麻豆传媒映画

• Currently in active F-1 SEVIS status and have completed or are in the process of completing a degree at 麻豆传媒映画.

• Have completed one uninterrupted academic year of study (Fall & Spring) in a full-time schedule.
  • Change of Status - If you completed one full academic year of study in a full-time status in any other non-immigrant visa status while studying at 麻豆传媒映画, it will count towards your OPT eligibility.

• • Study Abroad - The time spent studying abroad in one of the approved 麻豆传媒映画 study abroad programs as a full-time student can count towards the one full academic year eligibility.

• All majors and degree levels (Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral) are eligible.

• Students must have completed all substantive coursework or be in the process of completing all substantive coursework requirements.

• You must be physically present in the USA when submitting your application, before completion of the program. If you are planning to travel abroad during your application period, please read the "Travelling while on a Pending OPT Application" session below.

OPT Limitations & Ineligibilities

• Students who participated in more than 364 days of Full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are NOT eligible for OPT.

• OPT is limited to a 12-month training period for each degree level. Students become eligible for another 12 months when they begin a new degree program at a higher educational level.

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Graduate students who have finished all substantive coursework and have only thesis, comprehensive exams, or project requirements remaining are eligible to apply for OPT. These remaining classes are not considered substantive coursework; thus, students may begin full鈥憈ime OPT while completing these final degree requirements.

Global Campus Enrollment: Graduate students may take these classes through Global Campus, provided the option is available and their department approves it. Example: 799B and 799C classes.

Comprehensive Exams: Students who have completed all coursework except their comprehensive exams and do not intend to enroll in a comprehensive exam course in the following semester should apply for Post鈥慍ompletion OPT upon completion of all substantive courses and take the exams while on OPT.

• Students who fail the comprehensive exams just before the semester begins might be required to enroll in comprehensive exam classes in the upcoming semester. These classes are considered substantive, and students should consider the following:
• If you applied and were approved for OPT during the semester you are enrolled, you are allowed to work only a maximum of 20 hours per week until the semester ends.
  • Please note that working less than 20 hours per week may count towards your unemployment days.

Enroll in the required classes and apply for OPT later that semester, if possible.

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Students who intend to graduate in the summer must enroll in a full-time course load during that full term for it to be considered their 'final semester' rather than a summer break. Those enrolled in less than a full-time schedule must submit an Application for Reduced Course Load.

• If summer is intended to be the final semester, but the student does not enroll full-time and/or fails to submit a Reduced Course Load application, their I-20 will be shortened to reflect program completion at the end of the spring semester.
  • Summer has different end dates. Your program will be shortened to the end date of the latest class end date. Please check the for specific dates.

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Students should take into consideration the following factors when planning for their OPT application:

• Students can apply for OPT while looking for jobs. They do not need a job offer to apply.

• Standard Application Timeline: The OPT I-765 Application for Employment Authorization is processed by USCIS, and adjudications take several months. Based on recent student cases and OPT application trends, the average time from I-765 submission to receipt of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is approximately 5 to 6 months. Please plan accordingly when selecting your requested employment start date.
   

• Application Timeline with Premium Processing: USCIS offers an expedited review processing time for the OPT I-765 application, which guarantees a decision (not approval) within 30 business days from completed biometrics.
  • Based on recent reports, Premium Processing may take much longer than the expected 30-day timeframe. When planning your application, please account for biometrics appointments (if required), USCIS review and adjudication time, EAD card production, and mail delivery. The average timeline from application submission to EAD card receipt is currently estimated to be 2 to 3 months, though actual processing times may vary.

• USCIS uses UTC zone to process all requests.

• You must submit your I-765 Application within 30 days of the OPT I-20 issuance.

OPT Application Filing Period

The filing period opens 90 days before your program completion date and closes 60 days after your program completion date.

However, you must submit your I-765 application within 30 days of the issuance date on your OPT I-20.

 

Spring 2027

Program end date of May 21st, 2027
Application period: February 20th, 2027 - July 20th, 2027

Summer 2026

Program end date of August 18th, 2026 - T1, S2 & S4 Sessions
Application period: May 20th, 2026 - October 17th, 2026

Program end date of July 2nd, 2026 - S1 & S3 Sessions
Application period: April 3rd, 2026 - August 31st, 2026

Fall 2026

Program end date of December 31st, 2026
Application period: October 2nd, 2026 - March 1st, 2027

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Following the steps in the order below will ensure the highest chance of approval of your OPT application. Following the steps out of order or omitting a step may result in a denial of your OPT application, with the possibility of not being able to reapply.

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the OPT Regulation & Process

• Learn , processing, and reporting requirements and .

