F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

To be eligible for OPT, students must…
• be in full-time F-1 status for at least one academic year. Some students who have changed their visa status to F-1 and who have been continuously enrolled in a full-time degree program for at least 1 academic year may qualify for OPT prior to 1 year in F-1 status. See a Taylor Business Institute adviser for more information.
• be seeking employment in the major field of study listed on their current TBI I-20.
• be completing their program of study at TBI. See TBI’s OPT tutorial for more information.
• be physically present in the United States at the time of the application to USCIS.
• NOT have used more than 1 year of full-time CPT during their current degree level (part-time doesn’t count).

No, a job offer is not required to apply for OPT. However, be aware that during your 12-month OPT period, you are only allowed a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment (see more information below in the Employment section). You must also report your employment to TBI’s International Student Office (see Reporting Requirements).

During your pending OPT application and after the OPT approval by USCIS, F-1 students will remain in F-1 status under the I-20 sponsorship of Taylor Business Institute. OPT is a benefit of your F-1 status and extends your ability to remain in the United States for the purpose of seeking employment in your field of study. This means that you will continue to use your TBI OPT I-20 and F-1 documents to travel and you will still need to get fresh travel signatures from the DSO (every 6 months). This also means that the DSO is still responsible for reporting changes about your status to SEVIS and helping you maintain your F-1 status while you are on OPT.

Yes, you will need a Social Security Number (SSN) for any paid employment in the United States. Students can actually apply for their SSN as part of their OPT application to USCIS, but will not receive their SSN card until after their OPT is approved.

The OPT application process involves two major parts. First you must apply to the DSO for an OPT recommendation on your I-20. Then you must submit an OPT application packet, including a signed copy of your OPT I-20, to USCIS.
• You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before and up to 60 days after your expected program completion date*.
• USCIS must receive your full and complete OPT application no more than 60 days after your expected program completion date*.
• In addition, USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of when the DSO recommends your I-20 for OPT.
• You must be physically present in the United States at the time USCIS receives your OPT application. More details are available in the OPT tutorial.
Generally, the DSO recommends applying for OPT as early as possible. Waiting can cause further delays and you may not get a full 12 months of OPT. Additionally, applying early increases your chances of being able to reapply if your application is rejected or denied.
*Expected completion date: The last day of enrollment in the quarter in which program requirements are completed.
Note: If you are applying for OPT after your expected program completion date, you must submit your OPT application to USCIS before making any exit from the United States. If you exit the United States after your program completion without applying for OPT, you will be ineligible to return in F-1 status to apply for OPT.

Step 1. Review the OPT tutorial [pdf] for a complete overview of the process. This is required and very important. Failure to fully review the tutorial may result in application errors and cause OPT denials or violations of F-1 status.
Step 2. Pay/prepare your $100 Post-Completion Services Fee to Taylor Business Institute via credit/debit card, check, or money order (no cash).
• Credit/Debit Card: Contact the International Student Office at (312) 658-5114 to pay via credit/debit card. You must print your receipt/proof of payment and attach it to your OPT I-20 Request form (see Step 3).
• Check or Money Order: Make the check or money order payable to the order of “Taylor Business Institute” and write your Student ID Number in the notes/memo section; attach your check or money order to the OPT I-20 Request form (see Step 3).
Step 3. Submit the OPT I-20 Request Form [doc] signed by the academic adviser and attached proof of payment (see Step 2) to TBI’s International Student Office, either in person or via email to roney.kumi@tbiil.edu. (If paying by check or money order, you must submit all documents in person.) The OPT I-20 Request Form will not be accepted without proof of payment.
Step 4. Academic Dean at Taylor Business Institute will review your request form and OPT eligibility. If eligible, you will be issued a new I-20 with the OPT Recommendation notated on page 2. This takes 3 business days. While you wait, prepare your OPT application documents as instructed in the OPT tutorial [pdf].
Step 5. You may pick up your new OPT I-20 at TBI’s International Student Office in 3 business days after submitting your application. (You will NOT receive any email notification to pick up the I-20 unless there is a delay).
Step 6. Review the OPT tutorial [pdf] to fully prepare all documents and application forms for USCIS. If you would like to go over your application with the DSO, sign up to attend one of the OPT Document Check Workshops or Webinars. To sign up for the upcoming workshops and RSVP, visit the International Student Office. Note: You are responsible for mailing your OPT application to USCIS and USCIS must receive your OPT application within 30 days of the Issue Date listed on page 1 of your I-20 and within 60 days of your completion date.

