Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to gain up to 12 months of work experience in their field of study after graduating from an eligible academic program. To qualify for OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year and apply before completing their studies or within 60 days of completion. The application process involves obtaining a recommendation from the school, applying to USCIS, and receiving an Employment Authorization Document. While on OPT, students must report employment changes and are allowed brief periods of unemployment not exceeding 90 days total.

1. Optional Practical Training
Online Tutorial
Office of International Student Services &
Study Abroad

2. Optional Practical Training
 OPT OVERVIEW
 WHAT IS OPT?
 ELIGIBILITY
 TIMELINE
 APPLICATION PROCESS
 OPT PROCESS
 OPTIONS AFTER OPT
Dr. Johna McClendon, DSO

3. What is OPT?
 OPT stands for “Optional Practical Training”
 It is a temporary practical employment that is directly
related to an F-1 student’s academic major area of study.
 It is 12 months of temporary work authorization granted
by US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) for
off-campus work directly related to your field of study.
HCC authorizes a Post-completion OPT
Students in the Intensive English Program are not
eligible to apply for OPT

4. Eligibility
Who is Eligible for OPT?
F-1 students who have attended an SEVP-certified college on a full-time
basis for at least one academic year may be authorized up to 12 months of
OPT per program level. However, F-1 students who have one year or more
of full-time curricular practical training (CPT) are not eligible for OPT for
that degree.

5. Who Can Apply for OPT?
F-1 students who have:
 Maintained valid F-1 student status
 Applied for Graduation in Student System
 Must be physically present in the United States
 Completed fewer than 365 days of full time curricular practical training
 A job offer is Not needed to apply for OPT

6. How Long Can I Be on OPT?
 Total of 12 months of full-time OPT work authorization per degree level

7. What Type of Employment?
Must be directly related to field of study
Minimum (20 hours per week)
Post-completion OPT:
Must be part or full-time

8. Employment Requirements
 All employment must be directly related to your program of study. Your
confirmation of how the work is related to your program of study will be
saved in your SEVIS record.
 Employment must be a minimum of 20 hours a week
 You may begin employment once you have your Employment
Authorization Document (EAD) and have reached the start date on your
EAD.
 You must report any change in employment or mailing address to OISS
within 10 days of that change.

9. Employment Requirements Continued
All OPT must be in a job that is related to the student’s degree program
Employment must be:
• Paid employment
• Unpaid employment
• Multiple employers
• Short-term multiple employers

10. The OPT Process
Step 1: Complete this online post-completion OPT tutorial.
Step 2: Complete OPT Quiz; print confirmation page
Step 3: Immediately following this tutorial, you will fill out your OPT
application online. Complete, print, and sign the forms.
Step 4: Submit your OPT application materials to OISS during open hours.
Step 5: An OISS advisor will review your materials for accuracy and issue
you a new I-20. You will be contacted when the I-20 is ready to be picked
up at OISS.
Step 6: Mail your application with a copy of the new I-20 to USCIS.
Step 7: Application processing with USCIS can take up to 90 days. Once
you receive your OPT (EAD) card and reached your start date, you are
eligible to begin employment

11. The Application Process
Step 1: Recommendation
 Bring application materials to
OISS
 Obtain new I-20 with OPT
recommendation from OISS
 Be ready to file application to
USCIS when you request
OPT I-20
Step 2: Application to USCIS
 Mail application to USCIS
 USCIS must receive OPT
application within 30 days of
the date your I-20 is issued
 Approval Time: Up to 90 days
 Receive Employment
Authorization Document
(EAD card) in mail

12. Application Timeline
USCIS must receive your application:
- No more than 60 days AFTER program completion date on I-20
- Within 30 days of the issue date of OPT recommendation I-20
Mason Philpot

13. OPT Application Procedures
1. Get your application packet ready
2. You will be provided an envelope with USCIS’ mailing address*
3. OISS&SA issues you a new I-20 with an OPT recommendation-this
process takes 5 business days through SEVIS batch
*Note: Do not mail your packet without copies of your new OPT I-20
4. You pick up the new original I-20 and copy of pages 1 & 3 from OISS&SA a
week from today.
5. Add copies of your signed I-20 (pages 1 & 3) and a printout of your SEVIS
CPT (if any) to your application packet.
6. Mail your OPT application packet to USCIS
Deadline: Your application needs to be received within 30 days from the
printed date on your new OPT I-20, and within your 60 days grace period,
whichever is sooner

14. OPT Application Checklist
The OPT Application
Below are the application materials you will need to submit to OISS in order to
receive your new OPT I-20.
• F-1 Student Program Completion Verification Form
• OPT Commitment Letter
• Workshop confirmation page
• Form I-765
• Form G-1145
• Two Passport-sized Photos (Can be obtain at any local CVS or Walgreens)
• Check or Money Order for $380 (Department of Homeland Security)
• All previous I-20s, I-94 record, F-1 visa, Passport ID page

