Applying for OPT

Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives F-1 students the opportunity to gain work experience in their program or major field of study for up to 12 months while continuing to maintain their F-1 status with an immigration record/I-20 at 91��Ƭ��. Review the OPT homepage to see if you're eligible to apply.

Students interested in applying for OPT must attend an OPT Information Session as the first step before beginning the application process. ISSP holds multiple OPT information sessions each semester. See for dates and times of the info sessions being offered this semester.

ISSP has also compiled multiple resources to help you understand what OPT is, how to apply, and what to expect after submitting your application. Please pay careful attention to steps outlined below which detail ISSP's OPT application process for F-1 students. Please also review the following resources to help you with the process:

During the application process, students may with an ISSP advisor to discuss questions related to OPT.

Before scheduling an appointment, please complete the following:

Make sure you have attended an OPT Information Session (see step 1 below)
Read through ISSP's OPT webpages
Review ISSP's OPT resources (OPT packet and info session slides)
Review the (click "File Online") so you can ask questions during the appointment

OPT Application Process

For students planning to use OPT after graduation, the earliest you can apply for OPT is 90 days before the program end date listed on your I-20. The latest you can apply for OPT is 60 days after your program end date, before the end of your 60-day grace period.

Students are strongly encouraged to apply as early as possible. Benefits of applying early include having time to fix errors in your application, additional processing time for your application, and being able to take other actions earlier, such as extending your driver's license or applying for an SSN.

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The Office of International Students, Scholars & Programs holds OPT information sessions multiple times each semester. You must attend an OPT information session before applying!

Tuesday, February 3 at 12:30pm - Miller Hall Room 1013
Monday, February 16 at 1:00pm - Virtual (Zoom link sent to international student listserv)
Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00pm - Virtual (Zoom link sent to international student listserv)
Thursday, March 19 at 12:00pm - Virtual (Zoom link sent to international student listserv)

A video recording of the most recent OPT info session is also available in the Video Library.

Decide when you want your OPT employment period to begin, within the following parameters:

The OPT start date must begin after the program end date listed on your I-20 and before the end of your 60-day grace period.
Your OPT end date will be 12 months from your selected OPT start date. Please note that if your start date is June 1, 2026, then your end date will be May 31, 2027, not June 1, 2027.
OPT dates for students getting a degree conferred on May 16, 2026:
- Earliest start and end date: May 17, 2026 - May 16, 2027
- Latest start and end date: July 15, 2026 - July 14, 2027

Tips for Choosing an OPT Start Date

OPT applications typically take between 2-5 months for processing before a decision is made. Students who apply later than 1 month after the application window opens typically wait longer for their application to process (sometimes until July or August), so a later start date might be better if you do not apply right away.
Think about giving yourself time to search for a job after graduation. If your OPT begins as soon as your program ends, you might accrue unemployment days while searching for a job.
If you plan to travel internationally after graduation, consider giving yourself a later start date so you do not accrue unemployment days before returning to the U.S.
If you already have a job offer to begin working after graduation, discuss with your employer when they want you to start working.

Keep in mind that choosing your OPT start date is the student's individual responsibility and the best start date will differ from person to person. ISSP staff can help you think through some of these considerations, but cannot recommend a best start date for you.

Before submitting your OPT application to USCIS, you must request your OPT I-20 from ISSP. Once you receive your OPT I-20, you must submit your OPT application to USCIS within 30 days of the OPT I-20 issue date. Your OPT application will be denied if you do not include an OPT I-20 that was processed by ISSP within the past 30 days.

To request an OPT I-20 from ISSP:

Login to with your W&M ID and password.
Select F-1 Practical Training and click on OPT I-20 Request.

You may with an ISSP advisor after requesting your OPT I-20 if you wish to discuss questions related to your OPT. Your OPT I-20 will be processed and sent to you via email after your appointment.

While ISSP staff are available to discuss the OPT process with you, you are ultimately responsible for the application you submit to USCIS and the outcome.

You must be physically present in the U.S. when you submit your application to USCIS
You must submit your OPT application within 30 days of your OPT I-20 issue date
USCIS must receive your application no later than 60 days after the program end date listed on your I-20
Review ISSP's OPT Packet, which includes an application checklist, a list of required documents, and additional tips from ISSP
Apply online by filing with USCIS (click on "File Online")

If you file your OPT application online, you will immediately receive a receipt number (starting with IOE). After 2-3 weeks of filing, USCIS will also mail you a paper Receipt Notice. You can use the receipt number to check your .

You may be contacted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). You may be contacted with questions or additional instructions to attend a biometrics appointment; if this happens, you must follow these instructions before your OPT will be processed. You can always contact ISSP for assistance.

OPT application processing typically takes several months. You can check current processing times on the website:

Form - I-765 | Application for Employment Authorization
Form Category - Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]
Field Office or Service Center - Service Center Operations (SCOPS)

Once your OPT is approved, USCIS will create and mail your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to the mailing address you submitted in your application. You may begin working only after receiving your physical EAD card AND the start date listed on your EAD card has been reached.

Review ISSP's additional resources for students on OPT:

Learn More about OPT

OPT Home

Quick facts about OPT, eligibility, duration, and timeline.
Applying for OPT

Detailed information about the OPT application process and timeline.
Employment Requirements

Ensure that your job meets OPT employment requirements and learn about unemployment limits while on OPT.
Reporting

Know what you are required to report to SEVP while on OPT.
OPT STEM Extension

Eligible students can apply for a 24-month extension to their OPT employment period.
Traveling Abroad While on OPT

What to know about traveling internationally while on OPT.
H-1B Cap Gap Extension

Eligible F-1s can apply for an extension of their F-1 status/OPT until their new H-1B status begins.

OPT Application Process

Topics

Step 1: Attend an OPT Session

Step 2: Select OPT Dates

Step 3: Request OPT I-20

Step 4: Apply for OPT Online

Step 5: After Filing OPT Application

Step 6: Your OPT is Approved

Learn More about OPT