International Student Services

[All information is subject to change without notice.]

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment for practical training that is “directly related to the student’s area of study and commensurate with the student’s educational level." You are allowed one year of OPT per higher degree level of study (i.e. one per Bachelor’s, one per Master’s, one per Doctorate).You do not need a job in order to apply.

The UT Dallas ISSO recommends that you attend an Optional Practical Training workshop to learn about OPT application procedures and requirements. Workshops are usually held on Thursdays.

• For workshop times and locations call 972-883-4189.
• 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 to qualified students. And, as of April 8, 2008, there are two more work-related benefits for some OPT students, H-1b Gap relief and the 17-month OPT extension. 

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.

-Most students whose OPT employer has filed an H-1B petition with a start date of October 1 can benefit from the new H-1b Gap relief.
-Graduates holding degrees from certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs may be eligible for an OPT Extension.

OPT Application Process

• Attend a UT Dallas ISS Office OPT Workshop (attendance is advisable but not mandatory). The workshop will give you information about traveling, working, and studying during the OPT process, and will go through common mistakes made while filling out the OPT paperwork.
• 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 ISS Office (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.
  
• You will receive an email to come to the ISS Office to pick up the OPT I-20 and mailing instructions.
  
• Compile and mail your 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. Periods of unemployment lasting less than 10 days will not be counted toward the maximum limit.

Reporting Requirements

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For questions regarding the new OPT requirements or other F-1 visa-related matters, contact issocurrent@utdallas.edu .