Optional Practical Training is an employment benefit offered through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that allows international students with F-1 status to gain 12 months of off-campus work experience in their fields of study.  Graduating F-1 students who are eligible and interested in applying for post–OPT work authorization are encouraged to apply early. The earliest ASU’s International Students and Scholars Center will accept applications is Feb. 1, 2020. Program completion dates The program completion date for undergraduate students is the last day of classes or, in most cases, the date of graduation. The spring graduation date is May 11, 2020. The program completion date for graduate students depends on program requirements. Completion can include dissertation approval after defense, receipt of comprehensive exam results or project defense. Please consult with your academic advisor.  Note: The USCIS does not require proof of employment with your application for Post-OPT. Apply     To allow for both the ISSC and USCIS processing times, we recommend applying for OPT at least 100 days prior to your program completion date. Please be advised that USCIS is experiencing longer processing times than usual..   Information sessionsYou are invited to attend one of our upcoming OPT sessions to learn about the application process. Take a look at the schedule of spring OPT information sessions for more options. Spring OPT information sessions  Please contact the ISSC with any questions about your OPT application at 480-727-4776 or issc.employment@asu.edu.