International Student Services

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment for practical training that is directly related to your degree program. You are allowed one year of OPT per higher educational level (e.g. Bachelor's to Master's to Doctorate). Unlike CPT, you do not need a job in order to apply. The authorization process takes about three months.

The UT Dallas ISSO recommends that you attend an Optional Practical Training workshop to learn about OPT application procedures and requirements. Workshops are held most Thursdays in the Student Services Building, Room 3.107B.

• Workshop schedule and fact sheet
• Students unable to attend a workshop can view the presentation slides.
• See our Forms page to download OPT forms.

Types of OPT

There are three types of OPT available, a brief extension for H-1B recipients and a 17-month extension for students who graduated with specified degrees.

Pre-Completion OPT is available to F-1 students any time after completing one academic year of full-time study in the U.S. Work is limited to part-time during the fall and spring semesters. Full-time enrollment during those semesters is required.

Coursework-Completion OPT is available to F-1 students who have completed standard courses and are working on a thesis or dissertation. The student may work part-time or full-time but must maintain full-time enrollment during the spring and fall semesters.

Post-Completion OPT is the most commonly used type of OPT. A student applies for this benefit during the last semester of enrollment for a work authorization that starts after completion of studies.

H-1B Cap Gap relief refers to an extension of F-1 status sometimes offered by USCIS to bridge any gap between the end of a student’s OPT and beginning of his or her H-1B status.

17-Month OPT Extension. Students on OPT holding degrees from certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs may be eligible for an additional 17-months of OPT.

 

OPT Application Process

• Attend a UT Dallas ISSO OPT Workshop (attendance is advisable but not mandatory). At the workshop you will receive information about traveling, working and studying during the OPT process, and common mistakes to avoid when completing an OPT application.
• Pay the $100 Practical Training Fee* through the UT Dallas Online Store at: https://ezpay.utdallas.edu/C20239_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=241
• Submit request forms to the ISSO (for specific document requirements, see the instructions on the specific type of OPT for which you are applying; post-completion, coursework completion or pre-completion.)
• The OPT I-20 will be processed within 3 business days and an email sent that the I-20 is ready for pickup.
  
• Pick up the OPT I-20 and mailing instructions.
• Compile the application, make a copy for your personal records and mail the application to USCIS.

*Due to the additional Practical Training reporting requirements instituted by Homeland Security on April 8, 2008, UT Dallas students are required to pay a $100 Practical Training fee. This fee is separate from the USCIS application fee. 

Acceptable Employment

Acceptable employment during Optional Practical Training includes standard employment, contract employment, self-employment and volunteer positions. All employment must be appropriate to your degree and average at least 20 hours per week. ...more.  

Limits on Unemployment

There are now set limits to periods of unemployment during practical training. To maintain your status you must limit unemployment to 90 days during the initial 12-month OPT. Students who have been approved for an OPT extension have an additional 30 days, for a total of 120 days.

Reporting Requirements

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Driver's Licenses

In Texas, driver’s license issuance is the responsibility of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The State of Texas is currently limiting F-1/J-1 students to licenses that last only one year. Licenses must be renewed annually, regardless of the card expiration date. Rules regarding driver’s license requirements can change suddenly. Please refer to the DPS website for the most current information.

Driver’s license, car registration and insurance requirements vary from state-to-state. If you will be residing in another state during practical training, check the laws in that area.

Travel

Students on OPT must have the following to re-enter the U.S.:

• Valid, unexpired passport with an expiration at least six months into the future
• Valid, unexpired visa
• OPT I-20
• OPT EAD
• Proof of employment

Students risk losing benefits or being refused re-entry if they leave while an application is pending, such as OPT.  Homeland Security has indicated that a student should not leave the U.S. while an OPT extension application is pending.