 

Step 2: Pay the International Student Optional Practical Training Administrative Processing Fee

• Pay the 麻豆传媒映画 $100 International Student Optional Practical Training Administrative Processing Fee.
  • If you previously applied for Pre-Completion OPT at 麻豆传媒映画 in the same degree level, you do not need to pay this fee again. However, you will need to upload the fee's payment receipt.

• Save the payment receipt. You will need to attach it to the OPT I-20 Request Form.

 

Step 3: Request your new OPT I-20 from the ISC

Request your OPT I-20 by completing the ISC's

When completing the form, you must enter a Requested OPT Start Date.

Choose the OPT Start Date from the appropriate date range:

• Fall 2026: (program end date of December 31st, 2026)
  Employment Start date range: January 1st, 2027 - March 1st, 2027

• Spring 2027: (program end date of May 21st, 2027)
  Employment Start date range: May 22nd, 2027 - July 20th, 2027

• Summer 2026 S1/S3: (program end date July 2nd, 2026)
  Employment Start date range: July 3th - August 31st, 2026

• Summer 2026 T1, S2 & S4: (program end date August 18)
  Employment Start date range: August 19th - October 17th, 2026

 

Step 4: Complete the I-765 Form and Gather Required Documents

Please follow the to learn how to complete your I-765 application step-by-step. Gather the following documents:

• OPT I-20 (issued within 30 days)
• Most recent I-94
• 2 X 2 Photo*
• Government-issued identity document (such as the biographical page of your passport)
• I-20s with previous CPT included (if applicable)
• I-20s with previous OPT included (if applicable)
• Previously issued EAD cards

Note: Students who received the new OPT I-20 may have an advisor review a draft of their completed Form I-765 before filing the OPT application. See an advisor during Open Advising Hours.

*: USCIS might issue an I-797 C - Action Notice for photograph and Biometrics collection. This might require your prompt action and an in-person appearance at an ASC (Application Support Center) for and a photo.

 

Step 5: File your Application with USCIS

USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date your OPT I-20 was issued to you by the ISC.

Note that USCIS will not accept applications earlier than 90 days before your program completion date or more than 60 days after your program completion date.

You must be physically present in the U.S. when filing your application.

USCIS uses UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) for the application deadline time.

Create an online account with to complete your online application for Form I-765.

• Collect all required documents, save them as PDFs, and rename them accordingly.

• Standard Processing: Upon completion of the I-765 form, and just before submitting your form, you will be required to pay a .
  • The standard processing time for USCIS to review and adjudicate an I-765 application can take several months. Based on recent student cases and OPT application trends, the average time from I-765 submission to receipt of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is approximately 5 to 6 months. Please plan accordingly when selecting your requested employment start date.

• Premium Processing (USCIS Form I-907): If you need to receive an adjudication of your application in a shorter timeframe, you have the option to pay for . USCIS guarantees the adjudication of your application within 30 days from the date you complete the biometrics. This fee is in addition to the standard filing fee.
  • Important: Based on recent reports, Premium Processing may take much longer than the expected 30-day timeframe. When planning your application, please account for biometrics appointments (if required), USCIS review and adjudication time, EAD card production, and mail delivery. The average timeline from application submission to EAD card receipt is currently estimated to be 2 to 3 months, though actual processing times may vary.

• • can be paid by filing Form I-907 at the time you file your OPT I-765 application, or after filing your OPT I-765 application (while your OPT application is pending). Note that the ISC cannot contact USCIS on your behalf to inquire about expedited processing.

 

Step 6: Step 6: I-765 Application Status & I-797 Action Notice Letters

I-765 Application Status: You can check the status of your application through the or by logging into your USCIS account. It is normal for your case status to say 鈥榗ase received鈥� for most of the .

USCIS uses numerous to communicate with applicants about their benefit application. These letters will be sent out by mail, and will be listed in your My.USCIS account under the 鈥淒ocuments鈥� tab. We highly recommend checking your account regularly to avoid missing any communication.

Form I-797C, Notice of Action: After the successful filing of your I-765 form, you will receive a receipt of application, which may also indicate that you will need to go through . A follow-up I-797C Biometric Notification letter will be sent out to you with a pre-set day, time, and location for your appointment. To avoid missing this appointment, regularly check your My.USCIS account. 

 With a timely and properly filed Form I-765 application accepted by USCIS, you may remain in the United States until a decision is issued. The ISC does not recommend travel outside while on a "Pending Status OPT Application" through USCIS. 

Upon approval of your application, USCIS will send you the I-797 Notice confirming the approval of your application and the approved dates of employment. You should not start working until you receive your EAD Card.

EAD Card: In most cases, if your application has been approved, USCIS will list the EAD mailing tracking number under your application status. Once you have the tracking number, we recommend registering for . Expect additional time (up to several weeks) for you to receive the EAD card by mail.

