Get ready to apply for for Optional Practical Training
Greetings from the International Students and Scholars Center at Arizona State University. We are reaching out to all students who may be graduating in either spring 2024 or fall 2024 to assist you with starting the search for Optional Practical Training opportunities once you graduate. If you are not graduating in the next semester, do not worry, you can still use these resources.
This is the second email in our series and focuses on applying for Post-OPT. Graduating F-1 students interested in applying for Post-OPT work authorization are encouraged to apply early. Make sure you also submit your graduation application to ASU before the Feb. 15 deadline. There are additional late fees if you apply after this date.
Application completion dates
In order to allow for ISSC and USCIS processing times, you can submit your OPT I-20 eForm request up to 97 days prior to your program completion date.
- The program completion date for undergraduate students is in most cases the degree conferral date of the semester. The spring 2024 degree conferral date is May 6, 2024.
- The program completion date for graduate students depends on your final academic requirements. Completion includes dissertation approval after defense, receipt of comprehensive exam results or project defense. You may need to consult with your academic advisor to determine your program completion date.
USCIS does not require proof of employment with your application for Post-OPT.
Apply for Post-OPT
Be advised that USCIS processing times generally increase with applications submitted later in the semester. Is it not uncommon for applications to take an average of 90 days to process. Therefore, we recommend you apply early in the application season.
USCIS can receive applications up to 90 days before your program end date, which means ISSC can produce OPT-recommended I-20s as early as Feb. 6, 2024. I-20s are issued on a first-come, first-served basis.
It is important to remember that students cannot receive an OPT authorization end date more than 12 months from the end of their 60 day grace period. This means for students that apply later, their OPT may be authorized for a period of less than 12 months. Applying early in the application window increases your chances of obtaining your authorization by your requested start date and receiving OPT for the entire 12 month period.
Information webinars
We invite you to attend one of our upcoming OPT information webinars this spring to learn more about the application process.
Monday, Feb. 5
4-4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, Apr. 17
4-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, Apr. 25
4-4:45 p.m.
You may also view our spring 2024 pre-recorded OPT webinars on our YouTube Channel.
A reminder to register for upcoming ASU Career Fairs via Handshake. We look forward to sharing more information as you prepare to complete your studies and join the workforce.
Have questions? Contact the ISSC.
issc@asu.edu
480-727-4776
Mondays 9–11 a.m.
Tuesdays 1–3 p.m.
Thursdays 9–11 a.m.
Fridays 1–3 p.m.
(Arizona Time)
Mondays 1–3 p.m.
Tuesdays 9–11 a.m.
Thursdays 1–3 p.m.
Fridays 9-11 a.m.
(Arizona Time)