Graduating in December? Apply Now for F-1 OPT

November 1, 2023

F-1 students who are completing their degree requirements this fall and who plan to work in the U.S. starting this spring need to apply NOW in order to receive the work permission on time. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization that provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off-campus. You do not need a job in order to apply for OPT.

If you are completing your degree requirements by the end of this term in December and plan to work in the U.S. this spring, you should plan to apply for OPT soon. It can take 90 days or more for USCIS to approve OPT, so it is important to apply as early as possible.

You can find detailed information on eligibility, and application timeline and process on our F-1 OPT page.

Please note that you must be physically in the U.S. when you file your OPT application. If you have questions regarding international travel after you submit your OPT application, please consult with your OISS adviser.