General Requirements and Conditions

F-1 students who have completed one full academic year (two semesters) of full-time study and who are maintaining their F-1 status are eligible to apply for OPT. OPT authorization allows off-campus work that is directly related to a student’s major area of study.  A job offer is not needed to apply for OPT, and OPT employment can be paid or unpaid as long as any unpaid work does not violate any labor laws. All F-1 students are eligible for a total of 12 months of standard/regular OPT during/after each degree level.

This page has information on the following:

• Timing and Restrictions for OPT :  Pre-Completion OPT versus Post-Completion OPT
• Application Deadlines and Processing Time for OPT
• Application Process for OPT
• Important Information for Students with Approved or Pending OPT (SEVIS Reporting Requirements, Travel, Details Unemployment Limits, End of OPT Processes, etc.)

Timing and Restrictions for OPT: Post versus Pre-Completion

Pre-Completion OPT Timing and Limits:

• Pre-completion OPT has start and end dates before the SEVIS program end date on the I-20
• Pre-completion OPT may not exceed 20 hours a week during the semester 
• Pre-completion OPT may be full-time during winter break or summer vacation (unless the student is graduating in August) 
• May not begin before receipt of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or before the start date listed on the EAD
• Pre-completion OPT ends early if the academic program finishes early

Post-Completion OPT Timing and Limits:

• Post-completion OPT must generally have a start date in the 60 day period after the SEVIS program end date on the I-20 which is generally the same date as the MU graduation date. (Graduate students may request an OPT start date that is before their MU graduation date if they have completed all course work other than thesis/dissertation work. See the next section on "Coursework Completion" OPT for details.)
• "Coursework Completion" post-completion OPT allows graduate students with only thesis credits/dissertation work remaining to apply for OPT with a start date earlier than their MU graduation date. This action is usually taken to engage in full-time OPT during the semester before graduation and the start date is chosen with regards to the OPT application timeline (see below), the average USCIS processing time (about 3 moths),and the start date of a concrete job offer. 
• Students applying for OPT under this "coursework completion" option should note that they will no longer be able to extend their SEVIS program end date if they should fail to complete any academic program requirements as their F-1 status will be based on their authorized OPT period and related F-1 regulations.
• Post-completion OPT may not begin before receipt of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or before the start date listed on the EAD.
• Post-completion OPT is automatically terminated if you transfer to another school or begin studies at another educational level at Marquette
• Students who applied for post-completion OPT (excluding those who applied for "coursework completion" OPT) and who fail to complete their program by the SEVIS program end date should contact OIE immediately. If the OPT application hasn't been approved by USCIS, they student may withdraw the application by notifying the Service Center (while the DSO withdraws the recommendation in SEVIS). If the OPT application has been approved, the student may only work part-time during the semester until they complete all degree requirements. 

Application Deadlines and Processing Time for OPT 

OPT applications must reach U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) according to the following timelines:

Post-completion OPT:

• up to 90 days before, and no later than 60 days after, the program completion date on the I-20;
• not before the OPT recommendation is entered in SEVIS and an updated I-20 is issued by an MU DSO; 
• no later than 30 days after the MU DSO enters the OPT recommendation in SEVIS

Pre-completion OPT:

• up to 90 days before the requested employment start date;
• not before the OPT recommendation is entered in SEVIS and an updated I-20 is issued by an MU DSO;
• no later than 30 days after the MU DSO enters the OPT recommendation in SEVIS

USCIS processing time for OPT applications typically takes between 8 and 12 weeks, but can vary significantly. See https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/ for processing time estimates.

Students needing OPT authorization faster than the standard processing period can apply for premium processing.  See  https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing for details. 

If the status of your OPT application is approved and you haven’t received the card in about a week, or if the status is still pending after the processing time posted by USCIS at https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/, you can contact USCIS either via phone at 1-800-375-5283 or you can file an online case inquiry or service request at https://www.uscis.gov/tools/uscis-tools-and-resources.  Be sure to have your receipt notice/number ready when taking one of these actions.

Application process for OPT

OPT applications may be submitted online or via the traditional paper/courier method. The detailed instructions starting with Step 1 below focus on the paper filing method, but the substance of the directions also applies to online filing as well with small changes to how the information is entered and submitted and to the supporting documents required.