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Biometrics Appointment

USCIS might issue a Form I-797C, Notice of Action for Biometrics (photograph and fingerprinting). This will require your appearance at an (Application Support Center) for biometrics and a photo. You will receive a pre-set date, time, and location for your biometric appointment. We highly recommend checking your account regularly for the latest communication from USCIS.

If you need to reschedule your current ASC Biometrics Appointment, you may log in to your USCIS online account to use the online Self-Rescheduling tool or go to. You will be able to change the date, time, and location of the appointment.

Please note: The Self-Rescheduling tool cannot be used to reschedule an appointment that has already been rescheduled two or more times, is within 12 hours, or has already passed.

Request For Evidence (RFEs)

If you received a notification from USCIS requesting the submission of evidence or if the application has returned, you may forward a copy of your letter or email to [email protected] to request assistance from the ISC. Don鈥檛 forget to include your name and Red ID. The USCIS notice letter will specify a deadline for your response submission.

Denied Applications

If your OPT application has been denied, you must act immediately, as your legal F-1 status and grace period are time-sensitive. Contact the 麻豆传媒映画 International Student Center to help you understand the denial reason and guide you through some possible options.

• Review the Denial Notice: Carefully read the denial letter from USCIS. It will state the specific reasons for the denial (e.g., incorrect filing date, missing documents, photo issues).
• If the denial occurred within your 60-day grace period (following your program end date), you might be able to re-file a corrected application with a new I-20 from your DSO. See the 鈥淲hen to Apply for OPT鈥� section above to determine your eligibility to reapply.
• If the denial occurred after your 60-day grace period ended, you do not have an additional grace period and must explore other options to maintain legal status or depart the U.S.

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If you have been notified that your OPT has been approved, check your USCIS case status or your USCIS online account to confirm whether your EAD card has been issued and to obtain the USPS tracking number.

If your case status indicates that the card has been mailed but no tracking number is available, you will need to contact USCIS directly to request it. You can reach them at 1鈥�800鈥�375鈥�5283.

Replacement of Lost, Stolen, or Damaged EAD Card

You must submit a new OPT application and pay the USCIS I鈥�765 filing fee if you need a (for example, if the original card was lost, stolen, damaged, or contained an error made by the applicant).

You will need the following:

• New Form I鈥�765 indicating the reason for filing as 1.b 鈥� Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged employment authorization document. You must also indicate that you have previously applied for OPT or STEM OPT and list your prior receipt number. Refer to the Form I鈥�765 instructions for additional guidance.
• A personal letter explaining how your EAD card was lost, stolen, never received, or damaged. Include any supporting documentation. For a stolen card, attach a police report. If you never received the card, clearly state this in your letter.
• A copy of the OPT I鈥�20 previously issued by the ISC for your original OPT or STEM OPT application. This I鈥�20 does not need to be issued within the past 30 or 60 days.
• A photo meeting USCIS requirements for the Form I鈥�765.
• The USCIS filing fee (refer to the USCIS I鈥�765 webpage for the current fee amount).
• A copy of your passport biographical page and F鈥�1 visa, if applicable.
• A copy of your most recent I鈥�94 record.
• A copy of your previous OPT/STEM OPT I鈥�797 receipt notice and a copy of your original EAD card, if available.

Important: You may be eligible to continue working after applying for a replacement EAD card. USCIS allows employees to work for up to 90 days from the date of hire if they present an official receipt notice for a replacement EAD. The ISC strongly recommends discussing this option with an immigration attorney and your employer.

You might direct your employer to the following resources:

• ), more specifically, on acceptable receipts.

EAD Card Correction due to USCIS Error

If your EAD card contains incorrect information due to a USCIS error, such as a typographical mistake in your name or an incorrect birthdate, you must return the original card so USCIS can issue a corrected version. USCIS typically processes corrected EADs within 30 to 45 days of receiving the erroneous card. If you are unsure whether the error was caused by USCIS or have questions, contact an ISC advisor.

Instructions for requesting an EAD correction due to a USCIS error
Before beginning the steps below, ensure that:

• You have made a photocopy of the EAD card.
• You have already used the EAD card for hiring, and/or SSN.
• You do not have international travel planned in the next 1 to 2 months.

To request a correction:

• Go to the USCIS e鈥憆equest page.
• Select 鈥淭ypographic Error鈥� under the Service Request section
• Complete and submit the Typographic Error e鈥慺orm
• Follow the emailed instructions to mail your EAD back to USCIS

Important: If USCIS determines that the incorrect information on your EAD card is not the result of a USCIS error, the card will be returned to you. In this situation, you must submit a new EAD application and pay the USCIS I鈥�765 filing fee again.

EAD Card Lost in the Mail

If your case status or USCIS account shows that your EAD Card was mailed, but you never received it, there is a possibility that it was undeliverable or lost by USPS.

