International Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of the F-1 visa status that allows international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study. While on OPT, students are still in F-1 status. As such, they must follow OISS guidelines on how to maintain status and maintain communication with the OISS.

The employment or training done while on OPT must be directly related to the field of study listed on the I-20. To apply for OPT, students must make a request with the OISS SEVIS Coordinator and apply through United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to receive an employment authorization document (EAD) card.

Eligibility

At PCC, you may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) if you:

  • are maintaining F-1 visa status and are in good academic standing
  • were enrolled in a SEVIS-approved school in lawful non-immigrant status for at least 3 terms (9 months)
  • are not studying in the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program
  • will complete all the requirements for your degree program by the end of the term for which you will apply
  • are in a degree-seeking academic program with a clear field of study:
    • Associate of Applied Science
    • Associate of General Studies, Associate of Science or Arts Transfer degrees with a completed year-long certificate program (prior to degree completion), or 45 credits in a specific field
  • have not been granted OPT at the same or higher educational level
  • have not been authorized for 12 months or more of full time CPT

The SEVIS Coordinator will make the final decision about eligibility.

NOTE: STEM OPT is not available at the Associate degree level.

Procedure

If you wish to apply for OPT, you must follow the steps below:

  1. Attend an OPT Information Session (offered in Fall, Winter, and Spring terms). Or email the oiss-sevis@pcc.edu to request a recording of the most recent OPT Information Session.
  2. Submit the SEVIS Request Form for “Optional Practical Training (OPT).” You must know the date that you wish to begin OPT (during the 60 day grace period after the Program End Date on your most recent I-20).
  3. If the SEVIS Coordinator confirms that you are eligible for OPT, the SEVIS Coordinator will provide you with an I-20 with an OPT recommendation on page 2. Additionally, the SEVIS Coordinator will send you instructions on how to apply for OPT.
  4. Follow the OPT Instructions provided by the SEVIS Coordinator to apply online for OPT. A fee paid to USCIS is required to complete and submit your application.

Processing Times

USCIS takes approximately 90-120 days (maybe longer) to process OPT applications. A student may not engage in any employment until they have received a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD). If a student would like to begin employment soon after completing their studies, they should plan on applying for OPT at least 60 days prior to their completion date.

Deadline

USCIS will only accept applications received from 90 days before your Program End Date (listed on your most recent I-20) until 60 days after. Any application received outside of those dates will be denied.

USCIS takes 90-120 days to process OPT applications. You should apply as early as possible.

Your last day of work authorization must be within 14 months of your Program End Date. Therefore, if your OPT is approved after your 60-day grace period due to USCIS delays, you will not receive a full 12 months of OPT authorization.

Additional Information

Starting OPT

  • Students must remain enrolled in the PCC insurance coverage (LewerMark), unless health insurance coverage is provided by their employer. In such cases, students must email proof of insurance to oiss.insurance@pcc.edu, each term.
  • Students must complete the SEVIS Check-In form every term and check their PCC email regularly, while on OPT.
  • Students should not travel outside of the US while their OPT application is pending. They will be denied entry to the US without the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card.
  • It is not possible to cancel OPT after an EAD card has been issued. Students will not be able to reapply for OPT at the same level (Associate). Any forfeited OPT authorization time will be lost and cannot be regained.

OPT Employment

  • Students may not engage in any employment until they have received a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Students cannot work before the start date indicated on their EAD.
  • To maintain F-1 status during OPT, students must work full-time, which USCIS defines as over 20 hours per week. Employers may define full-time vs. part-time employment differently.
    • Students may work for more than one employer and/or change employers during the period of authorized OPT.
    • All employers must be added to students’ SEVIS Records by updating the employer in the SEVP Portal or the SEVIS Request Form.
  • All employment must relate to students’ degree programs (as listed on the I-20). Students must submit a detailed description of how their position relates to their major to the U.S. government.
  • During the period of OPT authorization, students cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days in total. Students who use all 90 days must immediately depart the US or transfer to another school, and they are not eligible for a grace period.
  • Types of employment may include:
    • full-time or part-time
    • short term or temporary
    • unpaid internship
    • self-employment
    • work-for-hire (employment through an agency)
  • Students working on OPT may take credit courses at PCC, or any other institution that allows it, on a part time basis.
    • Courses cannot conflict with the minimum 20 hours per week of work required of OPT. 
    • Taking courses does not stop the 90-day unemployment clock if students are not working. 
    • Students cannot begin a new program of study. 
    • OPT is immediately terminated upon the transfer of the SEVIS Record and/or processing of a Change of Level. 

Ending OPT

  • Students cannot work after the “Card Expires” date on their EAD card.
  • Upon completion of OPT, students will have another 60-day grace period to do one of the following:
    • Request to transfer to another school
    • Request to change their level to study in a new PCC program
    • Depart the US
    • Apply for change of status or adjustment of status. OISS does not assist with these processes, and we recommend consulting an immigration lawyer for advice and support.

This page is maintained by the OISS SEVIS Coordinator.