Optional Practical Training (OPT) (F-1)

You may be eligible to apply for periods of OPT after one full academic year, though many students prefer to save it for after graduation.

You may be eligible to apply for OPT if:

• You are in valid F-1 status
• You have completed at least one academic year of full-time enrollment (two full terms)
• You are in good academic standing at Boston University
• You have not been previously authorized for 12 months of OPT at the same or higher education level
• You have not spent your last year in an English language program
• You have not been authorized for 12+ months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• You are not on leave, suspension, or have had a recent status violation requiring a new initial I-20

Note: Summer term counts as a full term only if enrolled for 12 units.

ISSO will review your academic and immigration records before recommending OPT. USCIS makes the final approval.

When you apply for OPT, you must indicate if you are requesting permission for part-time or full-time OPT.

• Part-time: up to 20 hours/week
• Full-time: over 20 hours/week

You may apply for:

• Part-time OPT during regular terms
• Part-time or full-time OPT during summer, thesis/dissertation phase, or post-graduation

Part-time OPT counts at half the rate toward your 12-month limit (e.g., 4 months part-time = 2 months full-time).

Pre-Completion

• Eligible after one academic year, part-time during terms, part- or full-time during summer or thesis phase.
• Can be paid or unpaid training related to your major.
• No job offer required to apply
• Allowed to work for multiple employers, including gigs, self-employment, or contracts, within authorized hours.
• No unemployment limit; If you do not find a job during your period of authorization, you will use up the amount of OPT eligibility for which you were authorized.

Post-Completion

• Use after program completion. Requires confirmed graduation application or department verification.
• Authorized full-time (20+ hours/week), paid or unpaid training related to your major.
• No job offer required to apply
• Work for multiple employers permitted; total hours across jobs must be at least 20/week to count as active.
• Maximum of 90 days total unemployment allowed during the 12-month period. Unemployment time begins on the approved start date and is calculated based on reported employment in SEVIS.
• Employment under 20 hours/week counts toward unemployment.

PhD students can request an earlier program end date on their I-20 (e.g., thesis defense date) to start OPT sooner, with departmental verification. On-campus work ends with the new program end date, so plan accordingly.

Apply early, as USCIS processing can take 90+ days.

USCIS accepts applications:

• Up to 90 days before your program end date (post-completion OPT)
• Up to 90 days before requested OPT start date (pre-completion OPT)
• Within 30 days after your ISSO advisor signs your I-20 recommending OPT
• No later than 60 days after your program end date (late applications may limit OPT length)

Submission outside of these dates will result in a USCIS denial.

1. Book a 30-minute appointment with your ISSO Advisor to discuss timing and process for Pre-Completion OPT (optional but recommended) .
2. Gather Documents
   • Passport
   • Most recent I-20
   • F-1 visa
   • Most recent I-94 arrival record(download from USCBP website)
3. Submit Request
   • Log into ISSOPortal, go to Request Center, select OPT – Add New Pre-Completion.
   • Complete the questionnaire, upload documents, and confirm understanding of status conditions.
   • Submit request and monitor status in the Request Center.
4. Review and Notification
   • You will receive an email to notify you of approval, request clarification, or dismissal within 10 business days.
   • If approved, download and print your new I-20 with OPT recommendation from the Document Center.
   • Sign the I-20 and prepare application materials for USCIS.
5. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Important: Do NOT apply to USCIS before receiving your OPT Recommendation I-20 to avoid denial.
   • Pay the current USCIS fee
   • Submit Required Documents (Upload online or include as copies in paper application):
     • Passport data page and expiration page
     • F-1 visa
     • Most recent I-94 arrival record(paper or printed from USCBP)
     • Any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
     • Current and previous I-20s showing CPT or OPT (optional if no CPT/OPT)
     • Two passport-style photos meeting USCIS specs (write your name on back for paper applications)

1. Apply to graduate through your department to confirm your expected completion date. Note: BU uses official graduation dates by default.
2. Attend an OPT workshop (link to workshops) or review all of the OPT resources and videos on this page. You are responsible for all information given regarding maintaining status and reporting requirements during OPT.
3. Prepare Documents
   • Passport and most recent I-20
   • Copy of most recent I-94 arrival record(download from CBP website)
   • PhD students only: letter from your department if requesting an alternate completion date
4. Submit OPT Request via ISSOPortal
   • Log in and go to Request Center → OPT → Add New Post-Completion
   • Complete the questionnaire, pay the $100 processing fee by credit card
   • Upload required documents and confirm understanding of OPT conditions
   • Submit your request
   • Monitor your request status; ISSO will respond within 10 business days to approve, request more info, or deny
5. If OPT request approved by ISSO, download, print, and sign your new I-20 with OPT recommendation from the ISSOPortal Document Center. Prepare to apply to USCIS.
6. I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Important: Do NOT apply to USCIS before receiving your OPT Recommendation I-20 to avoid denial.
   • Pay the current USCIS fee
   • Submit Required Documents (Upload online or include as copies in paper application):
     • Passport data page
     • F-1 visa
     • Most recent I-94 arrival record(paper or printed from USCBP)
     • Any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
     • Current and previous I-20s showing CPT or OPT (optional if no CPT/OPT)
     • Two passport-style photos meeting USCIS specs (write your name on back for paper applications)

Note: If you depart the U.S. before your OPT application has been filed, received and receipted by the USCIS, you become ineligible to apply for Post-Completion OPT if your program has ended.

Additional Application Considerations:

• Processing times for I-765 OPT application are unpredictable and frequently 90+days. If you wish, you may add the Premium Processing option to your OPT application either at the time of submission or later while the application is pending. As of March 2026, the fee for Premium Processing is $1,780 and would result in USCIS taking adjudicative action (approval, denial, request for evidence, notice of intent to deny) on your case within 30 days from the date you apply for Premium Processing.
• All I-765 applicants will be required to attend and complete a biometrics visit to a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). ISSO encourages you to check your mail and your USCIS portal account frequently for a notice of appointment and/or a Request for Evidence (RFE). Upon receipt of an ASC appointment, follow all instructions on the notice and attend the appointment.
• If USCIS requires additional information to complete their review of your application they may send you an RFE outlining additional information you must submit. If you receive an RFE or a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID), connect with your ISSO Advisor right away to strategize a response. A lawyer may also be recommended.
• Do not travel internationally while your OPT application is pending with USCIS. If you depart the U.S. you will not be able to re-enter to attend your required biometrics appointment or receive an EAD at you U.S. address. You will not be able to re-enter without an EAD after your program end date has lapsed.
• If you move while your I-765 is pending with USCIS, update your address with ISSO AND report the new address to USCIS.

• Paid or unpaid employment, including volunteering or internships (ensure volunteer hours exceed 20/week with evidence).
• Performing artists can work multiple short-term gigs; keep detailed logs.
• Work for hire (independent contracting) allowed; keep contract details.
• Self-employment permitted with proper business licenses and active engagement.
• Agency employment allowed if working 20+ hours/week; maintain proof.

You must stop OPT employment once your new program starts, as you cannot begin a new program while on OPT.