Frequently Asked Questions:
[Post-Completion] Optional Practical Training(OPT)

This section includes quick answers to some of the most commonly encountered questions about [Post-Completion] Optional Practical Training(OPT).

To find answers to other frequently asked questions, choose another category:
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[Post-Completion] Optional Practical Training(OPT)

1. What is Post-Completion Optional Practical Training(OPT)?
2. What kind of job can I do?
3. When can I apply for OPT?
4. When can I start working?
5. What if I get a job offer before I get the EAD card arrives?
6. Can I change jobs?
7. Can I work part-time?
8. What happens if I don't work?
9. Can I get a refund if I cancel my OPT application?
10. Can I still take classes while on OPT?
11. What if I change my mind to transfer school during my OPT or even before OPT is approved?
12. Can I travel outside of the U.S. while I'm waiting for my OPT application's approval?
13. Is it possible to travel home during my practical training?
14. Can I do OPT more than once?
15. Do I need a Social Security Number? How do I apply for one?
16. How do I pay tax?
17. Do I need to buy health insurance while I am on OPT?

[Post-Completion] Optional Practical Training(OPT)

1) What is Post-Completion Optional Practical Training(OPT)?

OPT is an option for students to pursue a paid internship/ or employment in their field of study to gain experience after graduation.

2) What kind of job can I do?

The purpose of Optional Practical Training is to apply the skills and specific expertise which you acquired in school. Therefore, you are authorized to work ONLY in jobs that are related to your current field of study, regardless of your previous degree you may have obtained.

For example: a Graphic Design student on OPT is not authorized to legally work in a restaurant as a chef. Likewise, a culinary student is not authorized to legally work in a company as a graphic designer.

Keep in mind that Immigration takes employment violation very seriously!!!

3) When can I apply for OPT?

You can apply up to 90 days before your program completion date/ graduation. It's no longer possible to apply after you have graduated.

You are encouraged to apply for OPT as soon as possible during your final quarter because the adjudication process may take 3-5 months.

4) When can I start working?

Read the dates on your EAD(Employment Authorization Document) card! Those are the exact dates that you are authorized to work.

5) What if I get a job offer before I get the EAD card arrives?

See #4 above, you are NOT authorized to work (perform services in exchange for money or some other forms of compensation) before or after the dates on your EAD card!

Some employers may be willing to let you volunteer until your EAD card arrives. Remember, however, that jobs which are normally paid often cannot legally use volunteers. Please discuss with a Human Resource person at your prospective company.

6) Can I change jobs?

Yes, as long as your new job is related to your current field of study and your EAD is still valid.

7) Can I work part-time?

Students on authorized OPT are supposed to be full-time, which is 20-40 hours per week.

If you are offered a part-time position, you can definitely accept it and continue searching for a full-time job or a second part-time job.

8) What happens if I don't work?

While on OPT, you are expected to be working or actively seeking full-time employment. If you decide not to work, you should make plans to leave, or transfer to another school, or apply for a change of status (change to a different visa type).

9) Can I get a refund if I cancel my OPT application?

Unfortunately, no.

10) Can I still take classes while on OPT?

Yes, part-time only.

Plaese check with the International Student Advisor at the school you will be taking class(es). Each school has diffirent perception of what is considered part-time.

11) What if I change my mind to transfer school during my OPT or even before OPT is approved?

If you start a new program of study, your authorized OPT will be automatically canceled. Your application is considered abandoned. The U.S. Immigration Services will consider that you have decided to continue to study instead of working.

12) Can I travel outside of the U.S. while I'm waiting for my OPT application's approval?

Legally, it is possible. However, we do not encourage OPT applicants to travel outside of the U.S. until they received the EAD card, which verifies the USCIS's adjudication.

Even with EAD card, it is still possible that your admission could be denied by the immigration officials at the border or port of entry if you do not have proof of job offer.

13) Is it possible to travel home during my practical training?

Yes. Make sure that you have a valid passport, a valid visa, your EAD card, an I-20 with a travel signature [on page 3], and letter of employment.

It is highly recommended that you obtain an official letter from your employer which verifies your student status and employment[the position offered, the length of practical training, and working hours].

This letter is not legally required for reentry. However, it will help prove your 'intent' to the immigration inspector at the U.S. border or port of entry.

If you do not have a job offer, you can explain to the border officials that you are actively seeking full-time employment. [As evidence of your job search, it is recommended to keep a file containing information of all employers you've been in contact with, copies of correspondences, and dates of interviews you have done.]

Keep in mind that traveling out of the U.S. towards the end of your OPT with a plan to return to the U.S., particularly without a job secured, is NOT recommended. You will likely not be readmitted as F-1 student.

14) Can I do OPT more than once?

YES. You will be eligible to do another OPT after completion of each program degree, as long as the new degree level is higher than the last one.

In other words, if you do OPT after AA degree and then pursue a BA degree, you can request another 12 months of OPT. If you continue your study to pursue a higher degree [Master degree and Ph.D.], you can then request anohter 12 months of OPT.

15) Do I need a Social Security Number? How do I apply for one?

You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) in order to get paid. This number is used for taxes and payroll tracking purposes.

Bring your EAD card, your OPT endorsed I-20, valid passport, and an employment letter to the Social Security Administration office, 901 Lenora St., Suite# 100. Tel: 1-800-422-1040

16) How do I pay tax?

Contact the Internal Revenue Services[IRS], Downtown Seattle, 915 2nd Ave. 4th Floor. Tel: 1-800-442-1040.

17) Do I need to buy health insurance while I am on OPT?

The International Education Programs highly recommend that students keep purchasing school health insurance as long as you are on our I-20.

It is also very important to pay the fee BEFORE the quarter starts to ensure your coverage.

Please come to IEP office for further information or email: iepsccc@sccd.ctc.edu.