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University of Lynchburg

/ Academics / Center for Global Education / International Student Services / Employment / Optional Practical Training (OPT) / Applying for OPT

Applying for OPT

Students applying for OPT must complete a USCIS Form I-765 and follow the “Special Instructions”. On Section 16 of the application, students must enter the appropriate OPT code:

  • Pre-Completion – C3A
  • Post-Completion – C3B
  • STEM Extension – C3C

When Can I File for OPT?

For post-completion OPT, you can apply as early as 90 days prior to the completion date of your program, as discussed above. The latest you can file is 60 days after your program end date. For example, if your graduation date is May 20th, you may apply for OPT beginning February 21st, and July 13th is the cut-off date to ensure that USCIS will receive your application before July 19th, the 60th day after graduation.

Processing Times

You do not need a job offer in order to apply for OPT. It is highly recommended to apply early.

The OPT application approval can take 2 to 3 months, so be sure to plan ahead. OPT applications cannot be expedited. Current average processing times for applications are listed on the www.uscis.gov website. Typically, the earlier you file your OPT application, the shorter the processing time on the application due to the number of applications they receive, so plan accordingly!

Selecting a Start Date for OPT

Post-completion OPT always counts as full-time and it must be completed within 14 months of completing your program. For example, if you complete your program on May 20th, your start date for OPT must be between May 21st and July 19th, the 60th day after completing your program.

Please note that although you can apply for OPT after graduation, it is to your advantage to file early, as you may forfeit some of your twelve months of OPT while waiting for your card. You may not change your OPT dates once you have mailed your application. You may not begin working until you receive your EAD card and reach the beginning date on your EAD card.

Questions to Think About When Selecting a Start Date

Are you planning to move after graduation?
If so, you may need a week or two to get settled
Do you need additional time to search for a job after you graduate?
According to the regulations, you should not accumulate 90 days total of unemployment during your 12 months of post-completion OPT. The unemployment time is accrued when your EAD card is valid, not while your OPT application is pending. If you are able to find an internship or a volunteer experience in your major field of study, as long as you are working at least 20 hours a week, this counts as employment.
If you choose a late start date, do you have enough finances to cover you while waiting for a later start date?
Since the regulations now state that students should not accumulate 90 days of unemployment during their OPT, you may choose a later start date to allow more time to find a job. However, you need to consider how long you can live in the U.S. without being able to work. Also, if you receive a job offer with an earlier start date than you have chosen for your OPT, you will have to advise your employer as to when your OPT authorization will start.
Do you have travel plans outside of the U.S.?

What is my status while I am waiting for my OPT card?
As long as you have filed your OPT application in a timely manner, you are authorized to remain in the U.S. while your application is pending (even if the application is pending beyond the start date you have chosen for your OPT). If you do not already have a job / internship offer, you should be actively seeking employment in the U.S. while waiting for your EAD card.

What if I want to travel and return to the U.S. before graduation? Do I need a job offer and the EAD in order to return to the U.S.?
The answer depends upon when you travel and at what stage the OPT application is in:

When is travel? Application status? Risk level
Before your completion date pending or approved Low risk. You do not need a job offer or EAD in order to travel, as long as you return to the U.S. before you have completed degree requirements. In order to be readmitted in F-1 visa status, you need a “valid academic reason” to return.

Please note that attending a graduation ceremony is not considered an “academic reason.” However, finishing classes, exams, or defending your thesis are examples of a “valid academic reason.”

If your application is pending, you should bring the Receipt Notice from USCIS with you when you travel. If the application is approved, we advise you to bring your EAD card and job offer letter, if available.
Before your completion date Pending or approved Low risk. You do not need a job offer or EAD in order to travel, as long as you return to the U.S. before you have completed degree requirements. In order to be readmitted in F-1 visa status, you need a “valid academic reason” to return.

Please note that attending a graduation ceremony is not considered an “academic reason.” However, finishing classes, exams, or defending your thesis are examples of a “valid academic reason.”

If your application is pending, you should bring the Receipt Notice from USCIS with you when you travel. If the application is approved, we advise you to bring your EAD card and job offer letter, if available.
After your completion date Pending High risk. After you have completed your program, the law [8CFR 214.2(f)(13)(ii)] references the need to show a valid EAD/approved OPT card in order to re-enter.

We do not recommend travel and re-entry after your completion date and while the OPT application is pending unless you have a valid job offer. One never knows when USCIS will adjudicate the OPT application, and once the application is approved, it is clear that both a job offer and the EAD is needed (see below).

We recommend reviewing and even printing out the information on line from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding travel on OPT (section 2.N and 2.O)
After your completion date Approved High risk. Once the OPT application is approved by CIS, you MUST have an official job offer and the EAD to present at the Port of Entry to return to the United States. Once the OPT is approved, students can only return to the U.S. to resume employment; this is determined by a job offer.

The Department of Homeland Security states, “If your OPT has been approved and you depart before you get a job, your OPT ends and you cannot reenter.” They have clarified their position to state that you do not need the job offer in order to depart, but you DO need the job offer to reenter the U.S.