Students filing online should carefully follow the detailed instructions found at https://www.uscis.gov/i-765 and should be careful not to submit their online application/Form I-765 before meeting with their MU DSO to have their OPT recommendation entered in SEVIS and to receive their updated I-20 to use with the application process. 

Before submitting your OPT application, regardless of filing method, be sure you understand the information in the sections above on general OPT requirements and conditions, on when students can engage in OPT, and the application timeline. You are also advised to read these excerpts from the excerpts from the government regulations related to OPT. 

 

Step 1:

Complete the OPT Request Form for OPT.

Remember to review the "Timing and Restriction" information above when filing out this form.

Step 2:

Complete Form I-765 (click link and scroll down to find form)  

• Instructions for completing Form I-765

Tips for completing Form I-765:

• 1. Use black ink or the on-line fillable form.  Print the form before signing. 

  2. Print and submit the entire form (7 pages) even if you don’t enter information on pages 5-7.

  3. Part 2 - #21a: Your Form I-94 number is the 11-digit number on your printed I-94 verification

  4. Part 2 - #26:  Your SEVIS number is indicated on your Form I-20 as “SEVIS ID”

  5. Part 2 - #27:  Refer to “Foreign Student Categories” in the I-765 instructions, page 3.

  6. Part 3 - #7a:  Be sure to sign your name in black ink within the space provided.

  7. Part 6: Additional Information on previous SEVIS numbers and previous CPT or OPT 

     For previously authorized CPT – enter this information in Part 6:

     #1.a.b.c.: Enter your name

     #3a: Page number: 3

     #3b: Part number: 2

     #3c: Item number: 27

     #3d: Enter this sentence: CPT was authorized for (month/day/year) until (month/day/year) while pursuing my (degree level) degree.  This CPT was (full-time/part-time)

     Example:  CPT was authorized for 6/1/2018 – 8/1/2018 while pursuing my Master’s degree.  This CPT was full-time.

     For previously authorized OPT – enter this information in Part 6:

     #1.a.b.c.: Enter your name

     #3a: Page number: 2

     #3b: Part number: 2

     #3c: Item number: 12

     #3d: Enter this sentence: OPT was authorized for (month/day/year) until (month/day/year) while pursuing my (degree level) degree.  This OPT was (full-time/part-time).

     Example:  OPT was authorized for 1/15/2018 – 5/12/2018 while pursuing my Bachelor’s degree.  This OPT was part-time.

     For previously used SEVIS numbers – enter this information in Part 6:

     #1.a.b.c.: Enter your name

     #3a: Page number: 3

     #3b: Part number: 2

     #3c: Item number: 26

     #3d: Enter this sentence:  Previous SEVIS number Nxxxxx was in used 20XX

     Example:  SEVIS number N1010101010 was used in 2015.

Step 3:

Gather the following documents which are required for your application:

• OPT Request Form
• Completed I-765 Form
• 2 passport size photos (see I-765 instructions for details). Write your name and I-94 number in pencil or felt pen on the back of each photo.
• a copy of your passport information page (including name, date of birth, issue and expiration date)
• a copy of your I-94 card (front and back) or printed I-94 verification
• copies of all previous I-20 forms documenting CPT or OPT authorization
• a copy of any previously issued EAD cards (front and back)
• Filing Fee: $410 before April 1, 2024.  Starting April 1, 2024: $470 for online filing / $520 for paper filing. (Always check the USCIS forms page to ensure you a paying the correct fee and using the latest form version.) If applying via the traditional paper option, you can pay via personal check or money order made out to the “Department of Homeland Security."  If applying online, you can pay via credit card, debit card, or withdrawal from a checking or savings account.)

Step 4:

Make an appointment to meet with your OIE advisor to review the OPT Request Form and the I-765.  Be sure to send a completed copy of these forms to michael.groen@marquette.edu ahead of the meeting.

Step 5:

At the appointment, the OIE advisor will check the I-765 and the OPT Request Form, make needed entries in SEVIS, and issue you a Form I-20 for your OPT application.

Step 6:

Follow the mailing instructions below and mail your OPT application along with the following items to the USCIS center.

