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Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined in the F-1 regulations as “temporary employment authorization for practical training directly related to a student’s major field of study.” Standard OPT is available for a cumulative maximum of 12 months of employment authorization per higher degree level completed in the U.S.  

There are two types of OPT:  

  • Pre-Completion OPT: Off-campus work authorization during a student’s degree program.

  • Post-Completion OPT: Off-campus work authorization after completion of all degree requirements or after completion of all coursework (excluding thesis or dissertation credits).   

An extension of OPT is available for students who have earned certain qualifying STEM degrees and whose employer is enrolled in the USCIS E-Verify program. This webpage reviews information related to post-completion OPT and does not address the STEM Extension of OPT. 

Below is information that will guide you through each step of the OPT application and authorization process.

Introduction to Post-Completion OPT

This section will review eligibility requirements, the application timeline, and the OPT start date.

In order to be eligible to apply for Post-Completion OPT, you must:
  • Currently be in the U.S. in valid F-1 status;
  • Have a valid passport and I-94 record indicating F-1 and D/S (duration of status);
  • Have been continuously enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year (fall and spring semester) in active nonimmigrant status before your requested OPT start date;
  • Be enrolled full-time at CU Boulder (or an authorized equivalent) with an on-campus presence in the semester in which you apply for OPT;
  • Have not completed more than 365 days of full-time CPT at the current degree level or a higher degree level;
  • Have not previously been approved for 12 months of OPT at the current degree level or a higher degree level; AND
  • Only pursue employment directly related to your major field of study.

Note: You must be registered for credits that require on-campus presence in your final semester.

You are eligible to apply for post-completion OPT after you have completed all degree requirements or after completion of all coursework (excluding thesis or dissertation credits).

The first day that you can apply for post-completion OPT is 90 days before your last day of enrollment in your final semester. The last day you can apply is 60 days after your last day of enrollment. Do not delay and plan ahead! If you want to apply for post-completion OPT, we recommend applying early to increase your chances of getting approved for your requested start date.

  • For students graduating in the Fall 2024 semester, your last day of enrollment is December 18, 2024. The first day you can apply for OPT is September 19, 2024. The last day that USCIS can receive your materials to apply for post-completion OPT is February 16, 2025.
  • For students graduating in the Spring 2025 semester, your last day of enrollment is May 7, 2025. The first day you can apply for OPT is February 6, 2025. The last day that USCIS can receive your materials to apply for post-completion OPT is July 6, 2025.
  • Summer graduates are encouraged to contact ISSS. Your last date of enrollment depends on which summer session you are enrolled in.  
ISSS would like to make you aware that your F-1 status is based on continuing required enrollment or on a post-completion OPT authorization. Students who have satisfied all requirements for the completion of their program or who have successfully defended their master's thesis or Ph.D. dissertation cannot continue to be enrolled for administrative purposes.
  • For example, students who have successfully defended their thesis or dissertation need not enroll in subsequent terms, therefore future enrollment would be considered enrollment for administrative purposes only. ISSS recommends that master's thesis students and Ph.D. students reach out to ISSS to discuss the timing of their post-completion OPT application prior to the semester in which they plan to defend their thesis/dissertation.

No. When you apply for OPT, you are requesting authorization to work in a job directly related to your major field of study during a 12-month period. You will choose your requested start and end dates when you apply for OPT. You are not required to have a job offer before applying for OPT. If USCIS approves your request for OPT authorization, they will tell you exactly what dates your OPT starts and ends. You can accrue 90 days of unemployment while in your authorized period of OPT. This means that you must begin working (and report that work in the SEVP Portal) within 90 days of your approved OPT start date.

Your post-completion OPT requested start date must be within 60 days of your F-1 program end date. When you apply for post-completion OPT, ISSS will shorten your I-20 program end date to your last date of enrollment (if necessary). For the fall and spring semesters, the last day of enrollment is the last date of exams listed on the CU Boulder academic calendar.

  • Students graduating in Fall 2024 can choose a start date that is anywhere between: December 19, 2024 and February 16, 2025.

  • Students graduating in Spring 2025 can choose a start date that is anywhere between: May 8, 2025 and July 6, 2025.

