Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work experience directly related to a student’s field of study. An F-1 visa holder who has maintained status and who has been in the United States as a full-time student for one academic year or more is eligible for up to 12 months of OPT. OPT may be pursued full-time before the completion of a degree during vacation periods or after completion of required coursework but prior to completion of a required thesis. OPT may also be pursued during the school year provided the practical training does not exceed 20 hours per week. OPT granted upon completion of all degree requirements must be full-time.
You are limited to a total of 12 months of full-time employment. You have the option of using OPT before completion of the degree, after completion of the degree, or a combination of both. Any OPT authorized is deducted from the 12 months total that is allowed. For example, if you are authorized for 3 months of full-time summer OPT (before the completion of a degree); you will only be eligible for 9 months upon completion of the degree. Any part-time OPT authorized is deducted from the 12 months at one-half the full-time rate. · The employment must be directly related to your field of study.
Once you receive the recommendation for the OPT from the OIA you must seek authorization by mail from the U.S. Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS). USCIS must receive the application BEFORE you complete your program. If the USCIS does not receive the application for OPT prior to completion you will not be eligible for OPT.
You do not need to have a job to apply for OPT. However, any OPT authorized will be deducted from the 12 months allowed whether or not a student actually works. Students interested in pursuing OPT before completion are advised to apply only if they are fairly sure they will have a job.
Once optional practical training is authorized, there is no way to cancel it.
You may not begin working until you have received the employment authorization document (EAD) from the USCIS and may only work within the dates specified on the EAD.
Once you compile all of the documents listed below schedule an appointment with the OIA.
Letter from your academic advisor or departmental chairperson (see samples). This letter must be on departmental letterhead and signed by the advisor or chairperson.
Original Form I-20, in addition to any previous I-20’s issued to you.
Passport and I-94 card (white card in passport)
2 Photographs (OIA has picture specifications)
Personal check for $340.00 made payable to the Department of Homeland Security.
You will complete some forms and your I-20 will be endorsed with the recommendation for OPT. You will be given the application which you will need to mail by express or certified mail to the following address: Vermont Service Center, 75 Lower Welden Street, St. Albans, VT 05479
If you move, you must inform USCIS of your change of address. The U.S. Postal Service will not forward mail from U.S. government agencies. You should not leave the United States before you receive your EAD. If you plan to leave the U.S. prior to the receipt of the EAD, you must consult with the OIA in advance of your trip.
| Departmental Letterhead |
MEMORANDUM TO: Office of Intercultural Affairs
FROM: Name, title, and signature
RE: Recommendation for Practical Training for ________________________
DATE: Current Date
Sample 1: Practical Training after the completion of the program of study
This letter is written to confirm that the above named student completed/will complete all requirements for the Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree in student’s major/program of study on Month Day, Year. In order for him/her to receive the full benefit of his/her education, it would be beneficial for him/her to receive practical experience in the field of __________________ (field of study/major) in this country. Therefore, I recommend that s/he be granted practical training.
Sample 2: Practical Training after the completion of all course requirements
The above named student is a full-time undergraduate/graduate student in the Department of _______________. S/he has completed all course requirements for the Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree in______________ (field of study/major) and is working on his/her thesis/dissertation/equivalent (please specify Master’s project, comprehensive exam, etc.). S/he expects to complete the degree by Month Day, Year. In order for student’s name to receive the full benefit of his/her education, it would be beneficial for him/her to receive practical training in the field of _______________________ (field of study/major) in this country.
Sample 3: Practical Training During Vacation Periods
The above named student is a full-time undergraduate/graduate student in the Department of _______________ expecting to complete a Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree in the field of _______________ (field of study/major) by Month Day, Year. The Department of _______ recommends that s/he be authorized practical training to engage in employment related to his/her program of study during his/her vacation period. We consider such an experience beneficial to a student’s program of study.
Sample 4: Part-Time Practical Training during the school year
The above named student is a full-time student in the Department of _______________ expecting to complete a Bachelor’s/Master’s/Doctoral degree in the field of _______________ (field of study/major) by Month Day, Year. The ___________________department recommends that s/he be authorized practical training to engage in employment related to his/her field of study part-time (20 hours/week or less) during the academic year. We consider such an experience beneficial to a student’s program of study.