1 Table of contents 19

OPT Student Guide

Optional Practical Training		1
Table of Contents		2
1. Understanding OPT		3
What is OPT?		3
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary work authorization for eligible F-1 students after completing their degree.		3
OPT allows you to work in the United States in a job related to your major or degree program.		3
Can I Apply?		3
You may be eligible for OPT if you:		3
Are currently maintaining valid F-1 status.		3
Have completed at least one full academic year of full-time study.		3
Are completing your degree program.		3
Have not used 12 months or more of full-time CPT at your current degree level.		3
Have not already used 12 months of OPT at the same degree level.		3
When Can You Apply?		3
You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 30 days after your program end date. USCIS will not accept applications submitted outside of this time period.		3
**See the next page to see details		3
Important Details:		4
Program End Date: The last day of classes for your final semester.		4
Earliest Date You Can Apply: The first day USCIS will accept your OPT application (90 days before your program ends).		4
Latest Date You Can Apply: The last day USCIS will accept your OPT application (30 days after your program ends).		4
Summer graduates: Please contact the International Office to confirm your OPT application window. The same rule applies — you may apply 90 days before your program end date and up to 30 days after.		4
Check your most recent Form I-20 to confirm your program end date.		4
Applying too early or too late will result in your OPT application being denied by USCIS.		4
How Much Does OPT Cost?		4
As of October 2026, the OPT application fee is $470 for online filing. Fees may change.		4
The OPT application fee is paid online through USCIS, not Missouri Valley University.		4
Students are responsible for paying the USCIS filing fee during the application process.		4
How Long Does OPT Approval Take?		4
After USCIS receives your OPT application, the approval process usually		4
takes 3 to 5 months.		4
Important: Apply as early as possible during your OPT application window. Waiting too long may delay your ability to start working after graduation.		4
What is the OPT Start Date?		4
Your OPT start date is the first day your work authorization begins.		4
You must choose a date within the 30-day grace period after your program end date on your Form I-20.		4
Example: If your program ends on May 7, your OPT start date can be between May 8 and June 6.		4
CONSIDER		4
USCIS Biometrics Appointment		5
Premium Processing Option		5
2.How to Apply for OPT		6
Read the OPT Student Guide		6
Before you begin your OPT application, carefully read this OPT Student Guide. It explains the OPT application process, important deadlines, your responsibilities, and the rules you must follow to maintain your F-1 status while on OPT.		6
Read this entire guide before applying to OPT.		6
As an F-1 student, you are responsible for understanding and following all OPT requirements and deadlines.		6
The International Office is here to guide and support you, but you are responsible for maintaining your F-1 status while on OPT.		6
In Step 3, you will sign an OPT Acknowledgment Form confirming that you have read and understood this guide.		6
Complete the OPT Graduation Audit Form		6
Read the OPT Guide		6
This step verifies that you are on track to graduate during your final semester, which is required before you can submit your OPT request. To confirm your eligibility, you must complete the OPT Graduation Audit Form. The form consists of two sections:		6
Read the OPT Guide		6
Section 1: Complete and sign this section yourself.		6
Section 2: Take the form to the Registrar's Office. A representative will review your graduation status, complete and sign this section, and return the signed form to our office. This confirms that you are on track to graduate.		6
If This Is Your First OPT Application		7
You will need:		7
Submit Your OPT Application		8
IMPORTANT		8
3.OPT Pending Period		8
What You Can Do?		8
What You Cannot Do		9
Do not begin work until:		9
USCIS Premium Processing Option		9
IMPORTANT		9
Understanding Your USCIS Receipt Notice		9
Checking Your OPT Application Status		10
While Your Application is Pending:		10
Once your OPT is approved:		10
Travel Considerations:		10
Your Responsabilities While OPT is Pending		10
1.Update Your Adress		10
2.Respond to USCIS Requests		10
3.Travel During the Pending Period		11
4.Maintain Your F-1 Status		11
5.Contact the International Office		11
6.Remember:		11
4.OPT Approval Period		12
Once your OPT is approved by USCIS, you must take a few important steps to stay in compliance and maintain your F-1 status. This includes receiving your EAD card, setting up your SEVP Portal account, and updating your employment and contact information.		12
Step 1: Wait for your EAD Card		12
You will receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by mail.		12
Your EAD will list the work start and end dates of your authorized employment.		12
You cannot begin working until you have both received your EAD card and reached the work start date listed on the card.		12
