New Optional Practical Training (OPT) Rules for
F-1 Students (85K PDF)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) provides an opportunity for F-1 student visa holders to gain up to one year of real work experience in their field of study at their level of education. Students are allowed one 12-month period of optional practical training for every degree at a higher educational level. For example, a student in a bachelor's program planning to continue toward earning a master's degree would be able to have a period of OPT after the bachelor's degree and then have another period of OPT after the master's degree. A student who completes two bachelor's degrees is only allowed one 12-month period of OPT, because a second bachelor’s degree is not considered a successively higher educational level.
Students do not need to have a job offer in hand to apply for OPT. However, any time during the authorized period of OPT in which a student does not work will be forfeited.
Optional Practical Training can be used during the following times:
1. Vacation and other times when school is not in session, if the student is currently enrolled and intends to register for the next term.
2. While school is in session (if practical training does not exceed 20 hours per week).
3. After completion of all course requirements for the degree.
providence campus Students should plan to attend an OPT Session that is held every Friday at 12:00 noon at both the Kinsley Building and Paramount Building in order to get the latest up-to-date information on OPT.
north miami campus Up-to-date information about OPT can be obtained from the International Office.
denver campus Students should plan to met with an International Student Advisor to review OPT requirements prior to your last term of enrollment at J&W.
charlotte campus Students should plan to met with an International Student Advisor to review OPT requirements prior to your last term of enrollment at J&W.
eligibility Employment must be directly related to your major field of study and at your level of education. Students must be in lawful F-1 student status in the United States for at least one academic year (three terms).
procedure
• Complete and sign USCIS Form I-538 (Section A)
• Complete USCIS Form I-765.
• Provide two photographs of yourself. Photographs must meet USCIS specification: color, glossy and un-retouched, white background, full frontal view. The distance from the top of the head to just below the chin should be 1-1/4 inches and overall photo size not greater than 1 1/2 inch square.
• Provide a photocopy of your F-1 visa, I-94 card (both sides) and identity pages of your passport.
• Provide copies of all previously issued I-20s
• Obtain a certified bank check or money order for $340.00 made payable to "U.S. Department of Homeland Security" (Keep your receipt)
Submit all of the above to the international student advisor to request the DSO's recommendation for optional practical training
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