Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Montgomery College, Maryland

Definition:

Optional Practical Training: practical experience in the academic field, paid or unpaid, that is not part of the degree program. Experience may take place anywhere inside of the United States.

Note: The form and fee are under review, and it may change anytime. Be sure you use our form for I-765.

During COVID-19, please email the office for a Zoom Appointment. DO NOT email your documents.

Eligibility:

F-1 status and have completed two full time semesters of non-ESL courses
Be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.0 minimum

Available Time Period

Full time during summer vacation and holidays when school is not in session.
Part time during school sessions, training cannot exceed twenty hours per week.
Full time after graduation*. Most students use it at this time. *Apply 90 days before to 6 weeks AFTER graduation.
Up to 12 calendar months of OPT is permitted at each educational level (Associate, Bachelor, Master, etc.)
Associate level OPT cannot be "extended".

Application Procedure to apply for an EAD (Employment Authorization Document)

File I-765 Online

For more details, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Servicesnew window.

Create an USCIS accountnew window
Gather documents below:
1. 2 inches by 2 inches green card-style photos (write your I-20 number on backs) - see photo composition guidelinesnew window.
2. Scans of your passport pages which includes all information about you, your picture, expiration date, and visas pages.
3. Your most recent I-94new window information. Either printed from your last entry in F status, or the one attached to your "change of status" approval notice.
4. Scans of front and signature pages of EACH I-20 form issued to you by any schools in the United States.
  Graduating students will need to send a copy/scan of the Graduation Verification form with the Application to USCIS. Include a copy of the Graduation Audit you received from the Graduation Coordinator once you applied for graduation through MyMC. You should apply for graduationnew window 3-6 months before graduation and at least one month before applying for OPT.
5. A letter to USCIS to officially requesting OPT. Include the exact dates you hope to work in the letter. Make the letter concise, professional, and pleasant. If you are not sure what career fields you may use your degree in, please consult an academic or career counselor.
  Example:
  Dear Officer, I hope to work and get practical experience in (your major), because...(add your ideas)
  I wish to work (part or full) time from (exact start date. If you are graduating, start date must be 60 calendar days or less after graduation.) to (exact end date). Thank you for your assistance!
Make an appointment to obtain a NEW I-20 by email the International Office noted with your OPT request and asked for an appointment to discuss with your DSO before submitting your I-765 online or by mail. Please have required documents ready.
$410 Filing Fee: it can be paid with credit, debit, or prepaid cards.

* Additional Information for OPT applicants (PDF, ) .

File I-765 by Mail

For more details, visit U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Servicesnew window.

Please read Optional Practical Training (OPT) Handout (PDF, ) . You may find additional information in the  I-765 instructions (PDF, )   from USCIS. You will need to download and complete USCIS form I-765 (PDF, ) . Leave blank for anything that you don’t understand.
Gather documents below:
1. 2 inches by 2 inches green card-style photos (write your I-20 number on backs) - see photo composition guidelinesnew window.
2. Copies of your passport pages which includes all information about you, your picture, expiration date, and visas pages.
3. Your most recent I-94new window information. Either printed from your last entry in F status, or the one attached to your "change of status" approval notice.
4. Copies of front and signature pages of EACH I-20 form issued to you by any schools in the United States.
  Graduating students will need to send a copy/scan of the Graduation Verification form with the Application to USCIS. Include a copy of the Graduation Audit you received from the Graduation Coordinator once you applied for graduation through MyMC. You should apply for graduationnew window 3-6 months before graduation and at least one month before applying for OPT.
5. A letter to USCIS to officially requesting OPT. Include the exact dates you hope to work in the letter. Make the letter concise, professional, and pleasant. If you are not sure what career fields you may use your degree in, please consult an academic or career counselor.
  Example:
  Dear Officer, I hope to work and get practical experience in (your major), because...(add your ideas)
  I wish to work (part or full) time from (exact start date. If you are graduating, start date must be 60 calendar days or less after graduation.) to (exact end date). Thank you for your assistance!
Make an appointment to obtain a NEW I-20 by email the International Office noted with your OPT request and asked for an appointment to discuss with your DSO before submitting your I-765 online or by mail. Please have required documents ready.
$410 Filing Fee: make your check or money order (valid for 6 months or longer) payable to "Department of Homeland Security". Include your SEVIS ID and I-20 number in the "memo" or "for" section.
Mail your application to USCIS:
1. Mail all required documents within seven (7) days after the date on your new I-20.
2. We highly recommend that you send your documents in a way you can prove the date it was received by USCIS.
  1. Anytime, but especially during the COVID pandemic, students can use UEMS by eShipGlobalnew window to arrange express mail and secure pick up of their application packet to be sent to the USCIS "Chicago Lockbox" for processing OPT.
  2. To send documents through express mail or get a signature showing that the mail was received (by a person) with FedEx, UPS, and DHL or US Postal Service express or registered mail deliveries, mail to:
    USCIS
    Attn: I-765 C03
    131 South Dearborn - 3rd Floor
    Chicago, IL 60603-5517
  3. If using regular mail, and receipt signature is not desired with U.S. Postal Service (USPS), mail to:
    USCIS
    PO Box 805373
    Chicago, IL 60680

