Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Disclaimer: While this OPT Guide is meant to help clarify and ease the OPT process, please understand that laws are subject to change, and you should use the government websites for the most current and accurate information. 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization after completing their academic studies. During the OPT period, you maintain F-1 student status.

To be eligible for a post-completion OPT, you must:

• Have been previously lawfully enrolled as an F-1 student on a full-time basis for one academic year in the U.S.
• Continually maintained the F-1 student status in the U.S.
• Have successfully completed the current program.
• Have not taken OPT previously in the current education level or higher.
• Have not engaged in full-time CPT in an aggregate of 12 months or more at your current degree level (part-time CPT does not count).
• Only engage in employment that is directly related to your major area of study.
• Be physically present in the U.S. at the time you submit your I-765 application to USCIS.
• Apply and send the OPT package in timely manner. Remember ‘90/60/30’ rule.
  • 90: You can file OPT up to 90 days before you complete your program (no earlier)
  • 60: You must file OPT no later than 60 days after the end of your program
  • 30: You must file OPT within 30 days of OPT recommendation date on your I-20

NOTE: A job offer is not required when you apply for OPT.

The application for Post-Completion OPT must be received by USCIS:

• No earlier than 90 days before program completion.
• No later than 60 days after your program completion.
• No later than 30 days after the “Date Issued” on your OPT I-20.

For your program completion date, use the last day of your graduating semester.

• For example, if you graduate in May 2024 and the last day of the semester is May 11, 2024, then that is date you use to calculate your OPT application timeline. (Note: Do not use your commencement ceremony as your completion date.)

STEP 1: Request an OPT I-20 from Lincoln University

• Visit the Records Office and ask for an "OPT Request Form" (or download form here).
• Complete the form and return it to Records.
• Lincoln University's DSO will evaluate your application and issue a new I-20 form with OPT recommendation.(Processing your application will take 3-5 days.)
• A notification email will be sent to you when your OPT I-20 is ready.
• Review your OPT I-20 carefully for accuracy and note the dates of your OPT period.
• Be sure to sign your OPT I-20 when you receive it.

STEP 2: Get authorization from the U.S. Government. 

• Once you have your OPT I-20 you can apply for post-completion OPT Employment Authorization with the U.S. Government. (Note: Do not file Form I-765 until you have the updated I-20 with OPT recommendation.)
• Complete the most current Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization": www.uscis.gov/i-765
• The application process may take 1-5 months (with the average processed within 90 days.)
• Once your application is approved, you will receive an email from USCIS with a link. You have 14 DAYS to click on the link provided. (Do not miss this deadline. If you wait longer than 14 days, you must contact the DSO and they will need to request another link from USCIS.)
• Upon approval, USCIC will mail your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to your mailing address on file. Be sure you have access to this mailing address and check it regularly.
• You must wait until after you receive your EAD card to begin working.
• Note the start date included on your EAD card. Your OPT is valid for one year from that start date.
• You have 90 days from the start date to find a job and enter it into the SEVP Portal.

During post-completion OPT, you must:

• Maintain your F-1 status.
• Register at SEVP Portal, and update your employment and any changes (in position, site address, hours, etc.) including termination of employment.
• Limit employment to the place, dates and hours that have been authorized on the second page of the I-20.
• Work at least 20 hours per week or full-time. 
• Not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment.

You are allowed a 60-day grace period following your OPT expiration date to leave the United States, change your visa status, or transfer your F-1 record to a new school or program.