F-1 Optional Practical Training (General)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization available for F-1 students to obtain practical experience in the field of study. Students may use OPT to work off-campus during the program of study and/or immediately following completion of the degree. F-1 students are limited to 12 months of OPT per degree level and work pursued during OPT must directly related to the major field of study.
Eligibility
An F-1 student is eligible for OPT following completion of at least one academic year (two consecutive semesters) in F-1 status. You may apply for OPT even if you do not currently have an offer for a specific job, but you must to engage in employment once your OPT begins. Students who have engaged in 12 months of full-time CPT lose eligibility for OPT at that degree level.
Pre-Completion OPT
Pre-completion OPT is employment which occurs during the program of study. Students may engage in pre-completion OPT:
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While school is in session. OPT employment during the academic year is limited to part-time authorization and students are required to continue to pursue full-time enrollment at Emory. Students may work a maximum of 20 hours per week, including any on-campus employment. Part-time OPT is deducted from the total 12 months available for OPT at a half-time rate.
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During annual vacations, such as the summer term. Students may request part-time or full-time OPT authorization during these times. They must register full-time for the next available semester but are not required to maintain registration during the summer.
Post-Completion OPT
Most students elect to use OPT following the completion of the program of study (i.e. post-completion OPT). Post-completion OPT must be completed within 14 months of completion of studies. It is authorized as full-time employment only.
OPT Reporting Requirements
US Federal Regulations require students to report certain information to ISSS during post-completion OPT. Please remember to report the following changes:
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Change to your legal name and/or nonimmigrant status: report via email to your International Student Advisor
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Change in your U.S. address: report via OPUS
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Change of employer and/or employment address: report via the OPT Information Update Form
As described above, students are required to engage in employment while on OPT. Students are limited to a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during post-completion OPT. It is important to note that leaving the United States does not prevent accrual of time towards the 90-day maximum.
Applying for OPT
All students must attend an OPT workshop before submitting an application for OPT. Please attend a workshop three to four months prior to your expected OPT start date. Workshops are held every week alternating between Tuesday and Thursdays and students must sign up in advance on the ISSS website. After attending a workshop, you must make an appointment to meet with your International Student Advisor. Bring the following items to your appointment:
- OPT Request Form (distributed during the OPT workshop)
- Form I-765
- A check (no starter checks) or money order made out to U.S. Department of Homeland Security for $380. In the memo section, write your I-94 number.
- One-sided photocopies of:
- All I-20 Forms (pages 1 and 3)
- Passport photo page (and extension page, if applicable)
- F-1 visa stamp
- I-94 card (front and back)
- Previous EADs (if applicable)
- Two passport style photos meeting the specifications listed here. Lightly write your name and your I-94 number in pencil on the back of each photo.
- Master’s and doctoral program students only: a letter from your academic advisor or dean
- If you are in a Master's program, your letter should state your expected graduation term
- If you are a doctoral student who will soon defend the thesis and complete the program, your letter should state your expected graduation term
- If you are a doctoral student who intends to pursue post-completion OPT before graduation, your letter should confirm the date of coursework completion. For more information on this option, please see our section on Completing the Ph.D. Program.
- Form G-1145 (optional; for students who prefer to receive information from USCIS via text message)
OPT and Taxes
During OPT, you are required to pay federal, state and local taxes. You 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. Emory is pleased to offer access to the Foreign National Tax Resource (FNTR) tax software to international alumni on OPT. You will also find a link on our homepage with more information about tax filing in February each year.
You are not required to pay Social Security or Medicare (FICA) taxes for the first five calendar years during which you are physically present in the United States in F-1 status. If these taxes are being deducted from your payroll check, contact your employer’s Human Resources or Payroll department.
After you have spent five calendar years in the United States in F-1 status, you become a resident for tax purposes and must pay FICA taxes. If you spend even one day in the United States in F-1 status during a particular year, you must count that year toward the five year limit. Consult with a tax professional who specializes in international issues for more information.