15. Attach documents # 1- 3 and initial #4:
1. ___ OPT Commitment Letter
2. ___ F-1 Student Program Completion Verification Form
3. ___ Copy of your current HCC I-20
4. ___I have applied for graduation
http://www.hccs.edu/district/students/graduation/
What OISS needs to process your OPT recommendation (1)

16. Commitment Letter Sample

17. OPT start date
Your OPT start date can begin
any day during your 60 day grace
period after the completion of
your program of study.
You may select any date to
start your OPT
between these dates:
Program end date on
your I-20
60 days after your I-20
end date

18. F1 Student Program Completion Verification Form
Sample

19. Please attach items # 1-5 :
1.___ Completed original form I-765
2.___ Completed form G-1145
3.___ Copy of passport photo page including expiration date (at least 6 months
in the future)
4.___ Copy of F1 Visa (or Change of status approval)
5.___ Copy of I-94 (both sides of the card or print out your I-94 at
www.cbp.gov/i94)
6.___ Two recent (2) passport photos (lightly print name and date of birth on
the back)
7.___ $380 Money order or personal check issued to U.S. Department of
Homeland Security
What OISS needs to process your OPT recommendation (2)

20. I-765 Application Completion

21. What is next after I mail my OPT application?
 After 2-3 weeks, you should receive a Notice of Action (I-797) from USCIS
acknowledging they have received your payment and application
 You may check your case status on line:
https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
 In about 3 months, you may receive your EAD (Employment Authorization
Document) card

22. OPT is a benefit of F-1 status. All F-1 regulations apply to you.
Report your employment information
• Use the OPT Employment Information Form on OISS&SA website
• Keep your own record of employment information
o Employer name, location, job descriptions/duties
o Hours per week, starting and ending dates
Report changes of your visa status
 Email or fax OISS the approval notice (I-797) of your change of status
Report departure/changes of any personal information
If you depart the U.S. and do not plan to return for OPT
 Contact OISS : 713-718-8521 (phone) 713-718-2112 (fax)
Reporting Requirements During OPT

23.  G-1145
 I-765 (attach check and the envelope with the two passport photos to this
form)
 $380 personal check or money order payable to:
 U.S. Department of Homeland Security
 Copy of I-20 pages 1 & 3
 Copy of your CPT I-20 (if you had CPT)
 Copy of passport (valid at least 6 months into the future)
 Copy of visa page
 Copy of I-94 form or card( front and back)/ (change of status approval
notice if applicable
 Copy of EAD card front and back (if you had one)
OPT Application Mailing Packet

24. Mailing Information
Once you have received your documents back from OISS mail to:
USCIS
PO Box 660867
Dallas, TX 75266
For Express mail and courier deliveries
USCIS
Attn: AOS
2501 S. State Hwy. 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067
For U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Deliveries:

25. Required documents to show to the Customs and Border Protection Officer
upon your return to the US, once your OPT has been approved
 I-20 with valid travel endorsement (6 month from date of signature on page 3)
 Passport valid at least 6 months into the future
 Valid F-1 visa
 Employment letter(s)
 Proof that you have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment
 Valid OPT (EAD) card
Travel while pending for OPT card
 Not recommended. See OISS International Advisor if you have to travel
Traveling Outside of the USA

26. May occur at any point during OPT:
 Change non-immigrant status to H-1 B or another
eligible visa type
 Depart USA
 {abandon F-1}
 Start new degree level
Options during OPT

27. Portfolio

28. Social Security Number
Documentation required by the Social Security Administration Office:
OPT card Current I-20 (original)
I-94 card
Passport
Website:
http://ssa.gov/pubs/10181.pdf
Social Security
Number (SSN)

29. Driver’s License
Documentation required by Texas Department of Safety:
 EAD card
 OPT endorsed I-20
 I-94 card (or I-94 electronic print-out)
 Passport (valid at least 6 months ahead)
• https://www.dps.texas.gov/
Remember! You need to have at least 6 months before the end date on your I-20 or EAD card.

30. Health Insurance
You can continue your Health Insurance Coverage during the OPT by paying
directly to AIG
http://www.studentinsurance.com/Schools/TX/HCC/
Choose Voluntary Enrollment option

41. Complete, Submit, and
Print Confirmation Page
Return to the OISS Website for
Guidelines and Forms
OPT Guidelines
ButtonConfirmation Page