Applying for Post-Completion OPT

This section provides a material guide to applying for post-completion OPT. Included in this section are detailed instructions, a list of documents and materials that you need to compile, and information about what happens after you fill out the ISSS Post-Completion OPT I-20 Request Form.  ISSS has a list of post-completion OPT resources on the right-hand side of the post-completion OPT website. Please check out these resources and allow us to highlight the Preparing Your Post-Completion OPT Application Presentation as a valuable resource.

Before electronically filing the Form I-765 with USCIS online, students must first submit the Post-Completion OPT I-20 Request Form to ISSS and ISSS must make the post-completion OPT recommendation in SEVIS. This is very important. If a student first submits the USCIS online application and then requests the post-completion OPT recommendation I-20 from ISSS, the post-completion OPT application will be denied, as the regulations require the recommendation be entered into SEVIS prior to the post-completion OPT filing.     

It is possible to mail your application materials to USCIS instead of filing your application electronically with USCIS. The instructions below are for online filing. If you wish to mail your application materials to USCIS, please reach out to ISSS for instructions.

  • USCIS has confirmed that an electronically filed post-completion OPT application is less likely to be rejected. This is because the USCIS online filing system uses logic that limits the questions you will need to answer based on prior answers, diminishing the opportunity for errors.   
  • Once the application is submitted online with final payment, students will immediately receive a receipt number and receipt notice. This means that you will not face a receipt notice delay. A paper copy receipt notice will also be mailed to you.    
  • Payment will be made on a secure website using a credit or debit card. This means that you'll be able to confirm receipt of payment at the time of application. Once you submit payment, your whole application will be submitted to USCIS. Please make sure that you are ready to submit your entire post-completion OPT application (including the required post-completion OPT recommendation I-20 from ISSS, passport photos, and any other supporting documents) when you get to the payment screen.   
  • Additional evidence can be uploaded to the application after submitting. However, ISSS urges students to ensure that they submit a complete application at the time of submission to USCIS.  ISSS wants to reiterate that you must first receive the I-20 recommending post-completion OPT from ISSS before submitting your complete application to USCIS online.   

First, you’ll need to complete the ISSS Post-Completion OPT Essentials Canvas Course. We have created this course to help students better understand the application process, regulations, and reporting requirements. The course is comprised of 5 short videos and 10 quiz questions. Students must earn a 7/10 or higher on the quiz. If you have answered at least 7 of the questions in the quiz correctly, then you have successfully completed the ISSS Post-Completion OPT Essentials Course.

To add yourself to the ISSS Post-Completion OPT Essentials Canvas Course: 

  1. Enroll in Course
  2. Login with your identikey credentials 
  3. You will be put on a page that asks if they want to enroll in the course. Select yes.  
  4. You should then have access to the course

The next step in applying for post-completion OPT is to complete the Post-Completion OPT I-20 Request Form and upload the required documentation including your score report from the ISSS Post-Completion OPT Essentials Canvas Course.

  • When you begin the Post-Completion OPT I-20 Request Form, you will be required to enter your graduate program advisor or academic advisor's name and email address on the form. Once you complete your section of the form, it will automatically route to your advisor based on the information you have provided. After your academic advisor completes their section of the form, it will automatically be routed to ISSS for processing. You will receive an email when the request is signed by all parties and ready for ISSS processing.
  • Checking the Status of DocuSign Signatures 

After ISSS receives your request form, please allow 2-5 business days for processing. Once ISSS has reviewed your materials, an I-20 recommending post-completion OPT will be issued to you. 

You will then need to submit your complete application to USCIS by electronically filing the Form I-765 with USCIS online.

ISSS wants to reiterate that you must first receive the I-20 recommending post-completion OPT from ISSS before submitting your completed documents to USCIS. 

  • ISSS will check that you successfully completed the ISSS Post-Completion OPT Essentials Canvas Course with a score of at least 7/10

  • ISSS will review your application materials and will email you if any questions arise.

  • ISSS will shorten your I-20 program end date based on your last date of enrollment (if necessary). Sometimes a student’s I-20 program end date already matches the last date of enrollment. 