As part of the OPT I-20 request process, you must request a particular OPT start date. This is the day on which you would like to start your OPT work authorization. Some things to consider when choosing your requested OPT start date:
• The requested start date must be within 60 days of your program completion date. It can be as early as the day after your completion date and up to 60 days after that.
• It is not guaranteed that you will be approved for the start date you request. Your approved start date will appear on your EAD card and may be later than your requested start date, depending on when you apply for OPT and how long it takes USCIS to approve it. Please note that you may not begin working until your approved EAD start date, regardless of the requested date on your I-20.
• Do you have travel plans? If you plan to travel, especially internationally, you may not want to select a start date during this time.
• If you have a job offer, discuss with your employer an appropriate start date based on when you have applied for your OPT (consider the 2.5 to 5 month processing time).
• If you don’t have a job offer, you should consider where you are in your job search and when jobs typically start in your field and make your best estimate of when you’d like to begin working.
• Days of unemployment only begin after the approved start date listed on your EAD.
• Weigh the pros and cons of early vs. late start date. If you choose an earlier start date, you may be able to begin your employment earlier, BUT if you don’t find a job, you will begin accruing unemployment days sooner. If you choose a later start date, your unemployment days will begin accruing later, BUT you’ll have to wait longer to begin employment.

Processing time for an OPT I-20 from TBI’s International Student Office is 3 business days. Expedites are not available.
The average USCIS processing time to issue the OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is 3 to 5 months. Visit the USCIS Processing Times website for the most up to date processing times.
USCIS almost always denies F-1 student expedite requests for OPT. You can find expedite criteria here: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/how-make-expedite-request. USCIS may consider expediting if the request meets one or more of the following criteria:
• Severe financial loss to a company or person, if expedite is not due to applicant’s failure: (1) to file the benefit request in a reasonable time frame; or (2) to respond to any RFE in a timely manner;
• Urgent humanitarian reasons;
• Compelling U.S. Government interests (such as urgent cases for the Department of Defense or DHS, or other public safety or national security interests); or
• Clear USCIS error.
NOTE: 1) Severe financial loss to a company means the company would be at risk of failing. 2) The need to obtain employment authorization, standing alone, without evidence of other compelling factors, does not warrant expedited treatment.

If the DSO at TBI recommended you for OPT more than 30 days ago and you have not yet sent in your application to USCIS, you’ll need a new OPT I-20 from the DSO. If you are still within your 60-day grace period and otherwise eligible to apply for OPT, submit another OPT I-20 Request Form [doc] to the DSO. You are only required to complete the top half of the form and no new payment is needed. It will take us 3 business days to process the new I-20. Once you get the new I-20, you can send your application to USCIS. This is very important as USCIS will deny applications submitted after the 30-day deadline.

If this is your situation, please contact the DSO as soon as possible.

The first week: After mailing your OPT application to USCIS, you should receive confirmation of delivery via text or email if you completed and included the G-1145 form in your application. This should also include your receipt number, which you can use to check your status online.
Within 30-45 days: You will receive an I-797c receipt notice at your mailing address confirming the date of receipt and your receipt number. Keep this notice safe as it is your official proof that your OPT application was submitted. You may need it for travel or other purposes. If there are any errors in the receipt notice in your name, address, or application type, contact the DSO.
Around 2.5 to 5 months: You should receive an I-797 Notice of Approval letter and EAD card at your mailing address. These can come separately or at the same time. Check your EAD card to make sure all information is correct and submit it to the DSO at TBI. You can start working on your EAD start date! If there are any errors on the EAD, contact the DSO.
2 Weeks after receiving the EAD card: You should receive your Social Security Card (if you requested one).

When you receive your USCIS I-797 Notice of Action (receipt notice), go to USCIS Case Status Online and enter your receipt number. Note that your application will most likely stay in received status for the entirety of the processing time until it is approved. TBI strongly recommends that you sign up for an account with uscis.gov to track your case status more closely.