• a copy of your new I-20 form with OPT endorsement and your signature on page one.
• completed I-765 Form
• 2 passport size photos (see page 8 of I-765 instruction for details). Write your name and I-94 number in pencil on the back of each photo.
• a copy of your passport information page (including name, date of birth, issue and expiration date)
• a copy of your I-94 card or printed I-94 verification
• copies of all previous I-20 forms documenting CPT or OPT authorization
• copies of any previously issued EAD cards (front and back)
• Filing Fee: $410 before April 1, 2024.  Starting April 1, 2024: $470 for online filing / $520 for paper filing.. (Always check the USCIS forms page to ensure you a paying the correct fee and using the latest version of the form.) Personal checks or money orders should be made out to the “Department of Homeland Security."  To pay by credit card you must complete form G-1450 and place the signed, completed form on the top of your application when filing.

Mail your application documents to the USCIS Lockbox. OIE recommends second or third day express mail from FedEx, DHL, or UPS so you have tracking number to prove your application was delivered. Be sure to keep copies of all application materials for your own records.

For courier/express mail (OIE recommended delivery method):

USCIS
Attn: I-765 C03
131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603-5517 

For US postal service:

USCIS

Attn: I-765 C03
P.O. Box 805373
Chicago, IL 60680

 

Waiting for authorization/Checking your application's progress

About 10 to 14 days after you submit your application for OPT to USCIS, you should receive a receipt notice by postal mail. This notice will include a Receipt Number which you can use to check the status of your application on www.uscis.gov. Look for “Case Status” on the website home page.  Checking the status of your application on www.uscis.gov is the best way to know about your application's status.

If your OPT application and Form I-765 has been pending more than 75 days (from the receipt date on your Receipt Notice), you may contact the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283 and ask that an Approaching Regulatory Time frame "service request" be created. The NCSC will route the service request to the appropriate office for review.

 Once you are approved for OPT by USCIS, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) by postal mail. The EAD card contains the authorization number, the dates of approved employment authorization, the bearer’s name, photo and signature. The EAD card is proof of employment authorization during the dates listed on the card. Employment authorization begins on the date requested or the date the employment authorization is adjudicated, whichever is later. You may not begin employment prior to the approved starting date. Please provide OIE with a copy of your EAD card once you receive it.

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Important Information for Students with Approved or Pending OPT

 

SEVIS Reporting Requirements for Pre-Completion OPT

In addition to all other SEVIS reporting requirements for enrolled students, students with approved pre-completion OPT must report employer information anytime they start or stop work.  This information should be reported using OIE's OPT Verification Form and must be reported no later than 10 days from the change.

 

SEVIS Reporting Requirements During Post-Completion OPT

Your F-1 status continues during OPT, so you must report changes to the information below within 10 days the change. Except as noted, changes can be reported either via OIE's OPT Verification Form or via your SEVIS Portal. You only need to report via one of these methods, not both. (SEVP@ice.dhs.gov emails details on creating the Portal when your OPT is approved.)  

• Residence address in the United States
• Legal name
• Telephone number
• E-mail address
• United States legal status (i.e. inform us if you change your status to H1-B, J-1, H-4, etc.)
• Information about your employer, including employer name, address, and starting date
  • The form asks you to "explain how your job is related to your major field of study." Be sure your answer lists both your primary job duties as well as your degree/major name and also includes a brief explanation of how the duties are directly related to your degree/major.
• Information about any disruption of your employment such as job termination or change of employers
• Departure from U.S. When Ending OPT Early  

  This change should be reported to an MU DSO via email including this statement - “I have departed the U.S. on date X and do not intend to return using my MU I-20 and related OPT authorization.”  - so your SEVIS record can be manually completed by an MU DSO.

General OPT Requirements to Remember:

• OPT employment may not begin prior to your approved starting date.
• OPT employment must be in a job that is related to your major field of study.
• OPT employment may be paid or unpaid. Volunteer or internship positions which are unpaid, yet related to your field of study, can be submitted as evidence of your OPT activity. You may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern when this activity does not violate any labor laws. We suggest that you obtain documentation from the organization/company which confirms the dates of your volunteer activity.
• Employment may be full-time or part-time. If you have more than one job at the same time, please provide employer information about each job.

 

Unemployment Limits During Post-Completion OPT

During post-completion OPT your F–1 status depends on employment and you may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment during the initial 12 months of your post-completion OPT. You must work at least 20 hours per week in a qualifying position to be considered employed. The 20 hours can include hours from more than one position and the positions can be paid or unpaid as long as they do not violate U.S. labor law.

