Optional Practical Training is an employment benefit offered through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services that enables international students with F-1 status to gain up to 12 months of off-campus work experience in their major field of study. 

Graduating F-1 students who are eligible and interested in applying for Post-OPT work authorization are encouraged to apply early.

Program completion dates for summer 2023 graduates

• Undergraduate students: The program completion date for undergraduate students is the ASU Classes End date of the student’s final session of enrollment.

• Graduate students: The program completion date for graduate students depends on your program requirements. In most cases, the academic program completion date is ASU Classes End date of the student’s final session of enrollment. Completion can include dissertation approval after defense, receipt of comprehensive exam results, or project defense. Please consult with your academic advisor.  

The USCIS does not require proof of employment with your application for Post-OPT.

Apply for Post-OPT

https://issc.asu.edu/f-1j-1-students/employment/post-opt 

To allow for both ISSC and USCIS processing times, we recommend applying early for OPT, but no more than 100 days prior to your program completion date. 

Contact the ISSC with any questions about your Post-OPT application at 480-727-4776 or issc.employment@asu.edu.