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    F-1: Optional Practical Training

    Optional practical training (OPT) is available to students in F-1 status who are lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year. An eligible F-1 student may request OPT in order to be employed in a position which is directly related to the major area of study.A total of twelve (12) months of OPT is available for qualified students to use after each higher degree level completed as an F-1 student.

    OPT may be granted at four stages in a student's academic career. Timing dictates if it can be part time or full time. OPT may be used incrementally within all or among all four potential periods of authorization, but a separate application must be submitted for each different period requested:

    • During summer or other vacation period when school is not in session-may be either full or part-time.
    • During the fall and spring semesters-may only be part-time, except for below.
    • After the completion of all course requirements for the degree, but before completion of thesis, dissertation, or equivalent-may be either full time or part time.
    • After completion of degree-may only be full time.
    The USCIS office in Lincoln, Nebraska must grant an employment authorization document (EAD) before a student may commence employment. The processing times for an EAD vary, please check with ISSS office or online with USCIS: https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp.
    How to Apply for OPT
    • Complete Section A of the F-1 OPT Academic Advisor Recommendation form. Please specify the Requested Dates of OPT and Type of Job being sought.
    • Have your academic advisor complete Section B of the Academic Advisor Recommendation. (Note: Program completion date will be adjusted in SEVIS to reflect the anticipated completion date by the advisor on the recommendation form. The OPT I-20 will show this adjusted completion date. If you do not complete your degree by this time you must apply for a program extension prior to the expiration of your new OPT I-20. Failure to do this will result in a status violation.)
    • Complete USCIS Form I-765, Application of Employment Authorization online. After you complete the fillable pdf, print it and sign the form. The ISSS advisor does not endorse the I-765 but will review it for completeness. (Blank I-765 forms are available in ISSS should you have problems downloading the form.)
    • Make an appointment to meet with an ISSS advisor. Bring to the appointment: (1) completed I-765; (2) completed Academic Advisor Recommendation form; (3) currently and all previously issued I-20s; (3) passport; visa, I-94 card (4) $340 application fee (payable to Department of Homeland Security) and 2 passport style photographs if you wish so your application packet can be reviewed and assembled.
    • The ISSS advisor will verify your F-1 status. If status is okay, the advisor will electronically request a new I-20 with his/her recommendation for OPT.
    • You will receive an e-mail (usually within 48 hours, excluding weekends) informing you that your new I-20 is ready for you to pick up in the ISSS office. Be sure to sign and date page 1 of the I-20 (Section #11) and let ISSS make a two photocopies: one for your file and the other to send with your OPT application.
    • Submit the OPT application to the appropriate regional USCIS service center within 30 days of the ISSS advisor's recommendation. ISSS recommends mailing the application in a traceable manner (certified/registered mail):

      USCIS Nebraska Service Center
      P.O. Box 87765
      Lincoln, NE 68501-7765

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