{"id":7087,"date":"2025-08-07T14:49:14","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T19:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/?page_id=7087"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:31:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T18:31:46","slug":"optional-practical-training","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/optional-practical-training\/","title":{"rendered":"Optional Practical Training"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"uwm-l-row\">\n<div class=\"uwm-l-col\">\n<p>Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an authorization for employment in your field of study either before or after completion of a degree. Most F-1 students participate in Post-Completion OPT after graduation. Pre-Completion OPT is rarely used, and if you are interested in this option, you should make an appointment with an Immigration Coordinator to learn more. The information on this page is specific to Post-Completion OPT.\u202f&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-notice uwm-p-notice--error\"><i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-exclamation fa-fw\"><\/i><div class=\"uwm-p-notice--content\"><div class=\"uwm-p-notice--message\">WARNING: Entering your payment information in your drafted I-765 form will submit your application. Do not submit your application without your OPT Recommended I-20, as this will result in OPT application denial.\u00a0\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"post-completion-opt-basics\">Post-Completion OPT Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion uwm-p-accordion--icon-left-circle\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Overview<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>OPT is not a new immigration status, it is a work authorization that is available to eligible F-1 students&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The duration of OPT is 12 months&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Eligibility<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Students must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Be on active F-1 status<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have been a full-time student for at least one academic year (one Fall and one Spring semester)&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have NOT been authorized for 12 months or more full-time CPT&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have NOT been authorized for OPT at the same education level before&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>A job offer is not needed to apply for OPT.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Important dates and deadlines\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1050\" src=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/600\/2025\/07\/OPT-Application-Timeline-3.png\" alt=\"Visual of the OPT application timeline\" class=\"wp-image-7117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/600\/2025\/07\/OPT-Application-Timeline-3.png 1500w, https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/600\/2025\/07\/OPT-Application-Timeline-3-300x210.png 300w, https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/600\/2025\/07\/OPT-Application-Timeline-3-1024x717.png 1024w, https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/600\/2025\/07\/OPT-Application-Timeline-3-768x538.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The application window for OPT opens 90 days prior to the program completion date and closes 60 days after the program completion date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The requested OPT start date must be within 60 days from the program completion date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applications to USCIS must be completed within 30 days from the issuance of the OPT Recommended I-20.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students are allowed a total of 90 unemployment days, starting from the Approved Start Date listed on the EAD card.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prepare-for-your-opt-application\">Prepare for your OPT Application<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion uwm-p-accordion--icon-left-circle\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Costs to apply<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Ensure you have the funds available to apply for OPT. The current costs to apply for OPT are listed below:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li><strong>Required USCIS Application Fee:<\/strong> $470&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li><strong>Optional Premium Processing Fee:<\/strong>\u00a0$1,780\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>For additional details, view the &#8220;Understand adjudication times and the Premium Processing option&#8221; section below.<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Understand adjudication times and the Premium Processing option<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Premium Processing<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>Adding Premium Processing to an OPT application is optional and has an additional cost. Refer to the \u201cCosts to apply\u201d section for more information.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li>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.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li>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 \u201cYes\u201d to the premium processing option and the premium processing fee will be included when completing your payment.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li>It is possible to add premium processing after submitting your OPT application. To do this, follow the steps at the bottom of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/forms\/all-forms\/how-do-i-request-premium-processing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">USCIS page<\/a> under \u201cHow do I file a request for premium processing?\u201d&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li>The 30-day review clock begins the day premium processing is added to an application.\u202f&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Attend a virtual or in-person OPT workshop<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>You are encouraged to attend a virtual or in-person OPT workshop.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n<li>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).<\/li>\n\n\n<li>The workshops will provide guidance on OPT regulations, the process of applying, and maintaining your status. There will also be time for questions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Determine your dates\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>Talk to your academic or faculty advisor to determine the anticipated semester you will complete your program and your degree conferral date.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Program End Date:<\/strong> Refer to the &#8220;Determining your Program End Date&#8221; Learning Content within the ISSS Connect &#8220;OPT Recommended I-20 Request&#8221; 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Requested OPT Start Date<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This date must be after your program end date, and a maximum of 60 days after your program end date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Once you submit your OPT application to USCIS, you cannot change your requested start date.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Requested OPT End Date<\/strong>: This is 364 days from your Requested OPT Start Date.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Draft your online I-765\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<figure><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/AZNDFOMZt7Q\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"364\" height=\"202\" src=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/600\/2025\/10\/OPT-I-765-Tips.png\" alt=\"Thumbnail for video on tips for drafting your I-765\" class=\"wp-image-7369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/600\/2025\/10\/OPT-I-765-Tips.png 364w, https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/600\/2025\/10\/OPT-I-765-Tips-300x166.