42. What is OPT? OPT is an acronym for Optional Practical Training. In accordance with 8CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii), it is a government
authorized program that allows F-1 students to participate in up to 12 months of practical training in a field related to their
major. You do not have to have a job offer in order to obtain OPT. Once you receive the employment authorization document
(EAD), the OPT time is used even if you are not working. It is a one year “window of opportunity.”
Who is eligible for post-completion OPT? Students must have completed one academic year (fall and spring semesters) as
a full-time student and be in F-1 status at the time of application. Student must have applied for graduation in one of the
Associate Degree programs or full-time certificate programs at Houston Community College.
Who is not eligible for post-completion OPT? Students entering the United States under a new SEVIS ID# must wait to
complete one full academic year as a full-time student before they are eligible to apply for post-completion OPT. Students in
the Intensive English Program are not eligible to apply for OPT.
Do I get another year of post-completion OPT if I complete a new degree? Students become eligible for another 12
months of OPT benefits upon completion of another degree at a higher level
(e.g. Associate to Bachelor, etc.). Students are only eligible for one OPT period at the associate level. If the student applied
for OPT benefits on a certificate level, and uses the same credits to
complete an Associate’s Degree in the same program of study, this student is not eligible to apply for OPT benefits on that
Associate Level.
When should I apply? You may apply for post-completion OPT 90 days before the completion of your studies BUT PRIOR
TO 60 DAYS AFTER THE COMPLETION OF YOUR STUDIES. Since the
application process may take up to 90 days and employment cannot begin until you have received an Employment
Authorization Document (EAD), we recommend that you apply early. Your application must arrive at the U.S. Texas Service
Center and be officially receipted before the 60th day after the completion date of your degree program.
What if I am planning to move to a new address while my application is pending? The US post office will not forward your
EAD. Make sure that the address provided on the application (Form I- 765) is where the student or some other (authorized)
reliable person will be to receive the EAD when it arrives 2 to 3 months from the application date. Report any change of
address to the International Advisor/ Designated School Official (DSO) who assisted with the OPT application.
When will my OPT begin? Your employment authorization does not necessarily begin when your EAD arrives. The
authorized employment period is indicated on the EAD card with a start date and an end date.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Post-completion OPT

43. Can I travel while waiting for my OPT approval? When you are pending to receive your OPT card, we recommend
you not to travel outside the U.S. unless you have an emergency.
In this scenario, please schedule an appointment with your Designated School Official to discuss the risk and the required
documents.
Can I travel while I am on OPT? If your OPT has been granted, you should be able to travel with the following
documents:
Valid F-1 visa
Passport valid at least 6 months into the future Valid EAD
card
Employment letter (s) It is best to have an official letter of employment and 2 to 3 recent pay
stubs.
Proof that you have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment
SEVIS Form I-20 with valid travel endorsement (Please be aware that the travel)
endorsement for OPT is valid only 6 months from the date of signature on Page 3)
Time spend outside the U.S. counts towards your total 90 days of unemployment unless you are employed and
take approved vacation or business travel.
Can my dependents travel when I am on OPT? It is best to have an official letter of employment and 2 to 3 recent
pay stubs. Your dependents must have their own I-20, passport, F-2 visa and copy of the F-1 student’s SEVIS Form I-
20, copies of the EAD card and your employment letter in order to travel.
May I get a temporary employment card if my application is delayed in processing? No. This option is no
longer available.
How is OPT different from Curricular Practical Training (CPT)? With OPT, the student receives an EAD from the
Department of Homeland Security. With CPT, the authorization is granted by a Designated School Official (DSO) and
is indicated on page 3 of the student’s SEVIS I-20 Form. Participation in CPT does not affect your future OPT benefits
as long as you work less than one year full-time under the CPT program. If one year or more of CPT is used, the
student is no longer eligible for OPT for that degree level. CPT must be an integral part of the curriculum. OPT does
not have to be connected to the curriculum, but it does have to be in the field of the student’s major.
What do I do if I am not going to complete my degree as expected? You should report immediately to the
Office of International Student Services for guidance.

44. While on Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT): What the student needs to know:
You are still in F-1 Status (OPT is a benefit of F-1 Status);
Do not attend school full-time while you are on OPT; you are limited to part-time attendance as non-degree seeking student only. Check with
a DSO prior to enrolling;
The U.S. Post Office will not forward the EAD, so make sure that you or someone reliable will be at the address you place on your I-765 form
to receive the mail. Undeliverable mail will be returned to the Service Center.
Always check with a DSO if you have questions about any of the above.
There are limits on total days you can remain unemployed without affecting your F-1 Status! You cannot accrue more than 90 days of
unemployment status during the 12 months of Post- Completion OPT; any unemployment period exceeding the 90 days may result in violation
of your F-1 status.
What the student needs to do:
Submit a copy of your EAD to your assigned OPT contact (the DSO who assisted with your OPT)
Actively search for employment;
Any time your personal information changes, report it within 10 days by emailing your DSO
Submit any employment information using the OPT Employment Information Form found on the international student website under F-1
Services and Forms. *According to the federal
regulations [8 CFR 214.(f)], F-1 students are responsible for reporting the address, employer’s name and address, and any periods
of employment and unemployment while on OPT. The DSO is responsible for updating the student’s SEVIS record to reflect these
changes. This reporting requirement is an on-going requirement.
You may choose to end OPT before the end date on your EAD and do any of the following:
Return home immediately;
Transfer to another college and get a new SEVIS I-20 Form;
Apply to start a secondary program at HCC and get a new SEVIS I-20 Form.