwise maintain legal status
Finding a Job
Please note that the Extension International Student Services staff does not assist with job search or job placement services. However, UCSD Extension offers access to career placement services for a fee.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is not required during OPT, but it is highly recommended that you have insurance. You may continue or purchase health insurance coverage through UCSD Extension’s insurance carrier for most of your OPT period—up to 12 months from the last day of classes. Inquire at International Student Services in Bldg. E for more information.
Social Security Number
If you do not already have a social security number, you will need to wait until your OPT is approved to get one, or you will need to get a job on campus in the meantime to prove that you need one. The Social Security Administration will only give social security numbers to students who show proof of an on-campus employment offer, or who present an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which you will get if your OPT application is approved.