  • ISSS will issue an I-20 recommending post-completion OPT to you. You must print, sign the I-20 by hand with an ink pen, and include a copy of the I-20 in your application that you submit to USCIS. ISSS wants to reiterate that you must first receive the I-20 recommending post-completion OPT from ISSS before submitting your completed documents to USCIS. 

Please note that ISSS only recommends that your post-completion OPT application be approved; the final decision is made by USCIS.

Remember that you must first receive the I-20 recommending post-completion OPT from ISSS before submitting your completed documents to USCIS.

To receive your I-20 recommending post-completion OPT, please complete the Post-Completion OPT I-20 Request Form. 

The following documents are required for the application to USCIS:

You will need to upload the following materials to the USCIS online application system. Documents can be uploaded in the following formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF. Photos can be uploaded as a JPG, JPEG, or PNG.   

Evidence (as listed in online filing system)

Example Notes
2 x 2 photo of you Passport Photo

See “Photo Requirements”: U.S. Department of State photo requirements.

DOS also has a photo check tool that you can use to check the photo ahead of time.

Form I-94

Entry I-94 Or Change of status I-797 Approval

Download your most recent I-94 here: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/

Employment Authorization Document Valid passport biographical page  
Previously authorized CPT or OPT

I-20(s) (for CPT) and/or EAD (for OPT) and/or screenshot of SEVIS employment history screen (provided by ISSS advisor)

Leave empty if no prior OPT or CPT.
Form I-20 Newest I-20 with post-completion OPT recommendation This is only referring to the recommending I-20, not to prior I-20s

Additional Notes:

  • If you have a prior SEVIS ID number, ISSS recommends including the prior SEVIS ID in the additional information section.
  • If you have completed less than 1 full year in F-1 status (e.g. started program in H-4 status), ISSS recommends that you upload proof of prior immigration status as well as transcripts showing that you completed 1 academic year of full-time enrollment.

You may apply for OPT with an expired passport. However, in order to avoid receiving a Request for Further Evidence (RFE), you should include some sort of unexpired government-issued document that clearly shows your facial features, name, and date of birth. Alternative documents could include a driver’s license, state-issued identification card, your birth certificate with photo identification, a U.S. visa issued by the Department of State, or a foreign national identification document.

Please review the Department of State website concerning U.S.-style passport photos. The website includes examples of photos that are acceptable and not acceptable.

 The Form I-765 is the form where you are formally requesting post-completion OPT authorization from USCIS. When electronically filing the Form I-765 with USCIS online, you will not fill out a paper copy of the Form I-765. The USCIS online filing system uses logic that limits the questions you will need to answer based on prior answers, diminishing the opportunity for errors. You will not be required to submit a copy of your I-765 to ISSS for review. The ISSS advisor who issues the I-20 recommending post-completion OPT welcomes the opportunity to review your draft I-765 before you make payment and submit your complete application to USCIS.

When filling out your online application, please be sure to select the proper eligibility category: (c) (3) (B) Post-Completion OPT.

Submitting Your Post-Completion OPT Application

This section provides instructions for submitting your complete OPT application materials to USCIS.

  • First, make any edits that ISSS has recommended to your post-completion OPT application materials and review all your materials for completion and accuracy.    
  • Compile all the USCIS application materials that were listed in section 3. Ensure they are complete and accurate.   
  • Now you will submit your materials to USCIS.

To electronically file the Form I-765 with USCIS online, individuals must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov. Once you have created an account, you’ll be able to complete the filing process. Within your USCIS account, you will be able to:

  • Upload your documents;  
    • Documents can be uploaded in the following formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF. Photos can be uploaded as a JPG, JPEG, or PNG.   
    • File names must contain only English characters (e.g. ABC). Special characters (e.g. @, #, $, &) are not allowed. You will receive an error message if the file format or file name do not meet the standards above.   
  • Pay the I-765 Filing Fee
    • Payment will be made on a secure website using a credit or debit card. This means that you'll be able to confirm receipt of payment at the time of application. Once you submit payment, your whole application will be submitted to USCIS. Please make sure that you are ready to submit your entire post-completion OPT application (including the required post-completion OPT recommendation I-20 from ISSS, passport photos, and any other supporting documents) when you get to the payment screen.  

