Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 international students to work in the United States after completing their academic program, gaining practical experience directly related to their major field of study. Eligible students may work full-time for up to 12 months, as long as that time has not been used for pre-completion OPT or Curricular Practical Training at the same degree level. Post-completion OPT must be approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and students must receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning work. Students typically apply during their final semester, and employment can begin only after the program end date listed on their Form I-20. Students must not exceed 90 days of unemployment while on active post-completion OPT.
- Must be in valid F-1 student status at the time of application.
- Must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year at a SEVP-certified school.
- Must be completing a degree program (associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level).
- Employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
- Must apply for OPT within the allowed timeframe — up to 90 days before and 60 days after your program end date.
- Must not have used 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same degree level.
- Must receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before starting work.
- May work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) once authorized.
Step 1: Review the Post-Completion OPT Training Module Prezi
Step 2: Prepare all necessary documents and review important links
- Post-Completion OPT Checklist
- Soft copy of your valid passport, visa, or previously issued EAD card (only 1 required)
- PDF of your most recent I-94
- Digital passport photo *Review the Passport Photo Requirements
- Funds available to pay the USCIS filing fee by credit or debit card, or by checking or savings account
- Form I-20 with recommended OPT (issued upon approval of the OPT application)
Step 3: After completing the Post-Completion OPT Training Module, select one of the two options below
Step 4: Wait for an email from the Office of International Student Services
- Once your application and documents are received, please allow 5 – 7 business days for processing.
- If additional information is needed during the review process (including corrections to forms), the Office of International Student Services will send an email to your Marshall email account with the subject “REQUEST FOR INFORMATION.”
- Be sure to provide any necessary information within 10 days. Incomplete requests may be cancelled after 10 days.
- If approved, you will receive an email notification to your Marshall email account letting you know your new I-20 has been issued and you are ready to file Form I-765 online.
Step 5: Receive and sign your Form I-20 with recommended OPT
- Once the OPT Application is approved, you will receive a notification to your Marshall email with the Form I-20 attached. Be sure to sign the I-20 and save for your records. You will need the electronic Form I-20 to upload to the Form I-765 online.
Step 6: Complete Form I-765 Online
- Once your OPT is recommended in SEVIS by a DSO, you will be ready to file Form I-765 online with USCIS.
- File Form I-765
- View Form I-765 Guide
Step 7: Wait for your EAD card to arrive
- Once your application is submitted and the filing fee is paid online, you will be directed to a confirmation screen that shows your receipt number. You will be able to use the receipt number to check the status of your case on the USCIS website. Be sure to check your USCIS online account for updates to your case.
- Check my case status with USCIS
- Check USCIS processing times
- I need to update my address with USCIS
- You will receive an email or text message with a case number which can be used to Check the Status of Your Case Online. USCIS processing times may vary. You must NOT begin working until the start date on the EAD card, if approved. If your case is denied, you will receive a denial notice.
- Requests for Evidence
- USCIS may send you a REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE (RFE) through regular mail. While it is not common for students to receive a RFE when applying for Optional Practical Training, it does happen sometimes. If USCIS sends you a RFE, be sure to read it carefully and respond as soon as possible. Be sure to send a copy of the RFE to iss@marshall.edu.
- Guides & Handouts
- Helpful Links
- OPT Reporting Requirements
- If my case is pending after my 60-day grace period, can I stay in the United States?
- Yes! You can stay in the United States while the case is pending with USCIS.
- Can I work while my case is pending with USCIS?
- If you are applying for PRE-COMPLETION or POST-COMPLETION OPT, the answer is NO. You cannot begin working until the start date on the EAD card.
- If you are applying for STEM OPT EXTENSION, the answer is YES, you may work for up to 180 days with the I-797 Receipt Notice while the case is pending with USCIS.
- Can I travel outside the United States while my case is pending with USCIS?
- That depends. Generally, the answer is yes. However, if you are applying for post-completion OPT AND your I-20 program end date has passed, it is not recommended that you travel outside the United States. Additionally, if you are applying for STEM OPT extension AND your standard OPT end date has passed, you should not travel outside the United States. For other OPT travel questions, check out our OPT Travel Chart.