• Card Lost in the mail by USPS: USCIS may issue a replacement card without a fee if your EAD card was lost or misdelivered by USPS. You will need to receive an official and signed letter from USPS (on company letterhead) confirming your EAD card was lost or misdelivered.
  • Once you receive the letter from USPS, fill out the online form. You will need the receipt number.
• Case Status shows Undeliverable: This means that USPS was not able to deliver the mail and returned it to USCIS. Follow the instructions provided in your USCIS online case status to request that USCIS resend your EAD card. Ensure that the address listed in your USCIS account is accurate. If it is not, as soon as possible.

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USCIS is no longer processing SSN requests through the I-765 application form online.

Once you receive your EAD card, you will be able to apply for your SSN directly with the Social Security Administration Office (SSA).

You will need the following original documents for the :

• EAD Card
• Valid Passport
• Employment offer letter. It must include:
  • Employment Start Date
  • Number of hours for the position per week
  • Your hiring manager's name and phone number
• Your OPT I-20
• Most recent I-94

You can start working with a pending SSN application and a delivered EAD card.

For more information, please .

If you already have an SSN, do not apply for a new one. SSN is for life, and you should use the number previously issued to you.

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Employment must be in a job or internship that is directly related to your major field of study on page 1 of your I-20. If the relationship between a job and your field of study is later questioned by USCIS or another U.S. agency, the burden of proof will be on you to explain the relationship.

Types of employment allowed during Post-completion OPT include:

• Paid employment: You may work part-time or full-time.
• Multiple employers: You may work for more than one employer at a time and also change employers during OPT.
  • Short-term, multiple employers: Students in a performing arts major and certain other majors may work for multiple short-term employers. Keep a list of all employment with the dates, employer name, address, the job you did, how it related to your field of study, and hours or average number of hours doing the job. This list is important in case you need to provide documentation of your OPT employment or to prove eligibility for future U.S. immigration benefits. Employment must average a minimum of 20 hours per week over the period of one month in order to not count towards your unemployment.
• Contract employment (1099 employment): This is where you perform a service based on a contractual relationship. Keep records showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
• Self-employment: You may start a business and be self-employed if you obtain and keep records of all required business licenses for San Diego/California/U.S. Your business must be directly related to your field of study.
• Employment through an agency: You may work for an employment agency.
• Paid internship: You may do a part-time or full-time internship.
• Unpaid employment/internships/volunteer work: You may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern as long as it does not violate U.S. labor laws. At the end of your unpaid internship or volunteer work, ask the company for a letter that includes your name, the dates of your work, the job you did, and the average number of hours per week. This letter is important in case you need to provide documentation of your OPT employment or to prove eligibility for future U.S. immigration benefits. Normally, work must average a minimum of 20 hours per week over the period of one month in order to not count towards your unemployment.
  • See below to learn about unpaid employment/internships/volunteer work on Post-OPT.

These do not apply to the OPT STEM 24-Month Extension.

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Students on Post鈥慍ompletion OPT are allowed a maximum of 90 cumulative days of unemployment. This 90鈥慸ay count begins on the OPT start date approved by USCIS, as shown on your EAD card, not the recommended start date or the program end date listed on your I鈥�20.

If you accrue 90 days or more of unemployment, you will violate your F鈥�1 immigration status. You must depart the United States, transfer to another academic program, or obtain a different visa classification before reaching the 90鈥慸ay limit. There is no grace period if students surpass the 90-day employment period.

If a student works fewer than 20 hours per week, it may count as unemployment.

Approved vacation and time off by your employer does not count as "unemployment" if you are still considered an employee of the company.

Students who work, intern, or volunteer in multiple positions and whose combined weekly hours total 20 or more will meet the minimum employment requirement and will not accrue unemployment time.

Students approved for the 24鈥憁onth STEM OPT Extension receive an additional 60 days of allowable unemployment, giving them a total of 150 days across their entire Post鈥慍ompletion OPT and STEM OPT periods.

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SEVP Student Portal

Upon approval of your Post鈥慍ompletion OPT, and after your OPT Start Date, you will receive an email from SEVP (诲辞鈥忧辞迟鈥�[email protected]) with instructions and a unique link for creating your , with the following subject line: 鈥淥ptional Practical Training Approval - the next step. Create an SEVP Portal account. Do not ignore this email.

If you missed the email and the login has expired, or if you have forgotten your password, you may submit the to request a reset of your SEVP portal login.

You are responsible and required to report any updates to the items listed below in your SEVP Portal within 10 days of the change.

• Physical Address,
• Telephone number
• Employer Information
  • Change of Employer
  • Starting a new position
  • Ending an employment
  • Updating current employer information
  • Changing current employer information

Through your SEVP account, you will also be able to monitor your employment authorization information and unemployment days.