Generally, after your OPT application is submitted to USCIS, you cannot change any of the information except for your mailing address. Click here for information about making changes to your OPT application, including withdrawing your application.

Once you complete your degree, you cannot work on or off-campus until you have the EAD in your possession and your selected start date has arrived, even if your USCIS case status indicates that your application is approved.

No. Work that is normally paid requires employment authorization. To begin working, you must have the card in hand and the start date must have arrived.

Travel during the OPT application process is allowed, but not recommended as it poses certain risks.
You will need the appropriate documents to re-enter the United States. Please see our OPT Travel page for more information regarding what you need to travel while OPT is pending. You should also keep in mind the following:
• You will need to have someone monitor your mail and let you know if you receive any communications from USCIS.
• If you receive a Request for Evidence, you will need to respond by a certain deadline.
• If you are denied for OPT while outside the United States, you will not be able to re-enter or reapply.
• If you are approved for OPT while outside the United States, you will need to arrange for your EAD card to be sent to you in order to re-enter the United States.
• If your F-1 visa is expired, you will need to reapply for an F-1 visa with your EAD card and proof of employment.
• If you choose to travel while your application is pending, be sure that you are monitoring your mail. Sign up for an account with USCIS Case Status online. Communicate with the DSO about your travel plans.
Note: If you are a currently enrolled student and wish to travel before the end date of your F-1 I-20 (i.e. Spring Break), you may do so with your normal F-1 travel documents.

There are several types of problems that may occur during your OPT application:
• Delayed processing
• Not receiving your I-797c Receipt Notice
• Not receiving your EAD/EAD (lost in the mail)
• Request for Evidence or Denial
• Lost EAD or Incorrect EAD
See Issues with OPT Application for further information and instructions.

On the start date of your approved EAD card.

Employment must be:
• a job that is directly related to the student’s degree program; if the relationship between the job and a student’s field of study is called into question by USCIS in the future, the burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate the relationship.
• at least 20 hours per week; if work is less than full-time, it counts toward a student’s 90 days of unemployment.
• paid or unpaid.
Note: Cannabis Industry – be aware that the use and sale of cannabis is illegal at the federal level, although it may be legal in some U.S. states. To avoid possible deportation or inadmissibility from the US, students should avoid positions related to federally illegal substances.
The types of employment allowed during the initial 12-month period of OPT include:
• Paid employment. Students may work in a job related to their field of study at least 20 hours per week (if work is less than full-time, it counts toward a student’s 90 days of unemployment).
• Multiple employers. Students may work for more than one employer, but all employment must be related to the student’s degree program.
• Short-term multiple employers (performing artists). Students such as musicians and other performing artists may work for multiple short-term employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, including the dates and duration. If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing a list of all gigs.
• Work for hire (commonly referred to as “1099 employment”). This is a type of employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment relationship. If requested by DHS, students must be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
• Self-employed business owner. Students may start a business and be self-employed. In this situation, the student must work full-time (at least 20 hours per week). The student must be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to the student’s degree program.
• Employment through an agency. Students must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.
• Unpaid employment. Students on the initial 12-month OPT may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week. These students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the student worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment.

During the period of OPT authorization, a student should be working or actively seeking employment. If you decide to quit your job, or if you do not find a job, keep the unemployment rules in mind.
• Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment. The 90 days start counting from your approved OPT/EAD start date (not the recommended start date nor the program end date on your I-20) and are cumulative.
• If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status. You are expected to leave the U.S., transfer to another school, or change your visa status before the 90th day. See After OPT options below.
• Approved vacation from a job does not count as “unemployment” if you are still considered an employee there.
• Jobs that are less than 20 hours per week will count towards the 90-day unemployment limit.

Federal regulations require that all employment that you engage in while on OPT be directly related to your TBI major. As part of your OPT reporting requirements, you must provide a description demonstrating a logical connection between your regular job duties and your major area of study. Further information and sample descriptions are available on the OPT Reporting Requirements page.
If the relationship between the job and a student’s field of study is called into question by USCIS in the future, the burden of proof is on the student to demonstrate the relationship. DSO won’t be able to advise you on specifically which jobs do/do not qualify as we are not experts in your field of study. If you need assistance determining the fit of a job offer, we recommend discussing this with your academic adviser, the Career Center, or others in your field.

