Optional Practical Training

• OPT is not a new immigration status, it is a work authorization that is available to eligible F-1 students 
• Students must meet eligibility to receive an OPT Recommended I-20 from ISSS before applying to USCIS for OPT; refer to the application steps below 
• The duration of OPT is 12 months 

Students must:

• Be on active F-1 status
• Have been a full-time student for at least one academic year (one Fall and one Spring semester) 
• Have NOT been authorized for 12 months or more full-time CPT 
• Have NOT been authorized for OPT at the same education level before 

A job offer is not needed to apply for OPT.

• The application window for OPT opens 90 days prior to the program completion date and closes 60 days after the program completion date. 
• The requested OPT start date must be within 60 days from the program completion date. 
• Applications to USCIS must be completed within 30 days from the issuance of the OPT Recommended I-20. 
• Students are allowed a total of 90 unemployment days, starting from the Approved Start Date listed on the EAD card. 

Ensure you have the funds available to apply for OPT. The current costs to apply for OPT are listed below: 

• Required USCIS Application Fee: $470 
• Optional Premium Processing Fee: $1,685
  • For additional details, view the “Understand adjudication times and the Premium Processing option” section below.

Historically, average USCIS adjudication (processing) time for OPT applications submitted without premium processing has been between 90-120 days. Since International Student and Scholar Services is not involved with the USCIS adjudication process, we cannot predict when your application will be adjudicated. 

Premium Processing:

• Adding Premium Processing to an OPT application is optional and has an additional cost. Refer to the “Costs to apply” section for more information.  
• The current Premium Processing policy states that applicants who apply with premium processing will have their application reviewed within 30 days of the premium processing submission. 
• If you are considering using premium processing, it is best practice to submit your OPT application with premium processing. In the I-765 form, you will select “Yes” to the premium processing option and the premium processing fee will be included when completing your payment. 
• It is possible to add premium processing after submitting your OPT application. To do this, follow the steps at the bottom of the USCIS page under “How do I file a request for premium processing?” 
• The 30-day review clock begins the day premium processing is added to an application.  

• You are encouraged to attend a virtual or in-person OPT workshop. 
• Register for the workshop session you plan to attend through the registration links on the righthand side of this page (or at the bottom of this page if you are viewing this on a mobile device).
• The workshops will provide guidance on OPT regulations, the process of applying, and maintaining your status. There will also be time for questions.  

Talk to your academic or faculty advisor to determine the anticipated semester you will complete your program and your degree conferral date.  

Program End Date: Refer to the “Determining your Program End Date” Learning Content within the ISSS Connect “OPT Recommended I-20 Request” to help determine the correct program end date. Your actual program end date may not match the Program End Date listed on your current I-20.

Requested OPT Start Date:

• This is the date that you want your OPT authorization to begin and is the earliest day you may be able to begin employment on OPT. 
• This date must be after your program end date, and a maximum of 60 days after your program end date. 
• Once you submit your OPT application to USCIS, you cannot change your requested start date. 

Requested OPT End Date: This is 364 days from your Requested OPT Start Date. 

• Watch the video above for a few tips on drafting the form I-765 and printing the Draft Snapshot. 
• Draft the online form I-765 in your USCIS portal. 
  • Make sure you answer all questions accurately on the form. Double check your spelling, numbers, and date formatting.  
  • Do not complete the payment portion of the online form I-765 without an OPT Recommended I-20 as this will submit your application; your application is not complete without that I-20 and will be denied. 
  • Upload the following documents under “Evidence” in your online form I-765:  
    • Validated passport-style 2×2 photo taken within the past 30 days 
    • I-94  
    • Passport 
    • Visa 
    • I-20s with CPT authorization at this education level 
    • OPT Recommended I-20 
• Print the Draft Snapshot of your online form I-765 
  • In the middle of your Application Summary page, click on “View Draft Snapshot”.  
  • You will upload this document as part of your OPT Recommended I-20 Request. 

If you suspect you may not complete your program or if you fail to complete your program, you should schedule an appointment with an Immigration Coordinator immediately. 

• Unemployment dates will begin counting on your OPT Approved Start Date as listed on your EAD card, which may be different from the OPT Requested Start Date.  
• You can consider adding Premium Processing to your application; more information is available in the “Understand adjudication times and the Premium Processing option” in the Prepare for your OPT Application section.
• Your F-1 status should remain valid while your OPT application is pending, unless you have otherwise violated your F-1 status requirements.   

• If your physical address changes, you must update your Mailing Address in PAWS under the “Mailing” field. 
• If the Mailing Address you listed on your I-765 has changed, use the link in your USCIS portal to update that Mailing Address. 

• Your USCIS portal will indicate when your EAD card has been sent to you; normal mailing time is two weeks. 
• If the tracking information shows your EAD card has been delivered, but you have not received the EAD card, make an appointment with an Immigration Coordinator. 
• If your EAD card is lost, you may need to file a replacement application; email isss@uwm.edu for more information. 

You can consider adding Premium Processing to your application; more information is available in the “Understand adjudication times and the Premium Processing option” in the Prepare for your OPT Application section.