Once you submit your application through the online system, you should:   

  • Receive your receipt notice and receipt number immediately within your USCIS account;  
  • Be able to track the status of your case; 
  • Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox; and  
  • Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE)

USCIS must receive your post-completion OPT application within 30 days of the date ISSS enters the recommendation for post-completion OPT into your SEVIS record.    

 

  • You MUST submit your application to USCIS while you are inside of the United States. 
    • You are not eligible to apply for post-completion OPT if you have already graduated and have left the United States.
  • USCIS must receive your complete post-completion OPT application within 30 days of the date ISSS enters the recommendation for post-completion OPT into your SEVIS record. This means that you should not delay submitting your complete application to USCIS (either by mail or by electronically filing the Form I-765 with USCIS online) once you receive the I-20 recommending post-completion OPT. 
  • You must have your EAD card in your possession before beginning work. 

 

  • Take note of your new OPT request I-20 program end date (see “Program of Study” section on p. 1 of your I-20). It reflects the semester you complete all academic program requirements.
  • You are NOT eligible to work on-campus (e.g., assistantship, hourly job) or off-campus (e.g., CPT, economic hardship) after the I-20 program end date on your OPT request I-20 unless you meet ALL of the following criteria:
    • You have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD/OPT card)—it is in your hands;
    • It is within the OPT employment authorization period noted on the EAD card; and
    • You are working in a job directly related to your major field of study as noted on your OPT request I-20.
    • You have successfully completed all coursework for your degree.

Note: If you do not complete your degree course work by your I-20 end date as expected, please contact ISSS immediately to discuss your options.

You can check USCIS’s OPT processing time by going to their processing times website, selecting “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”, selecting “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and selecting “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center.” There you will be able to see their estimated time range for processing OPT applications.

Students applying for OPT can request Premium Processing while initially submitting their I-765 to USCIS or at a later date, while the I-765 is pending. Opting for Premium Processing expedites the USCIS adjudication process.

  • Yes. Premium processing is a USCIS service designed to expedite the adjudication of OPT applications.  Here are some key points to consider:
    • Applying for premium processing incurs an additional cost on top of the standard I-765 OPT filing fee. USCIS does not deduct the filing fee from the premium processing fee.
    • You can apply for premium processing while submitting your I-765 OPT application or at a later date.
  • If you pay for premium processing, USCIS commits to taking adjudicative action on your case within 30 business days of receiving the premium processing request.
    • You can request premium processing by completing the Form I-907 online through your USCIS account.
  • Important considerations:
    • The premium processing timeframe specifically applies to initial USCIS adjudication and may not account for additional time if USCIS requests more information.
    • The 30-day window only covers adjudication and does not consider the time required for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to be produced and mailed to you. As a result, there may be several weeks between OPT approval and receiving the EAD card.

While Your Post-Completion OPT Application is Pending

This section provides an overview of what to expect while your OPT application is pending. Included is a checklist of what to be watching for, reminders, and travel information.  

  • Pay attention to receipt notices, mail, and notifications from USCIS
  • ISSS shortened your I-20 program end date based on your assertion that you will complete your coursework by this date. If you do not complete your degree. coursework or your plans otherwise change, please let ISSS know immediately.
  • Contact ISSS if your OPT application is rejected, denied, or if you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE).
  • Sign up for Informed Delivery service with the U.S. Postal Service.
  • Verify that your name is listed on your mailbox. You must be listed as physically residing at your address with USPS or have indicated the person living at the residence in the c/o mailing address on the I-765. Your address must be able to accept mail categorized as “first class or higher.”
  • If you have questions about your case or status of your application, please use the USCIS online tools or call the National Customer Service Number (800-375-5283). To check your case status online, click here. On that webpage, you can create a free account which will allow you to view your case status, history, and easily save your receipt numbers. You will also receive electronic case updates.
  • Wait for your EAD card to arrive by mail. You must have your EAD card in hand to begin working.

Change your address through your USCIS online account immediately

Also, ISSS recommends that you:

You can depart the U.S. with a pending post-completion OPT application. Be sure you have your post-completion OPT I-20 with a valid travel signature, active visa, and your Receipt Notice from USCIS that shows you have applied for post-completion OPT. 