After self-reporting your employment information, we recommend requesting a reprint of your OPT I-20 for your records. Complete the to request an updated OPT I-20.

Note: You are unable to update your email in the SEVP portal. To request a change of email, please submit the

 

What if you miss the 10-day reporting deadline?

If you missed the 10-day deadline, the ISC can add or update the information in SEVIS for you. Complete the ISC TD Portal Request: or It can take up to 7 business days for your request to be processed, and you will receive an email confirmation once your request has been completed by the ISC.

Always double-check your SEVP portal information to ensure the data entered is correct.

SEVP Resources:

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Completion of OPT Full-Term

You have a after your OPT end date to take one of the following actions:

• depart the United States,
• change your visa status, or
• transfer your F鈥�1 SEVIS record to a new school or program.

Remaining in the United States beyond the 60鈥慸ay grace period without transferring to a new program or submitting a timely Change of Status application is considered a violation of your F鈥�1 status. This can result in consequences that may affect your current or future U.S. immigration record.

If you are planning to apply for you should do so before the end of your Post-Completion OPT. You are not eligible to apply for STEM OPT Extension during the grace period.

Ending your OPT Earlier

If you want to end your Post-Completion OPT earlier than as shown on your EAD card, update the end date of employment in your or complete the to update the end date of employment.

• End your OPT Early and Leave the U.S.: If you plan to return home permanently before your Post-completion OPT ends, you will need to complete the with your date of departure. To complete this form, you will need to meet with an advisor.
• Change of Status: If you have been approved for a Change of Status from F-1 to another status, either through USCIS or consular processing, you will need to complete the and upload the required documents. To complete this form, you will need to meet with an advisor.
• Transfer to Another Institution: If you are planning to complete your OPT and transfer your SEVIS record to another institution, speak with an ISC advisor to guide you and strategize when the best time is to schedule your SEVIS transfer.

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If you have graduated from a STEM Eligible program, you may apply for STEM OPT Extension 90 days prior to the end of the Post-Completion OPT. Please see our STEM OPT Extension webpage for more information.

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• - Complete this form if you have missed the 10-day deadline to report an update to your SEVP account for the following:
  • Update your personal information
    • Physical Address
    • Mailing Address
    • Telephone Number
    • Email
• - If you are in your last semester and you are enrolled in less than a full-time schedule, you may be eligible for an exception to the full鈥憈ime enrollment rule. This also applies if you plan to graduate during the summer term and intend to apply for OPT. For more information, visit the ARCL webpage.

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Students who have been selected and are currently in pending or approved H鈥�1B status are given an automatic extension of their F鈥�1 status and work authorization until they permanently transition to the H-1B status between Oct. 1 and April 1 of the following year. This provision is known as the cap-gap extension because it 鈥渇ills the gap鈥� between the end of F-1 status and the beginning of H-1 B status for qualifying students.

Once the Change of Status information is received by SEVP, the cap-gap extension information is added to your SEVIS record, and it will show in your most recent I-20 under Change os Status/Cap-Gap Extension.

The cap鈥慻ap benefit applies only to students whose H鈥�1B petitions are filed as a change of status during the USCIS鈥慸esignated filing window. It does not apply if the employer files the petition under consular processing.

Your Cap-Gap Information should not change the end date of your Post-Completion OPT. If it does, contact the ISC to review your SEVIS information and potentially request a correction.

If you are eligible for the STEM OPT extension and your H鈥�1B petition remains pending as you near the end of your Post鈥慍ompletion OPT, the ISC strongly recommends applying for the STEM OPT extension. If your H鈥�1B petition is ultimately denied, having a timely and approved STEM OPT extension will allow you to continue maintaining your F鈥�1 status and work authorization.

If you plan to travel outside the United States while your Change of Status application (e.g., F鈥�1 to H鈥�1B) is still pending, consult your attorney before making any arrangements. USCIS may consider your application abandoned if you depart the country before it is approved.

Please visit the USCIS website for more information.

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While health insurance is not required for students on Post-Completion OPT, the ISC highly recommends that students have health insurance coverage due to the high costs of medical care in the U.S.

Students who have the pre-approved can purchase an OPT insurance package if they do so before their current insurance ends. To purchase, please be prepared to provide a valid EAD or I-797 USCIS Notice Receipt.

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Travelling outside the USA while on a pending OPT Application is not recommended.

You should not travel abroad after the completion of all your substantive courses if you have not yet applied for OPT. Your program end date will be adjusted to reflect the semester in which you have completed all the substantive courses in your I-20.

Traveling after the completion of all our substantive courses without a fully submitted I鈥�765 application to USCIS will forfeit your OPT eligibility.

