Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of U.S. work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain experience in their field. OPT gives you 12 months of authorized employment after you have completed your degree program.
OPT Roadmap
Follow these steps to make sure you don't miss any of the necessary requirements.
1. Apply for Graduation
Check with your academic advisor to confirm the semester that you are graduating.
3. Complete OPT Quiz
You need a 100% on this quiz before you can get approved.
5. Draft I-765
Get all of your documents and information in one place and create an account with USCIS.
7. Receive EAD Card
Wait for your request to be processed. Once you receive your card and it’s after your start date, you can begin working!
2. Review Presentation
Carefully review the PowerPoint presentation about applying for OPT.
4. Request OPT I-20
Submit the OPT Request Form to us through email: international@nctc.edu.
6. Review & Submit
Schedule an appointment with a DSO to go over your application, pay the fee and submit it!
8. Report Employment
Find out how to access SEVP.
OPT Rules and Regulations
Employment
- You can work paid or unpaid on Post Completion OPT.
- Your job must be related to your degree.
- You must work 20 hours a week or more.
- You can work more than one job.
- You can be self-employed.
Unemployment
Only 90 days of unemployment are allowed during your Post Completion OPT period.
If you are working fewer than 20 hours a week, you are accruing unemployment days!
If you are not in the U.S. and are not working, you are accruing unemployment days!
Contact our office if you are getting close to your 90-day allowance!
Completion
When your OPT ends, you have 60 days to:
- Start a new program at NCTC
- Transfer to another U.S. institution
- Depart the U.S.
Reporting
- All changes should be reported via the SEVP portal.
- Report any changes to your OPT within 10 days.
Travel
Before OPT Approval:
- We do not recommend traveling while you have a pending petition with USCIS as you may forfeit your application when you leave the country.
After OPT Approval:
- Do not travel without a job or without your physical EAD card, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S.
- You will need:
- An employment letter
- Your EAD card
- A valid F-1 visa
- A valid I-20 with a travel endorsement less than six months old.
Reminders
- 30-Day Window: Once your DSO signs and issues your OPT-recommended I-20, you have 30 days from the signature date to submit your OPT application to USCIS. If you do not submit within this window, you must request a new I-20 recommendation before you can apply.
- Accurate Information: Carefully check that all information you provide in your application is accurate and complete. Errors can lead to processing delays or denials.
- Correct Delivery Address: Make sure you provide a reliable, up-to-date delivery address in your USCIS application. If your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is sent to the wrong address and returned to USCIS, it may be difficult or impossible to retrieve it in a timely manner.
- Replacement for Lost Cards: If your EAD card is lost or stolen in the mail, you will need to file a replacement application with USCIS and pay the associated fee again. Replacement processing can also add significant time to your overall authorization timeline.
- Plan Ahead: Begin your application process early to account for these steps and any unforeseen delays. Timely, accurate submission helps ensure you receive your work authorization when you need it.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Curricular Practical Training or CPT is an academic program allowing F-1 students to participate in an internship or training required of all students obtaining that particular degree. Students can request re-authorization for CPT each semester of participation, but can only work during the authorized semester dates.
Your Role
Speak with your academic advisor to find out if participating in an internship is integral to your degree program. Once you receive a job offer, you must complete a CPT Request and send it to international@nctc.edu. You must be enrolled in the required internship course for your degree program in order for International Admissions to authorize your CPT request. Once the semester ends, you will have to reapply for CPT if you would like to continue working after the last date of classes.
Eligibility
- Must have maintained F-1 status and be enrolled full-time for two long semesters.
- Check with your Academic Advisor to see if your program qualifies.
- Failure to remain enrolled in the required internship course will result in unauthorized employment.
Proof of Work Authorization
You must receive authorization from International Admissions in order to participate in CPT. You cannot start working until after they receive a CPT I-20 that lists the authorized employer, location, dates of authorization, and if you will be working full-time or part-time.
CPT for Off-Campus Clinicals
If you are a nursing student who will be partaking in off-campus clinicals as part of your degree program, please fill out the CPT Request for Off-Campus Clinical form instead of the general CPT form.