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 364px) 100vw, 364px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Watch the video above for a few tips on drafting the form I-765 and printing the Draft Snapshot.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draft the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-765\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online form I-765<\/a> in your USCIS portal.&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make sure you answer all questions accurately on the form. Double check your spelling, numbers, and date formatting.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>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<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upload the following documents under \u201cEvidence\u201d in your online form I-765:&nbsp;&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Validated passport-style 2&#215;2 photo taken within the past 30 days&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I-94&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Passport&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visa&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>I-20s with CPT authorization at this education level&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>OPT Recommended I-20&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Print the Draft Snapshot of your online form I-765&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In the middle of your Application Summary page,\u202fclick on &#8220;View Draft Snapshot&#8221;.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will upload this document as part of your OPT Recommended I-20 Request.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-apply-for-opt-authorization\">How to Apply for OPT Authorization<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"uwm-c-list--sequence\">\n<li><div class=\"uwm-c-list--content-wrap\"><h2>Request an OPT Recommended I-20&nbsp;<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Log into your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.isssconnect.uwm.edu\/index.cfm?FuseAction=Security.AngLogin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ISSS Connect Portal<\/a> and navigate to the &#8220;OPT Recommended I-20 Request&#8221;.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Read the full instructions, complete, and submit the request.&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Note: You will input your academic or faculty advisor\u2019s contact information into the Approver Form section of the request; your request will be automatically submitted after the Approver Form is completed.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can track the request status to determine when your request has been moved to submitted status.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After submission, UWM International Student &amp; Scholar Services will address your request in 7-10 business days.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><div class=\"uwm-c-list--content-wrap\"><h2>Apply for OPT through USCIS<\/h2>\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Once you receive your OPT Recommended I-20, verify all the information on the I-20 is correct, then print the I-20, and sign and date it with a pen. &nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Note: You must submit your OPT application to USCIS within 30 days of the OPT Recommended I-20 issuance date; failure to do so will result in denial of your OPT application.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"2\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Open your USCIS portal I-765 draft application.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upload your OPT Recommended I-20.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Verify that all your answers and document uploads are correct.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay the application fee; completion of this will submit your application.&nbsp;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Note: Once you pay and submit your OPT application, you can&#8217;t edit your application.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Additional Notes:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Upon submission of your application, you will receive a <strong>Case Number<\/strong>; keep this for your records.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You will be mailed a <strong>Receipt Notice<\/strong>; keep this for your records as it is official documentation of your immigration status until you receive your EAD card.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-issues-after-submitting-opt-application-nbsp\">Common Issues After Submitting OPT Application&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion uwm-p-accordion--icon-left-circle\" data-accordion-prefix-classes=\"uwm\" data-accordion-cool-selectors=\"1\"><button class=\"uwm-p-accordion--toggle-button size-p-md\">Expand All<\/button>\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Biometrics Requirement<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>You may receive a notice from USCIS requiring you to appear for a biometrics appointment. You must follow the instructions to complete the requirement by the deadline listed in the notice. This process must be completed before USCIS makes a final decision regarding your OPT application.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Not completing your degree program\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>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.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">OPT has not been approved and the OPT Requested Start Date has passed\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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. &nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You can consider adding Premium Processing to your application; more information is available in the \u201cUnderstand adjudication times and the Premium Processing option\u201d in the <a href=\"#prepare-for-your-opt-application\">Prepare for your OPT Application section<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your F-1 status should remain valid while your OPT application is pending, unless you have otherwise violated your F-1 status requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Address changes prior to receipt of your EAD Card\u00a0\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If your physical address changes, you must update your Mailing Address in PAWS under the &#8220;Mailing&#8221; field.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If the Mailing Address you listed on your I-765 has changed, use the link in your USCIS portal to update that Mailing Address.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">EAD Card receipt issues\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your USCIS portal will indicate when your EAD card has been sent to you; normal mailing time is two weeks.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>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.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your EAD card is lost, you may need to file a replacement application; email <a href=\"mailto:isss@uwm.edu\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">isss@uwm.edu<\/a> for more information.