If you depart the United States while your OPT application is still pending, you must ensure that someone at the U.S. mailing address listed on your Form I鈥�765 is available and willing to receive correspondence from USCIS and forward it to you wherever you are. If your OPT is approved while you are outside the country, you must have the original EAD card in hand to re鈥慹nter; a scan or photo will not be accepted.

For a full list of required travel documents, please refer to the Traveling Outside the U.S. page.

Travelling abroad with an Approved OPT Application

Once you have your EAD card, you may travel abroad and reenter the United States as long as your travel falls within the OPT validity dates listed on the card and you have not exceeded the 90鈥慸ay unemployment limit.

For a full list of required travel documents, please refer to the Traveling Outside the U.S. page.

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• Employment must be directly related to the major field of study.

• Currently in active F-1 SEVIS Status.

• Must be currently present in the USA.

• Have completed one uninterrupted academic year of study (Fall & Spring) in a full-time schedule, unless ARCL has been approved.

• • Change of Status - If you completed one full academic year of study in a full-time status in any other non-immigrant visa status while studying at 麻豆传媒映画, it will count towards your OPT eligibility.

• • Study Abroad - The time spent studying abroad in one of the approved 麻豆传媒映画 study abroad programs as a full-time student can count towards the one full academic year eligibility.

• Must be currently enrolled in courses.

• Must NOT have completed more than 364 days of full-time CPT on the current degree level.

• Must NOT have completed OPT in the same degree level.

• Pre-Completion OPT End Date must be on or before the official 麻豆传媒映画 semester end date in which the student will complete the requirements for graduation.

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Students with approved Pre-Completion OPT may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Students who are eligible to enroll for the next semester and who plan to do so may have approval to work full-time when school is not in session.

For immigration purposes, part-time and full-time employment hours are defined as:

• Part-time: Up to 20 hours per week
• Full-time: Over 20 hours per week

Important: If summer is the student鈥檚 last semester completing required graduation requirements, they are not eligible for full-time Pre-Completion OPT.

Students are authorized to work only the number of hours per week, whether part-time or full-time, that was requested on their Pre-Completion Application Form I-765 and subsequently approved by USCIS. They must not exceed the authorized weekly hours at any time, regardless of whether classes are in session or the institution is on official break.

Students who wish to change their approved Pre-Completion OPT authorization from part-time to full-time, or vice versa, must file a new Form I-765 application with USCIS and obtain approval before working under the revised schedule.

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Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT share a combined maximum duration of 12 months. Any time spent on Pre-Completion OPT reduces the amount of time available for Post-Completion OPT.

Part-Time Pre-Completion OPT (20 hours per week or less): Time spent on part-time pre-completion OPT is deducted from your available post-completion OPT at a half-time rate. For example, if a student uses one year of part-time pre-completion OPT (up to 20 hours per week), their available post-completion OPT time will be reduced by six months. Thus, students would have six months of full-time post-completion OPT employment authorization remaining.

Full-time Pre-Completion OPT (20 hours per week or more): Time spent on full-time pre-completion OPT is deducted from your available post-completion OPT at a full-time rate. For example, if a student uses 3 months of full-time (more than 20 hours per week) pre-completion OPT, their available post-completion OPT time will be reduced by 3 months. Thus, students would have 9 months available for full-time post-completion OPT employment authorization. If the students use 12 months of full-time pre-completion OPT, they will not be eligible for post-completion OPT.

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Students may apply for Pre-Completion OPT up to 90 days before they complete a full academic year, as long as they do not start OPT employment before completing one full academic year and have met all eligibility requirements.

Students do not need to have a job offer to apply for pre-completion OPT. However, because any time approved for pre-completion OPT is deducted from the total period available for post-completion OPT, it may not be advisable to apply unless there is a reasonable expectation of employment.

Important Considerations:

Standard Processing: Pre-Completion OPT applications can take more than four months for USCIS to process, followed by an additional two to three weeks for EAD card delivery. When planning your application, be sure to account for both your intended employment start date and USCIS processing times. To accommodate potential delays, it is recommended that your anticipated employment start date be at least six months in the future.

Premium Processing: USCIS guarantees review of your pre-completion OPT within 30 days after biometrics, plus 2 to 3 weeks to receive the EAD card. Realistically, your employment start date should be at least 3 months in the future to accommodate possible delays.

*Employment start date recommendations are estimations based on the current Post-Completion OPT application process timeline. In some cases, it may vary considerably.

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Step 1 - Familiarize yourself with the Pre-Completion Regulation and Process

• Read the Pre-Completion OPT webpage.
• We recommend meeting with the ISC advisor via appointment to discuss your pre-completion OPT plans.

 

Step 2 - Pay the International Student OPT Administrative Processing fee.

• This is a one-time fee for Optional Practical Training.
• You do not need to pay for this again when applying for Post-Completion OPT. 