Employment outside the U.S. during approved OPT generally counts as unemployment 
unless you are either employed during a period of leave authorized by an employer or are traveling as part of your employment.

Exceeding 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT is a violation of your F-1 status and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) may terminate your F-1 status and/or deny future immigration benefits if you exceeded this limit. Days of unemployment are tracked in your SEVIS record based on the OPT employment data you are required to report.

To avoid violating your status by exceeding 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT, you should take one of the actions below before exceeding this limit: 

• Depart the U.S.
• Transfer to another SEVP certified school
• Change education levels
• Take action to otherwise maintain status in the U.S.

 

Travel Outside the U.S. With Pending or Approved Post-Completion OPT

Reentry to the U.S. after program completion with approved post-completion OPT is generally possible if you have the correct documents for your situation as described below. (Students considering working outside the U.S. during OPT should see the related information in the Unemployment section above.)

• Your most recent I-20 with a DSO signature no older than 6 months
• a valid F-1 visa in your passport (If your visa is expired you may apply for new F-1 visa)
• a valid passport
• your EAD card

• Employment letters documenting current or future employment.  These letters are not technically required fo reentry, but are recommended because readmission is always at the discretion of the CBP officer inspecting you for reentry and US-ICE/CBP seems to have updated its online guidance to more strongly suggest that a letter from a current or future employer should be part of the documents that students with OPT should show to reenter the U.S.  See the following website for details: https://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel

Reentry after applying for OPT but before I-20 program end date is the same as for any enrolled F-1 student. See the Travel Outside the U.S. section of this website for details.

Reentry after program completion while OPT is pending, while possible, is not generally recommended unless there is a compelling reason because it comes with increased risks that include additional questions/ inspection at customs upon reentry, the chance that your EAD card may be issued while you are outside the U.S. and you won't have it to show on reentry, and the chance that you may receive a Request for Evidence related to your application while you are away and be unable to respond. If you must travel in these circumstances, to reenter the U.S. you will use the same documents listed under the "OPT approved" section above replacing the EAD card with your OPT application receipt notice.

Missing travel documents?

If you need a travel signature on your I-20 to renter the U.S., or if you lost your I-20 while traveling, contact OIE at least two weeks prior to your return date and we can email you an updated I-20. 

In limited cases, US CBP may allow entry to students who can otherwise be denied entry (e.g. without their I-20, without a valid travel signature, have not paid the I-901 fee, with certain SEVIS status problems). The conditions of any I-515 entry must be resolved by the student within the 30 days.

If you lost your passport, you should contact your embassy or consulate for assistance.

If you lost your F-1 visa, you must make an appointment with a U.S. embassy or consulate to get a replacement visa before reentering the U.S.

 

At the End of Your Post-Completion OPT

If you complete your OPT period in valid F-1 status (i.e. no excess unemployment, all employment properly reported, etc.) you you may remain in the U.S. for an additional 60 days. During this “grace period” you may transfer to another academic program, change to another visa status, apply for "Cap Gap" relief if transitioning to H-1B, or prepare to depart from the U.S. You may not be employed during this period. See below for additional information about each of these options.

Transfer to Another School / Begin New Program at MU:

During authorized OPT students may transfer to a new school or begin a new program at Marquette if the new program will being no more than 5 months after the transfer release date or the last date of authorized OPT whichever is earlier. OPT authorization will automatically end on the transfer release date or on the start date of the new MU program (or the date you reenter the U.S. using the I-20 for the new MU program if earlier than the program start date). The request for a SEVIS transfer or for an I-20 to begin a new program at MU must be received by OIE before the end of the 60 day grace period.

Change of Status During OPT: 

If you are in F-1 status with approved OPT and you are eligible for another legal status in the U.S., you may apply to USCIS to change to that legal status through the end of the 60 grace period at the end of your OPT. Students with a timely filed change of status (COS) request may remain in the U.S. while USCIS makes a decision on their application.

If you change status before the end of your OPT, your OPT will end on the date of the USCIS action notice or your entry to the U.S. in the new status. Unused OPT time will be lost.

Abandoning OPT:

If you decide to leave the United States before the authorized OPT ending date on your EAD and do not plan to return to the U.S., you must report this to an MU DSO via an email including this statement - “I have departed the U.S. on date X and do not intend to return using my MU I-20 and related OPT authorization.”  - so your SEVIS record can be manually completed by an MU DSO.