What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that provides F-1 visa students an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in their field of study to a practical work experience. OPT is valid for up to 12 months (with a possibility of extension for STEM majors). Applying for OPT is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and attention to deadlines.
OPT Application Workshops
We host OPT workshops every month of each semester. Find out how to sign up for an OPT workshop by viewing the OPT workshop schedule.
Eligibility to Apply for OPT
-
Students are eligible to apply for OPT if they have been a full-time F-1 student in good standing for at least one full academic year.
-
If you have an approved Reduced Course Load (RCL) for a specific academic term, your enrollment in that term is considered to be full-time for the purposes of this requirement.
-
-
Students don't need to have a job before applying for OPT, but once they have employment, the work must directly relate to their major and must be full-time (at least 20 hours per week).
-
You must be completing your degree level within the next 90 days OR you must not have completed your degree more than 60 days in the past.
-
You must be physically present in the U.S. at the time of application to USCIS.
-
You must not have used more than 1 year of full-time CPT during your current degree program (part-time CPT does not count).
Stages of Applying for OPT
To make the process easier, we’ve broken down the application into four stages:
Stage 1: Your Timeline & OPT Request I-20
Stage 2: Submit your OPT application to USCIS
Stage 3: Wait for USCIS to process your application
Stage 4: Maintain your F-1 status while on OPT
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a job to apply for OPT?
No, a job offer is not required to apply for OPT. However, be aware that during your 12-month OPT period, you are only allowed a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment that begins on the OPT start date on your EAD card, which you receive in the mail if your OPT application is approved by USCIS.
How do I know if my job is related to my degree and why is this important?
Federal regulations require that all employment while on OPT must be directly related to your major field of study. As part of your OPT reporting, you will need to provide a description of your job duties that clearly explains the connection between your position and your degree program.
It’s important to understand that if USCIS questions the relationship between your job and your degree in the future, the burden of proof will be on you as the student to show how the employment is directly related.
At UC Merced, our office cannot determine for you which jobs do or do not qualify, since we are not experts in your specific field. If you need support in evaluating whether a position is an appropriate fit, we encourage you to consult with your faculty advisor, academic department, or other professionals in your field.
Can I change my OPT Start Date?
If your OPT application has already been submitted to USCIS, you cannot change your start date. USCIS will use the dates that were listed on your I-20 at the time of submission.
For this reason, it is very important to choose your requested OPT start date carefully when completing your OPT I-20 Request Form. If you are unsure, consult with your DSO before submitting your request.
Can I change jobs while on OPT or get a 2nd job?
Students may have multiple jobs and change jobs as many times as they wish during OPT, provided that all employment is directly related to their major area of study and the work is a minimum of 20 hours per week.
No special permission is required to change employers. However, you must update your employer information in the SEVP Portal within 10 days of the change.
There is an error on my EAD card, what should I do?
Reference the Employment Authorization Document webpage on the USCIS website regarding applying for a Replacement EAD Card.
I didn't receive my EAD card, what should I do?
If you do not receive your EAD Card in 90 days, submit the USCIS e-request for "Outside Normal Processing Time" on the USCIS website. As the applicant, you are also able to contact the USCIS Customer Service Center using the phone number on your Receipt Notice.
If your EAD Card was lost, you need to apply for the Replacement EAD Card. Please reference the Employment Authorization Document webpage on the USCIS website. If the mailing error was not a USCIS error, you will need to pay the filing fee again.
Can I take classes while on OPT?
While on OPT, your primary purpose is to maintain your F-1 status by working. Incidental study (classes for fun or professional development) are allowed as a supplement to your work as long as you continue to work full-time.
If you decide to return to school full-time, you will need to transfer your SEVIS record to the new school. If returning to UC Merced, you should follow the steps on our Change of Degree Level page.
Your OPT will end on the date of your SEVIS transfer release date or Change of Level I-20 program start date and you will no longer have work authorization.
How do I end my OPT early if I've decided to change status or leave the U.S. ?
If that's the case, take a look on the website here for the different cases that can come up that would lead to you wanting to end your OPT early.
Am I covered by student health insurance?
Students who complete a program of study are no longer eligible to purchase a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Health insurance is highly recommended due to the high cost of health care in the United States.
If you are employed full-time during OPT, you might receive health insurance as a benefit of your employment. If you do not receive employee health insurance, we highly recommend you obtain your own health insurance. There are several companies that specialize in health insurance for international students and offer services in several languages.
We recommend speaking to a representative about the plan coverage and asking any questions you may have before purchasing an insurance policy for yourself and any dependents.
What if my employer filed for H-1B but my OPT expires before the H-1B start date of Oct. 1st?
F-1 Students currently on OPT whose employer filed a timely H-1B petition, and have a USCIS issued I-797C receipt notice will automatically have their OPT (and F-1 status) extended up to April 1st of the following year. (*As of January 17, 2025) This is called the "cap-gap extension". No application is required.
Employers and students may request an updated I-20 showing the application of the cap-gap extension. If you are working for a cap-exempt employer (i.e. you are not subject to the lottery) then they may choose any start date for you and the cap-gap will not apply.
You can find out more information on our Cap Gap Extension page.
I am applying for Permanent Residency, will OPT affect that?
If you are currently applying for a Permanent Resident Status (Green Card), please consult your immigration attorney regarding how applying for OPT may impact other applications or benefits.
