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Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is off-campus employment authorization in the student’s field of study granted for twelve months after completion of the academic program. This kind of work authorization is not employer specific, so you are not required to find employment before applying. You must attend an Employment Workshop before applying for OPT, where an ISSS advisor will go over the OPT instructions.

How to Apply for OPT

• Attend Employment Workshop
• Fill out form I-765 (you can get this form from our office)
• Submit two (2) passport-style photos.  NOTE: PHOTOS MUST MEET U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE SPECIFICATIONS. Click here for photo requirements.
• Bring immigration documents (Passport, Visa, I-94 and I-20)
• Bring personal check or U.S. money order for $340 made out to Department of Homeland Security
• Provide copies of any previous EAD cards and any previous I-20 forms listing OPT or CPT authorizations
• Meet with advisor at ISSS and bring I-765 form and all applicable documents with you

Frequently Asked Questions:

1)      When should I apply for OPT?

Answer: You should apply during your last semester, no earlier than 3 months before your requested start date. We recommend applying early to ensure timely processing of your card. 

2)      When does ISSS start accepting OPT applications?

Answer: We usually start accepting applications the third week of class, but this is subject to change every semester, so please call our office to inquire.

3)      How much time of OPT am I eligible for?

Answer: F-1 students are eligible for 12 months of OPT per degree level.

4)      Can I use my OPT before I graduate?

Answer: Yes. OPT can be used before you graduate, but that time will be deducted from the 12 months you are eligible for when you complete your studies. This is called pre-completion OPT and is addressed in the Employment Workshop.

5)      Can I start working before I get my OPT card?

Answer: No, you need to wait until your card arrives.

6)      How long will it take for me to get my OPT card?

Answer: The processing time varies every semester.  It generally takes anywhere between 1 and 3 months, but it can take longer than that. You can go to USCIS Case Status Service Online to find information about processing times of OPT applications (I-765).

7)      Can I travel outside of the U.S. while on OPT?

Answer: Yes, but you can come back to the U.S. only if you have a job. You will need proof of employment, valid visa, valid passport, and you will need to have your I-20 signed for travel .

8)      Am I required to buy health insurance while on OPT?

Answer: No, you are not required, but it is strongly advised that you do.

9)      Can I continue having health insurance coverage through Georgia State while on OPT?

Answer: Yes, you can go to Pearce & Pearce’s website in order to renew your coverage. You need to do this no later than 30 days after your existing coverage expires.

10)  What happens once my OPT expires?

Answer: After your OPT ends you have 60 days to leave the country, change your status, transfer to another school or get admitted into a new program at Georgia State and request a new I-20.

11)  What if I move while on OPT?

Answer: If you move while on OPT you are still required to update your contact information in PAWS.  During OPT your status continues being F-1, so you are still required per immigration regulations to inform the government of any changes of address. You can do this by going to PAWS and updating your permanent address in your home country (PE) and your local address here in the U.S. (LA). Failure to do so is considered a violation of your F-1 status.

12)  Do I have to pay taxes while on OPT?

Answer: State and federal taxes will be deducted from your paycheck. Feel free to attend one of our Tax Workshops to learn how to file your State taxes. In addition, for your convenience, CINTAX (Georgia State’s tax software), will still be available to you, so you can file your federal taxes. Please keep in mind that it is required that you file your federal taxes before you attend a state tax workshop.

13)  Do I have to apply for OPT?

Answer: No, OPT is optional.

17-Month OPT Extension:

·       Optional Practical Training (OPT) can be extended beyond the normal 12 months to 29 months for STEM degree holding F-1 students. This applies to students who have obtained a degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields and are currently participating in a 12 month period of OPT. Only students in the following majors are eligible:

·       In addition, only students who work for a company enrolled in the E-Verify program are eligible to apply.

        Students currently on OPT wishing to apply for the 17 month extension must do so before their current OPT end date. The earliest date to apply is 90 days before your OPT expiration date. Follow these steps to apply:

·           o   Email  ISSS@gsu.edu  to confirm if you have a major code allows for the extension

            o   Submit a new form I-765 along with:

• Official Georgia State University transcript, showing conferral of degree in one of the STEM categories listed above
• Copy of diploma conferring degree in one of the STEM categories listed above
• Check (drawable on U.S. funds) or U.S. money order for $340
• Two (2) passport-style photos.  Click here for photo requirements.
• Name of employer
• Employer’s E-Verify identification number
• Copy of current I-20 showing current OPT authorization on page 3
• Copy of current EAD card 

H-1B Cap Gap:   

All F-1 students who are currently on OPT, have timely filed for an H-1B, and have a USCIS issued I-797C receipt from immigration will automatically have their status and OPT work permission extended until the effective H1-B start date. No application is required. Contact an ISSS advisor for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding OPT rules:

Q: Can I apply for 29 months at one time?

A: No, you can only apply for the 17-month extension within the last 90 days of your current OPT.

Q: Can I change my major to become eligible for the extension?

A: An F-1 student may change their major and request a new I-20 from ISSS, please be aware this may cause delays in completing your degree. An F-1 student currently on OPT can not change their major in order to be eligible for the extension.

Q: What is E-Verify?

A: E-Verify is a free internet-based system operated by United States Immigration and Citizenship Services in partnership with the Social Security Administration, which determines new employee’s eligibility to work. Understand very few companies are currently participating in the E-Verify program.

Q: What should I do if my employer is not enrolled in E-Verify?

A: Speak with your employer about enrolling in E-verify and direct them to the USCIS website for more information.

Q: What if my H1-B is denied after my original OPT has ended?

A: Students will have a 60 day grace period from the notification date of the denial to depart the United States, obtain admission to a new F-1 SEVIS-approved school, or file an application for a change of status.

Q: What should I do if I am not a STEM student and did not file for the H1-B?

A: Students will have 60 days after their OPT end date to either depart the United States, obtain admission to a new F-1 SEVIS-approved school, or file an application for a change of status.