Post Completion OPT Request

Post Completion OPT Request

Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization allows F-1 students to gain practical experience directly related to their major/field of study. 

If post-completion OPT is approved, DHS-USCIS will issue an “Employment Authorization Document,” or EAD card, to the student. This card will display the student's photo, the type of employment authorization granted, and the specific dates that the student is eligible for practical training.

Students are allowed a maximum of 12 months of full-time OPT per degree level, which may be completed all at once or at several different intervals. Students majoring in certain STEM fields of study may be eligible to extend their OPT for an additional 24 months, for a  total of 36 months (this is referred to as the STEM OPT Extension).

Students are eligible to do one year of OPT for every higher level of study they complete in the U.S.  For example, a student may be eligible for one year for a bachelor’s degree, one year for a master’s degree, and one year for a doctorate degree. 

Post-completion OPT is the most common type of OPT request and takes place after completion of a degree program.

It is full-time (20 or more hours per week) with the expectation that the student will engage in practical training directly related to their major for at least 20 hours per week. 

The application process for OPT is a two-step process:

1. The student requests a new I-20 from ISSS recommending OPT
2. The student uses the I-20 recommendation to file a Form I-765 with DHS-USCIS, requesting OPT authorization and the EAD card. USCIS may take up to 90 days or longer for processing so students should plan ahead.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) the student must:

• Be maintaining active F-1 status
• Have completed at least one academic year full-time in a degree program
• Intend to only engage in practical training directly related to the major/field of study for their degree program.

When to File for Post Completion OPT

Yous may file for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before the program end date of your I-20.

Your program end date is the date your academic program is considered completed for immigration reporting purposes.  Your current program end date may be shortened when you apply for post-completion OPT. 

To determine the end date of your program:

• Master’s/Bachelor’s students: the program end date is the last day of final exams during the semester you are graduating according to the academic calendar. 
• Graduate degree thesis/dissertation students: upon consultation with your academic advisor and ISSS your I-20 program end date could be:
  • The date you defend successfully (as long as all other course work is completed);
  • the date you submit your thesis or dissertation (as long as all other course work is completed);
  • the  last day of final exams of the semester you are graduating (must be enrolled in fall/spring).

When requesting a Post-Completion OPT recommendation from ISSS, the requested OPT start date must be within 60 days of the I-20 program end date.

Once the I-20 recommendation is issued, students must file the Form I-765 with DHS-USCIS within 30 days of when the OPT recommendation was issued and within 60 days of your program end date, whichever comes first.

After the program end date students cannot work on or off campus (paid or unpaid) until they receive the EAD card and reach the start date on the card.  All post completion employment must directly relate to your major and be reported.

Failing to follow the application timeline is one of the most common reasons for an OPT denial.

Documentation Required to Request I-20

Submit the following documents through the E-Form:

1. Most recent I-94. If you have a paper I-94 (such as from a USCIS change of status approval) please upload a scanned copy of the paper version
2. Passport identification page
3. F-1 visa stamp
4. Photocopy of previous EAD cards (if applicable)
5. Academic advisor’s email information- they will need to provide an electronic approval before your request will be reviewed by ISSS.

To request an I-20 recommending OPT:

1. Log into AccessISSS. Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
2. Select the "Post Completion OPT Request Form" from the EForm menu.

The EForm has additional information all students must review and understand before applying. All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.

If approved, you will receive an updated I-20 with an OPT recommendation which you must use to file a Form I-765 with DHS-USCIS. You must wait for the I-20 with OPT recommendation from ISSS before you can file a Form I-765 with DHS. Upon receiving the I-20 please file Form I-765 within 30 days of when the OPT recommendation was made and within 60 days of your program end date, whichever comes first.  Failure to do so will likely result in a denial from DHS-USCIS.

Special Note Regarding OPT Workshop Recording: 

On September 14, 2026 a federal judge imposed a nationwide preliminary injunction thereby indefinitely blocking the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) rule that was scheduled to end Duration of Status (D/S) on September 15, 2026.  This impacts certain portions of the pre-recorded OPT workshop video.  Please review the instructions on the website and EForm for the latest information.

Supplemental Forms and Instructions

• OPT Workshop Slides
• I-765 Form and USCIS Instructions- Review whether you plan to file by mail or online; download the form from this website if filing by mail.
• Passport Photo Requirements and Examples
• How to Report Employment

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this web site/form is provided as a service to international students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. It does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site or form.

Neither the University at Albany nor ISSS is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel; students may wish to consult an immigration attorney on the specifics of their case as needed.