» Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit that permits students on an F-1 visa to gain work experience in the United States in their field of study after they have completed their degree program. OPT is not a visa; rather, it is an employment benefit for F-1 students who completed their degree program at Chapman and who meet the eligibility criteria.

Post-Completion OPT grants students 12 months of work authorization.

F-1 students must first obtain a recommendation for OPT from ISS to apply for OPT through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). ISS will provide a new OPT form I-20 for the application submission with USCIS.

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Must be enrolled full-time as an F-1 student for one academic year ( 9 months).
Must be completing final coursework during the OPT application window.
- If enrolled in less than full-time (12 credits for UG and 9 credits for GR), you must have received Full Course Exception approval from ISS.
Must be physically in the U.S. to apply for OPT.
Complete the OPT module on Canvas during the OPT application window.

In addition, please note that:

Only one OPT may be used at each degree level.
12 months of full-time CPT will cancel your OPT eligibility.
You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

Valid “employment” for OPT includes: 

Single full-time or multiple part-time jobs
Multiple short-term jobs
Work for hire/independent contractor
Self-employed business owner
Employment through an agency
Volunteer/unpaid internships where U.S. Labor Laws permit. See Fact Sheet #71: Internship Programs Under The Fair Labor Standards Act for more details.

In addition, please note:

Work must be directly related to your major field of study.
You must work at least 20 hours per week.
If your work schedule is variable, work an average of 20 hrs. per week within a month.
You must report each job to a SEVP portal account and maintain evidence for each job or position held. This includes proof of the duration of that position, job title, contact information for your supervisor or manager, and a description of the work.
Unemployment days accrued. You cannot be unemployed for a total of more than 90 days. If you are unemployed for more than 90 days during your OPT, you will be considered out of status, and your status will be terminated. You must leave the U.S., transfer to another institution, change degree levels, or change your immigration status.

OPT Application Process

Apply for OPT Recommendation

International Student Services provides general guidance. Any advice provided to you by the ISS should not be construed as legal advice.

Additionally, due to the fluid nature of governmental interpretation, government agencies such as USCIS/ICE/CBP may change their interpretation of immigration laws/regulations and eligibility requirements for benefits at any time. We will do our best to provide the most current guidance.

Each case is fact-specific and it is advised that you contact an experienced immigration attorney if you have questions regarding your situation.

» Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT Eligibility Requirements

OPT Employment Types

OPT Application Process

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