 

Step 3 - Request your Pre-Completion OPT I-20

Submit the F-1: Pre-Completion OPT I-20 Request in the

Choosing your Employment days

Students are eligible to choose as many days or months as they deem necessary to complete their employment within the 12-month allotment of Optional Practical Training. Please note, days unused in Pre-Completion OPT are forfeited and count against the total allotted for Post-Completion OPT.

• Employment Start Date -  The employment start date may be any date AFTER the completion of one full academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). To avoid unnecessary stress, please consider the USCIS processing timeline, EAD card delivery time, and the possibility of application delays when planning your start date. Read below about the Standard and Premium processing timelines.

• Employment End Date - Employment must end before the completion of the program. Please note that students I-20 has an expected program end date, and it can change if students complete all requirements for graduation early.

Academic Advisor or Department Advisor Information

Students need to enter information about their academic advisor or department advisor in the Pre-Completion OPT I-20 Request. The request will be routed first to the academic advisor to review and confirm the following:

• At the time of employment, the student will have required courses to complete during all semesters that the employment days in the request encompass.
  • If the employment is only through Summer and winter break, enrollment is not required.

• Based on the number of hours the student will be working, the academic advisor has no concerns about a possible impact on the student's good standing and academic progress.
  •  If the academic advisor has concerns that your employment or work hours may negatively affect your academic standing or progress, they may deny your request. Please meet with your academic advisor to discuss your employment plans and ensure they have no concerns about your ability to maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory academic progress.

IMPORTANT:   Your Form I-765 application must be submitted to USCIS within 30 days of the date the ISC issues your Pre-Completion OPT I-20. Please refer to the date next to the DSO signature on page 1 of your I-20. Failure to submit your application within these 30 days may result in the denial of your application.

Step 4 - Complete the I-765 Form and gather Required Documents

• Pre-completion OPT Code in the I-765 is (C) (B)(A)

• The employment start date and end date must match the dates chosen in the Pre-completion OPT I-20.
  • Change to employment dates: If you have not yet submitted your Form I-765 to USCIS, you may request the cancellation of your original Pre-Completion OPT I-20 recommendation and submit a new Pre-Completion OPT request with updated employment dates. Once the Form I-765 has been submitted to USCIS, changes to the requested employment dates require an official application withdrawal through USCIS and a new I-765 application and respective fees.

 

Choosing the right Processing Time

To determine an appropriate employment start date, you should account for the USCIS processing timeline, EAD card delivery time, and any potential processing delays. Plan conservatively and do not assume that USCIS will process your application faster than the timelines outlined below. Review the information on Standard and Premium Processing before selecting your requested start date.

Standard Processing: Pre-Completion OPT applications can take more than four months for USCIS to process, followed by an additional two to three weeks for EAD card delivery. When planning your application, be sure to account for both your intended employment start date and USCIS processing times. To accommodate potential delays, it is recommended that your anticipated employment start date be at least six months in the future.

Premium Processing: USCIS guarantees review of your pre-completion OPT within 30 days after biometrics, plus 2 to 3 weeks to receive the EAD card. Realistically, your employment start date should be at least 3 months in the future to accommodate possible delays.

Documents Needed:

• Pre-Completion OPT I-20 (issued within 30 days)
• Most recent I-94
• 2 X 2 Photo*
• Government-issued identity document (such as the biographical page of your passport)
• I-20s with previous CPT included (if applicable)
• I-20s with previous OPT included (if applicable)
• Previously issued EAD cards

*Photos 2x2: USCIS might issue an I-797C, Action Notice, for photograph and Biometrics collection. This might require your prompt action and an in-person appearance at an ASC (Application Support Center) for biometrics and a photo.

Note: If needed, an ISC advisor can review the I-765 draft of your completed application for completion before filing it through USCIS. See an advisor during Open Advising Hours or schedule an appointment. The ISC is not responsible for incorrect information entry on students' I-765 form. It is the student's responsibility to ensure all information is accurate.

 

Step 5 - File your Application with USCIS

USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the date yourPre-Completion OPT I-20 was issued to you by the ISC.

Note that USCIS will not accept applications earlier than 90 days before your program completion date or more than 60 days after your program completion date.

You must be physically present in the U.S. when filing your application.

USCIS uses UTC (Universal Coordinated Time) for the application deadline time.

Create an online account with USCIS to complete your online application for Form I-765.

Collect all required documents, save them in PDF, and rename them accordingly.

Standard Processing: Upon completion of the I-765 form, and just before submitting your form, you will be required to pay a . The standard processing time for USCIS to review and adjudicate your application has an estimated average time, based on current students' previous OPT application cases, of  4 to 5 months. It can take longer.

