{"id":9827,"date":"2022-11-04T14:46:08","date_gmt":"2022-11-04T18:46:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/149.4.100.129\/academics\/iss\/?page_id=9827"},"modified":"2025-04-02T13:06:09","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T17:06:09","slug":"post-opt-application-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.qc.cuny.edu\/academics\/iss\/post-opt-application-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Post-OPT Application Process"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Post-Completion OPT Application Process<\/h6>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.1″ custom_margin=”|auto|||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Post- Completion OPT Definition and Purpose” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.19.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12-month period of work authorization given to an F-1 status student who has completed their program of study. OPT is meant to help students to gain practical work experience directly related to their field of study.<\/p>\n

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An F-1 status student on a period of post-completion OPT is authorized to work in both paid and unpaid positions as well as for multiple employers, self-employment and freelance\/contract employment. However, all employment during the initial period of OPT must be in positions that are directly-related <\/strong>to the student\u2019s field of study.<\/p>\n

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When on a period of OPT, the student must work at least 20 hours per week (total combined employment) or they will accrue days of unemployment. There is a limit of 90 days of unemployment during the initial 12-month period of OPT. A day of unemployment is any day in a week in which the student on OPT does not work 20 hours, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.<\/p>\n

The student\u2019s expected completion date determines when they may apply for OPT and what date they may ask for as a starting date of the OPT. The completion date is the date on which all requirements for the degree will have been completed. (It will show on your I-20 as \u201cProgram End date\u201d)<\/p>\n

There is a 150-day range in which to apply for OPT. The earliest an application can be received by the USCIS is 90 days before a student\u2019s completion date. The latest an application can be received by USCIS is 60 days after a student\u2019s completion date. We recommend applying as early as possible.<\/p>\n

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The requested starting date may be from the day after a student\u2019s Program End Date up until 60 days after a student\u2019s Program End Date.<\/p>\n

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While on OPT, students are still attached to the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO)at ºì¶¹ÊÓƵ<\/p>\n

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Important Information Before You Begin:<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n