Definition

Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives F-1 students an opportunity for work experience in the U.S. before and/or after completion of their degree. It is limited to a total of 12 months in a field directly related to their course of study. Unlike Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training does not have to be included as a required internship or practicum listed in their course descriptions.

Eligibility

F-1 students are eligible for Optional Practical Training if they have maintained status for at least one academic year. Students can apply for Optional Practical Training: (1) during vacation period, (2) after completion of all course requirements, (3) part-time during the academic year, and (4) full-time after completion of the program of study. Students may be authorized for twelve months of practical training, and become eligible for another twelve months of practical training when they change to a higher educational level. Part-time Optional Practical Training is no more than 20 hours per week and full-time Practical Training is more than 20 hours per week. When students work part-time, the hours will be deducted from the available Practical Training at one-half the full-time rate.

Students must complete their Optional Practical Training within 14 months after completion of studies. Students do not have to have a position offered to apply for Optional Practical Training, nor are they required to secure employment while on OPT. Students who have engaged in one year or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training are ineligible for Optional Practical Training. Any practical training during post completion of studies must be full-time.

Procedures

Please note - in order to apply for OPT, it is necessary to first attend one of the weekly workshops given by ISSP. The OPT workshops will be held on specific Tuesdays and Thursdays (see main calendar).

Please be aware that it can take 4-6 months for you to receive an authorization from USCIS. Plan ahead; do not wait until the last minute to apply! Note: you must apply for OPT before the completion of your program (i.e., before the last day of your last semester needed to complete your degree requirements).

Complete Form I-765 [Please leave item 16 blank. It will be discussed during your OPT appointment.]
Personal check or money order for $340 made out to "USCIS"
Provide two photographs of your face, taken exactly as described on the USCIS website. Print your name, SEVIS ID#, and I-94 Admission # lightly in pencil on the back of each photo and, if possible, place them in a small, transparent "photo envelope"
Make an appointment with your International Student Advisor
Bring all the necessary documents to your appointment: All PREVIOIUS I-20s issued to you (by Emory University or any other institution); I-94 Departure Record; passport; any previouisly issued employment authorization documents (EAD, I-766, original or photocopy acceptable)
If you are competing your degree requirements earlier than what is indicated on your I-20 (#5), bring a letter from your academic advisor/department certifying your completion date.
After receiving an EAD card from INS, provide a copy of your EAD card to ISSP

SPECIAL NOTE

After the completion of study, we strongly discourage students who have applied for Optional Practical Training to leave the U.S. before receiving an EAD. The student will need a valid F-1 visa and passport, an EAD and I-20 endorsed by the DSO to re-enter the U.S. If the student has secured employment, the student should carry an employment verification or offer letter. Caution: If the student has not yet secured employment and little time remains on the work authorization, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspector may not allow the student to re-enter to the U.S. Please consult with your International Student Advisor when you plan to travel outside the U.S.

Checklist

Please bring the following documents to your appointment:

Form I-765
A check or money order for $340 made payable to "USCIS"
Your most recent I-20 as well as all previous I-20s issued to you
Your I-94 Arrival Departure Record
Two photographs per specifications
Your passport, if applicable
Any previous EADs, if applicable

Immigration photographs can be made at: CVS/Pharmacy, 1554 North Decatur Road, Emory Village, 404-373-4534

Social Security and other taxes

In general, F-1 students who have been in the USA, for fewer than five years are exempt from Social Security taxes. Your earnings are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes. Students must file a tax return on or before April 15th each year. The return will determine if any of the withheld taxes can be refunded.

Insurance

ISSP strongly encourages all students on OPT to maintain their health insurance. You may purchase the Emory international student health insurance through ISSP for the full year of your OPT.

Address Requirements

Per Federal regulations, you must keep ISSP informed of your current residential address (U.S. AND Foreign) while on OPT and during the 60-day grace period that follows. When you obtain or change employment, please inform ISSP of your employer's name and mailing address. Please note that your Emory email address will be cancelled within 30 days of your graduation date. Please check with your department regarding individual arrangements regarding your preferred e-mail address and be sure to inform ISSP of this e-mail address as well. This email address will be used as the primary means of communication with the ISSP office. Any email sent to your desired e-mail account will be considered communication you have received.

Emory Career Center research

The Emory Career Center recently conducted a research on "International Students and the Job Search" (Spring 2007). You can review the document here.