Premium Processing (USCIS Form I-907): If you need to receive an adjudication of your application in a shorter timeframe, you have the option to pay for . USCIS guarantees the adjudication of your application within 30 days after biometrics. This fee is in addition to the standard filing fee. can be paid by filing Form I-907 at the time you file your OPT I-765 application, or after filing your OPT I-765 application (while your OPT application is pending). Note that the ISC cannot contact USCIS on your behalf to inquire about expedited processing.

IMPORTANT: Your I-765 application must be submitted to USCIS no later than 30 days after the ISC has issued the Pre-Completion OPT I-20. Please check the date next to the DSO signature on page 1. Failure to submit your application within the 30 days will result in denial of your application.

 

Step 6 - Biometrics Appointment

USCIS might issue a Form I-797C, Notice of Action for Biometrics (photograph and fingerprinting). This will require your appearance at an(Application Support Center) for biometrics and a photo. You will receive a pre-set date, time, and location for your biometric appointment. We highly recommend checking your account regularly for the latest communication from USCIS.

If you need to , you may log in to your USCIS online account to use the online Self-Rescheduling tool or go to my.uscis.gov/appointmentscheduler-appointment/ca/en. You will be able to change the date, time, and location of the appointment.

Please note: The Self-Rescheduling tool cannot be used to reschedule an appointment that has already been rescheduled two or more times, is within 12 hours, or has already passed.

 

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I-765 Application Status: You can check the status of your application through the or by logging into your USCIS account. It is normal for your case status to say 鈥榗ase received鈥� for most of the

USCIS uses numerousto communicate with applicants about their benefit application. These letters will be sent out by mail, and will be listed in your My.USCIS account under the 鈥淒ocuments鈥� tab. We highly recommend checking your My.USCIS.gov account regularly to avoid missing any communication.

Form I-797C, Notice of Action: After the successful filing of your I-765 form, you will receive a receipt of application, which may also indicate that you will need to go through biometrics collection. A follow-up I-797C Biometric Notification letter will be sent out to you with a pre-set day, time, and location for your appointment. To avoid missing this appointment, regularly check your My.USCIS account. 

 With a timely and properly filed Form I-765 application accepted by USCIS, you may remain in the United States until a decision is issued. The ISC does not recommend travel outside while on a "Pending Status OPT Application" through USCIS. 

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Students are eligible to engage simultaneously in pre-completion OPT, CPT, and on-campus employment.

Undergraduate Students:

During official academic sessions, students may be authorized to engage in part-time CPT, On-Campus employment, and/or Pre-Completion OPT simultaneously for up to 20 hours per week each. 

Winter, Spring, and Summer official breaks, students are allowed to engage in more than 20 hours per week of CPT, and/or Pre-Completion OPT, and/or on-campus employment each. On-Campus employment is capped at a maximum of 40 hours per week.

Graduate Students:

During official academic sessions and official academic breaks, students may be authorized to engage in part-time or full-time CPT, On-Campus employment, and/or Pre-Completion OPT simultaneously. There is no maximum number of hours per week cap for CPT and Pre-Completion OPT. Full-time employment must be authorized by the department. On-Campus employment is capped at a maximum of 20 hours per week during academic sessions and a maximum of 40 hours per week during official breaks.

Students鈥� primary focus should be the pursuit of their academic studies. Engaging in excessive working hours during an official academic session may call into question your current intent in the United States under an F-1 visa status.

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There is no limit since the days used for Pre-Completion OPT are deducted from the total 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Once you are approved for OPT and receive the EAD card, any time the student is not working is forfeited

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Graduating earlier than the End Date on the EAD card

If the student graduates earlier than the end date on the EAD card, the student must stop working by the official end date of the semester in which the student has completed the program, as listed in the 麻豆传媒映画 academic calendar. The EAD card is not valid after the program completion end date. 

Important: The student鈥檚 current I-20 may have an expected program end date, and it is often shortened by the ISC advisor to reflect the actual completion of the program date. Speak with an ISC advisor if you have questions about your program end date and plan the end date of the pre-completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT Application.

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Students may engage in multiple employment under the same pre-Completion OPT application as long as they don鈥檛 surpass the combined allowable number of hours of work per week.

You must report all employment through the . All new employment and updates should be reported within 10 business days by completing one of the following Requests:

•  F-1: Pre-Completion OPT Add new Employer
•  F-1: Pre-Completion OPT Update Current Employer 

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A student with a pending or approved Pre-Completion OPT Status can travel abroad, as long as, upon their return, they have a current travel signature in their I-20, and they return BEFORE the completion of the program date. 

Note: Completion of the program may happen before the end date of the EAD Card if the student completes all requirements of the program earlier. The I-20 will be shortened to reflect the correct end date of the program. Speak with an ISC advisor if you have any questions.

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