IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Harrisburg University and International Student Office have no influence over USCIS, the final arbiter of OPT applications. HU and ISO provide no guarantees that your OPT application will be approved. The OPT application is considered your own application. Any communication from USCIS regarding your OPT application status will be sent directly to you. 

 

Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) 

Post completion OPT is the practical training once approved that allows F1 students to work after the program end date. Students must complete their degree by the end date of their program. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study after they graduate.


While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.


Students can apply for OPT from 90 days prior to the program end date or during the 60-grace period after the program end date.  USCIS must receive your application prior to the end of your 60-day grace period. Applications to USCIS must be submitted within the 30 days of the OPT I-20 issue date.


Note: Certain science, technology, engineering, and mathematics degree programs qualify for an additional 24 months of OPT. Please review the following article STEM OPT Overview and Application Process.

 

Eligibility Requirements


To be eligible for Post-Completion OPT, the following must apply

  • Active F-1 status. If you have a pending F-1 Change of Status, you cannot apply for OPT while your application is still pending.
  • You must be in your final semester of your degree program.
  • You cannot have used more than a combined 364 days of full-time CPT at your current degree level.
  • You cannot have been approved for Post Completion OPT previously at the same degree level.
  • You must earn your degree during the final semester you apply for the OPT. Students cannot engage in the approved Post Completion OPT and study at the same time.


Important Notes

  1. You do not need a job offer to apply for Post-Completion OPT.
  2. If you decide not to apply for OPT after receiving your OPT recommendation I-20, you must notify the ISO. Failure to do so can result in loss of F-1 Status.
  3. All employment updates and personal address changes must be reported to the ISO within 10 days of the change. For information on how to submit employment information, please visit the following article: OPT Employment Update
  4. If you are currently on CPT and approved for Post-Completion OPT, your employment information will not automatically update from CPT to OPT.
  5. If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE) for your OPT application, please submit a copy of all pages in the Terra Dotta System and navigate to the Request Center to find the Request for Evidence request. We recommend that students access Terra Dotta through a desktop/laptop device, as mobile compatibility is limited.


Exceeding the allotted unemployment days on Optional Practical Training (OPT) or STEM Extension OPT can lead to serious immigration consequences, including termination of your F-1 status and potential denial of future visa applications.

 

Unemployment days 

  • Post-completion OPT: 90 days.
  • STEM OPT: 150 days, which includes any days accrued while on post-completion OPT.


What to do if you are facing unemployment:

  • Report to SEVP: Contact ISO to report any periods of unemployment to the SEVP portal. 
  • Maintain F-1 status: If you exceed the unemployment limit, you may need to take actions to maintain your F-1 status, such as transferring to another educational program or changing your status. 
  • Seek guidance: Consult with your Designated School Official (DSO) or an immigration attorney for further guidance. 
  • Harrisburg University Career Services - The Office of Career Services provides support to Harrisburg University undergraduate and graduate students and alumni. Career Services | Harrisburg University 


References

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students | USCIS

Practical Training | ICE