Processing

If you send G-45 form you will receive your receipt number by phone or mail.
USCIS will send you a Receipt Number to track your application.
- If you upload your application, you will get this number in your Portal immediately.
- If you mail your application, you will get a I-797 Receipt Notice by mail. You can also ask for email or text notification by including a form G-1145 (PDF, ) when you mail your application.
We recommend you create a USCIS Portal Account and link it to your Receipt Number to get notification promptly. Please watch USCIS videonew window to learn how to create a USCIS online account.
- You also can use your Receipt Number to check your application statusnew window.
If practical training is approved, you will receive a Notice of Action Letter and an EAD card soon after the letter.
If you receive a "Request for Evidence", contact the Office of International Student Coordinators.

You are responsible for filing all immigration documents. You should keep a copy of all application materials and should mail the documents at the U.S. Post Office “Return Receipt Requested” OR send a FORM G-1145 with your application to get a text or email message of its receipt.

Please stack items in this order. Leave #1 (the G-1145) separate to set on top of the Packet of all the other documents you clip together.

G-1145
Photos (with SEVIS ID number on back)
Check or money order (with SEVIS ID number written in the "For" or "Memo" area)
I-765
Letter from student
I-20 with OPT Request from International Coordinator
Graduation verification form, if graduating this semester
Prior I-20 copies, stacked in reverse chronologic order - newest on top and going backward (no need to include the instruction pages)
Copy of current, valid Passport information page
A copy of the entry Visa page (If the entry is in an already expired passport, a copy of that passport)
I-94 "either printed from your last entry in F status, or the one attached to your change of status approval notice".

* Additional Information for OPT applicants (PDF, ) .

Important Points to Remember

You do not need a job to apply for Optional Practical Training; however you must e-mail the Office of International Student Coordinators the name and address of your company when you get your job. Soon USCIS will email you to create a login to update your work and address information yourself too.
Once you receive your actual EAD card you may work, send a copy to the Office of International Student Coordinators.
You can apply for Social Security Card with your EAD; you do not need a new Social Security Card if you already have one.
You must “work”. You may have up to 90 days total that you are between jobs or not yet working.
You "work" may be an unpaid internship or volunteer position. You should keep proof of a position that was designed to be unpaid.
Remember, you may need to pay income taxes, but there are some taxes F-1 students are exampted – see Tax Obligations in the U.S. and SprintaxTDS Personal Guide for OPT/CPT Studentsnew window.
Follow normal F1 procedures for transfer to another institution
To travel outside of the US while on OPT you will need:
- Your I-20 signed by an International Coordinator at Montgomery College
- Fill out the Travel Signature Form (PDF, ) and email it to your main Coordinator.
- Your EAD card
- A letter from your employer saying that you will be returning to continue your work, OR a job offer letter if you have not started yet
It may be difficult to re-new your F-1 visa after you graduate, even with your EAD card
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time of your OPT at the time you apply
Keep your email, address, and telephone number current with the Office of International Student Coordinators. USCIS will email you to create a portal login so you can update your work and address information yourself.
- SEVIS Portal Helpnew window
Graduates may take part time classes but NOT start their “next level of education” (bachelor's or master's) program until OPT is completed
Make sure to keep your health insurance active. Talk to the insurance company about OPT insurance or with the company that will hire you about OPT insurance plans.
Students who use only part of their 12 months are able to use the other parts either BEFORE graduation OR if they complete another Associate-Level degree. A new 12 months is available at the Bachelor level and each level of education above that. STEM majors, ABOVE the Associate level only, can get an extension of their Post-Completion OPT (called the "STEM Extension").
Remember, your application MUST be received by 21 days after the date your I-20 for OPT was created. If you cannot send it in time, or your I-797 Receipt Notice Date is more than 29 days after the date your I-20 for OPT was created, contact your International Coordinator Immediately. If not received in time, your OPT will be denied and you may lose legal status.
You can check Case Processing Timenew window. The form is I-765 and the Service Center will usually be "Potomac Service Center".
If you get a receipt number starting with EAC, you should check "Vermont Service Center.

* PDF Version of OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT) (PDF, )

* Additional Information for OPT applicants (PDF, ) .

Last updated: June 1, 2021