It is recommended that students maintain evidence for each job: the position held, duration of that position, the job title, contact information for the student’s supervisor or manager, and a description of the work. Students must always report employment to the DSO at TBI. See OPT Reporting Requirements.

Students may have multiple jobs and change jobs as many times as they wish during OPT, provided that all employment is directly related to their field of study and the work is a minimum of 20 hours per week. No special permission is required to change employers. However, you must update your employer’s information with the DSO at TBI within 10 days of the change. See OPT Reporting Requirements.

During the period of OPT authorization, a student should be working or actively seeking employment.
The top 5 rules to remember while on OPT are:
1. You may only work from the start date of your EAD card to the end date of your EAD card.
2. All employment must be related to your major field of study.
3. You must report all employment and address changes to the DSO within 10 days of any change (see Reporting Requirements).
4. You are limited to 90 days of unemployment during your OPT.
5. The travel signature on page 2 of your I-20 is valid only 6 months while on OPT.

All students on OPT are required to report their current address and employment information within 10 days of any change. They are also required to report if they end their OPT early. Please see OPT Reporting Requirements for more information regarding your reporting obligations during OPT.

Time spent going to school should only be an incidental part of your stay in the United States. You must be maintaining the primary purpose of OPT. Beginning a full-time or degree-seeking program of study while on OPT is not allowed.
If you decide to go back to school full-time, you will need to transfer your SEVIS Record and I-20 to the new school. If returning to TBI, you’ll need to obtain a new I-20 to reflect your new degree. See below.

While on OPT, you are subject to all applicable federal, state, and local taxes and must file a tax report. See more information at Taxes in the U.S.

Please see our OPT Travel page for more information regarding what you need to travel with while on OPT.

A Cap-Gap Extension extends an eligible F-1 student’s status between the end of F-1 status while on OPT and start of H-1B status. This allows the student to remain in the United States during the “gap.”

If your plan is to depart the United States after OPT, you must do so within your 60-day grace period. You must stop working by the end date on your EAD card.
If you are leaving the United States before the end date on your EAD, you must report this in your SSU Hub so we can update your SEVIS record. See OPT Reporting Requirements about how to report your early completion. You will complete report your early completion in your SSU Hub.

During OPT: If you are approved for a change of status during your OPT, you must report the early end of your OPT. See Reporting Requirements.
After OPT: If you have a pending or approved change of status when or after your OPT ends, check with the immigration legal counsel working on your change of status application to determine what options are available to you and if you may remain in the United States past the end of your 60-day grace period without accruing days of Unlawful Presence.
H-1B: If you have a pending or approved change of status to H-1B, you may be eligible for a Cap-Gap Extension I-20. Please consult with the immigration legal counsel working on your case.

During OPT: Beginning a full-time program of study while on OPT is not allowed. If you wish to start a new program while on OPT, the remainder of the OPT must be forfeited before beginning classes with the new program. Students transferring to another U.S. school do not need to report their early completion via SSU, but you will need to request a Transfer Out of your F-1 SEVIS record to another school or request a Change of Level I-20 if returning to Taylor Business Institute.
After OPT: If you are planning to go back to school after your OPT, you will need to request a Transfer Out of your F-1 SEVIS record to another school or request a Change of Level I-20 if returning to Taylor Business Institute. This must be done before the end of the 60-day grace period following the OPT end date.
Students should keep in mind the following points when deciding on when to request a Transfer Out of their SEVIS record:
• After the SEVIS transfer release date has passed, students may not continue working on OPT, even if the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) has not expired. The release date, in effect, cancels the EAD.
• The SEVIS transfer release date can be within the OPT period dates listed on the EAD or up to 60 days after the expiration date on the EAD.
• Classes at the new school must begin within 5 months of the transfer release date or the end date on the EAD, whichever is earlier.
• Students may request a release date in the future and continue working on OPT until that date as long as the EAD has not expired and the new program of study has not yet begun.
• If the time period between the OPT end date and the start date of classes at the new school will be more than five months, please meet with the DSO to discuss your options.
If interested in joining a program that does not have the authorization to admit F-1 students and thus cannot issue an I-20, students should discuss their options with the International Student Adviser at that school.