All employment must be directly related to your major and take place within the dates shown on your EAD.		12
Step 2: Create and Use the SEVP Portal		12
Once your OPT is approved by USCIS, you will receive an email from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) with a personal link to create your SEVP Portal Account.		12
This email comes from:		12
do-not reply.SEVP@ice.dhs.gov		12
Check your Spam, Junk, or Trash folders if you do not see the message.		12
The email includes a personal link to create your		12
portal account — this link expires in 14 days, so be sure to open it and create your account.		12
If the link expires before you activate it, contact the International Office right away so we can help reset it.		12
IMPORTANT		12
You are required to use the SEVP Portal to:		12
Report your job and employer information.		12
Update your employment information within 10 days of starting or changing a job.		12
Report any periods of unemployment.		12
Do not delete previous employer records when updating your profile.		12
Step 3: Keep Your SEVP Portal Information Up to Date		13
Once your OPT is approved, you must use the SEVP Portal to keep your information current. Federal regulations require that you report any changes within 10 days.		13
You are responsible for updating:		13
IMPORTANT		13
Your U.S. residential address		13
Your U.S. phone number		13
Your personal email address		13
Your employer’s name and address		13
Your job title		13
The start and end dates of each job		13
A brief explanation of how your job relates to your major		13
Any periods of unemployment		13
The date you leave the U.S. (if before your OPT end date)		13
Any change in visa status (such as H-1B approval)		13
REMINDERS		13
1.Unemployment Limit		13
You are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT period.		13
The SEVIS system tracks unemployment based on your portal updates.		13
Exceeding 90 days will result in termination of your F-1 status and may lead to unlawful presence, which can impact future visa or immigration benefits.		13
Unpaid work may count as employment if it is directly related to your field and meets labor law standards (e.g., internships or volunteer roles at nonprofit organizations).		13
2. Grace Period After OPT Ends		13
After OPT ends, you have a 30-day grace period. You may:		13
Prepare to leave the U.S.		13
Transfer to another school.		13
Apply to change your immigration status.(If eligible)		13
You cannot work during the 30-day grace period.		13
3.Tax Requirements for OPT Students		14
Most OPT students are considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes and are exempt from Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes, and you are required to file Form 1040-NR for your U.S. income taxes.		14
For more detailed information, please click here.		14
Be sure to check with the Human Resources department at your employer to confirm that your taxes are being handled correctly.		14
5.OPT Employment Types		14
During your OPT period, you may work in various ways as long as the employment is directly related to your major field of study. Below are the types of jobs and work arrangements allowed under OPT, with examples of typical entry-level positions students often pursue:		14
MULTIPLE JOBS		14
You can work for several employers simultaneously, as long as each job relates to your field.		14
Example: A marketing graduate working part-time as a social media assistant and also as a content writer.		14
FREELANCE OR CONTRACT WORK		14
Independent contracting is allowed. Keep written contracts with details about the work and dates.		14
Example: An IT student freelancing as a junior web developer or providing tech support to small businesses.		14
You can start your own small business connected to your field. Ensure it is active and licensed if required.		14
Example: A graphic design student creating logos and promotional materials for local clients.		14
UNPAID INTERNSHIP OR VOLUNTEERING		15
Allowed if related to your major and compliant with labor laws. Keep records of your duties and hours.		15
Example: A public health student volunteering at a community clinic or assisting with health education programs.		15
KEEP RECORDS OF YOUR EMPLOYMENT		15
While on OPT, it is essential to keep detailed records of all your employment. These documents may be needed for future immigration benefits, visa applications, or when re-entering the U.S.		15
Examples of documents you should keep include:		15
IMPORTANT		15
These examples are for illustration only and do not include every possible job related to your field. It is essential that your employment is directly connected to your major. If you’re unsure whether a job qualifies, please contact the International Office for guidance.		15
Offer letters		15
Employment contracts		15
Pay stubs or timesheets		15
Letters confirming unpaid work or volunteer hours Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card (keep it even after it expires)		15
6.OPT Travel Rules		15
Travel Rules After OPT Approval		16
Travel While OPT Is Pending		16
Important Travel Reminders		16
7.STEM OPT Extension		17
Who Qualifies?		17
Important Reminders		17
Need Help or Ready to Apply?		17
BEFORE YOU MAKE CHANGES		19

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