Optional Practical Training-OPT

(12 months of full- or part-time employment for practical training directly related to the student’s field of study, typically performed after graduation. OPT can be done anywhere in the US.)

To be eligible for OPT:

• Student must be in status
• Student must apply for OPT prior to graduation through IPO. (Currently it is taking 3 months to get CIS approval)
• It is not necessary to have chosen a place of employment prior to applying for OPT
• The 12 months of OPT may be divided into segments. For example, a student may do 3 months of OPT during the summer vacation, and save the remaining 9 months for after graduation.
• You are eligible for OPT after each degree level that you complete. For example, you may do one year of OPT after your undergraduate degree. You may do another year of OPT after your graduate level degree.

To apply for OPT:

• Attend an OPT workshop at IPO. Workshops will be announced at the beginning of each semester
• Bring your 1-20, visa, passport, and I-94 card, 2 photos (passport style, head positioned directly facing the camera), and a money order to BCIS for $340.