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--header\">Adding Premium Processing after submission\u00a0<\/div><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel\"><div class=\"uwm-p-accordion--panel-inner uwm-u-clear\">\n<p>You can consider adding Premium Processing to your application; more information is available in the \u201cUnderstand adjudication times and the Premium Processing option\u201d in the <a href=\"#prepare-for-your-opt-application\">Prepare for your OPT Application section<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-maintaining-your-status-while-on-opt-nbsp\">Maintaining your Status while on OPT&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Read important details on <a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/maintaining-your-status-while-on-opt\/\">maintaining your immigration status while on OPT<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-l-col uwm-l-col--4 uwm-l-offset--1\"><div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-4219\">\n<div class=\"uwm-l-buttons--full\">\n<a class=\"uwm-c-button uwm-c-button--full uwm-u-mb-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.isssconnect.uwm.edu\/index.cfm?FuseAction=Security.AngLogin\" rel=\"\">ISSS Connect Portal Login<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"content_block\" id=\"custom_post_widget-4213\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading size-h5 uwm-u-mb-20 uwm-u-mt-0\" id=\"h-immigration-information-amp-resources\"><strong>Immigration Information<\/strong> <strong>&amp; Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<nav aria-label=\"Section\" class=\"uwm-p-navigation-list\">\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/maintaining-your-status\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4103\">Maintaining Your Status<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4158\">Employment<\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/on-campus-employment\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4163\">On-Campus Employment<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/curricular-practical-training\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4167\">Curricular Practical Training<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/optional-practical-training\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"7087\">Optional Practical Training<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/maintaining-your-status-while-on-opt\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"7089\">Maintaining Your Status while on OPT<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/stem-opt-extension\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"7338\">STEM OPT Extension<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/maintaining-your-status-while-on-stem-opt-extension\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"7342\">Maintaining Your Status while on STEM OPT Extension<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/social-security\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4187\">Social Security<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/tax-resources\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4193\">Tax Resources<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/health-insurance-medical-records\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4141\">Health Insurance &amp; Medical Records<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/travel\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4134\">Travel<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/sponsored-students\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4991\">Sponsored Students<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/change-to-f-1-status\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"4129\">Change to F-1 Status<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/dependents\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"3744\">Dependents<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/immigration-policy-updates\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"8643\">Government Actions Affecting F-1 and J-1 Students<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwm-p-card uwm-p-card--gold uwm-u-mb-40\"><div class=\"uwm-p-card--body\"><div class=\"uwm-p-card--content\">\n<p class=\"size-p-lg\"><strong>OPT Workshops<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-p-md\"><strong>Virtual Sessions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"size-p-md\">Held 8-9 p.m. Central Time. Registration links will be posted below as available.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>October 20, 2025&nbsp;&#8211; <em>Registration Closed<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n<li>December 15, 2025&nbsp;&#8211; <em>Registration Closed<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n<li>January 26, 2026&nbsp;&#8211; <em>Registration Closed<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n<li>March 16, 2026 &#8211; <em>Registration Closed<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n<li>May 18, 2026&nbsp;&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/events.teams.microsoft.com\/event\/710456ec-f5db-40df-b664-5c285cc000c3@0bca7ac3-fcb6-4efd-89eb-6de97603cf21\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Register Now<\/a><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In-Person Sessions:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Held 3-4 p.m. Central Time. Location and registration links will be posted below as available.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n<li>September 18, 2025 in Mitchell Hall 191&nbsp;&#8211;<em> Registration Closed<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n<li>November 20, 2025&nbsp;in Bolton Hall B52 &#8211; <em>Registration Closed<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n<li>February 19, 2026&nbsp;in Enderis 115 &#8211; <em>Registration Closed<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n<li>April 16, 2026\u00a0in Enderis 115 &#8211; <em><em>Registration Closed<\/em><\/em><\/li>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"uwm-modal-h1koin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"OPT: Tips on Drafting your I-765 and Printing your Draft Snapshot\" width=\"1400\" height=\"788\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AZNDFOMZt7Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":30714,"featured_media":0,"parent":4158,"menu_order":99,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"templates\/centered.php","meta":{"footnotes":"","uwm_wg_additional_authors":[34070]},"class_list":["post-7087","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.5 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Center for International Education<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/optional-practical-training\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Optional Practical Training\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/services\/students\/employment\/optional-practical-training\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Center for International Education\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-04-16T18:31:46+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/cie\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/600\/2025\/07\/OPT-Application-Timeline-3.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1500\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1050\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/services\\\/students\\\/employment\\\/optional-practical-training\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/services\\\/students\\\/employment\\\/optional-practical-training\\\/\",\"name\":\"Optional Practical Training - Center for International Education\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/services\\\/students\\\/employment\\\/optional-practical-training\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/services\\\/students\\\/employment\\\/optional-practical-training\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/600\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/OPT-Application-Timeline-3.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-08-07T19:49:14+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-04-16T18:31:46+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/services\\\/students\\\/employment\\\/optional-practical-training\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/services\\\/students\\\/employment\\\/optional-practical-training\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/services\\\/students\\\/employment\\\/optional-practical-training\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/600\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/OPT-Application-Timeline-3.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/sites\\\/600\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/OPT-Application-Timeline-3.png\",\"width\":1500,\"height\":1050,\"caption\":\"Visual of the OPT application timeline\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/services\\\/students\\\/employment\\\/optional-practical-training\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/uwm.edu\\\/cie\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"International Students &amp; 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