There are a few things to be aware of if traveling with a pending post-completion OPT application: 

  • If your post-completion OPT application is denied while you are outside of the U.S., you cannot re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status to re-apply for post-completion OPT. It may be possible to re-enter the U.S. in another visa category (for example, ESTA or tourist visa), but you would no longer be eligible for post-completion OPT. 
  • If additional information is needed for your post-completion OPT application, USCIS would mail you a request for evidence (RFE). If you receive an RFE you would need to respond in a certain amount of time and you may have difficulty responding to any request(s) for evidence from USCIS while you are outside of the U.S. which could result in a post-completion OPT denial. 
  • Future travel restrictions could impede your ability to return to the U.S.; travel restrictions may change at a moment’s notice. You will need to carefully consult both the airline and the travel restrictions for the country to which you will be returning to the U.S. from. 

If your post-completion OPT is approved while you’re abroad, you should have your EAD card with you on your return. Review the International Student Travel FAQ for students on OPT

EAD Delivery Issues or Errors

  •     Check the mailing address accuracy on the Form I-765.  
  •     Check with neighbors to see if the EAD was misdelivered.  
  •     Use the USPS tracking number that USCIS provided; check with USPS to see if they have confirmation of delivery. 

Option 1: Open an inquiry with the USCIS Contact Center using the USCIS Self Service Online Tool.

  •     Use this option if there was a USCIS error.
  •     No work is permitted during this time without the physical EAD.

Option 2:  File a new I-765 application for a replacement EAD. Use this option if there is no explainable USCIS/USPS error.

  •     File a new Form I-765 for a replacement card.  
  •     What is your reason for applying? Please select “Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged employment authorization document.” Indicate that yes, you have previously filed a Form I-765.
  •     Pay USCIS filing fee again.  
  •     Upload copies of I-797 approval notice and the I-20 showing the original OPT recommendation.
  •     Receive receipt for replacement card filing. Verify with your employer/I-9 office: You may work up to 90 days with the I-797 receipt while awaiting your replacement card. (See USCIS Handbook for Employers M-274, Section 4.0 Completing Section 2 of Form I-9 and Section 4.3 Acceptable Receipts.)

It is very important that you get your EAD corrected, even if the error was made by USCIS. Please upload your EAD to the MyISSS Portal under Training/Employment Related Forms > EAD Card Submission. Alert ISSS to the error and wait for further instructions. You should also review this handout.

Post-Completion OPT Reporting Requirements

This section reviews your reporting requirements while on an approved period of OPT. Included in this section is a review of the SEVP Portal, unemployment, and different types of employment that are allowed while participating in OPT. 

The SEVP Portal allows students in F-1 status to monitor their employment authorization and update their address, telephone, and employer information in order to meet regulatory reporting requirements. A student in F-1 status who has been approved for OPT and is in the employment authorization period will receive an email from do-not-reply.SEVP@ice.dhs.gov with information about creating a SEVP Portal account. Please add do-not-reply.SEVP@ice.dhs.gov to your trusted sender list. Monitor all your active email accounts including your junk/spam folder for the SEVP email. The SEVP email will most likely be sent to your colorado.edu email account but may be sent to an alternate account if you provided the email address to ISSS as your primary email account. If you do not receive the SEVP email and are in an approved period of OPT, please submit the SEVP Portal Account Help form (available in MyISSS portal). Please review the SEVP Help Hub for additional resources (e.g., user guide, instructional videos). Please note - as stated above, you will not receive the email from SEVP inviting you to set up your SEVP Portal account until your approved OPT start date has arrived.

While authorized for OPT, you remain in F-1 status. Immigration regulations require you to report certain changes within 10-days, including changes in employment status, employer, address, name, citizenship, or contact information.
 
  • Reporting new employment on OPT (whether it’s your first job or a new job):

    • Enter the employment details into the SEVP Portal to stop your unemployment days from accruing.

    • Complete the Post-Completion OPT Information Update and Relevance Statement e-form available in MyISSS portal under “Training/Employment-Related.”

      • On this e-form, indicate if you would like a re-print of your I-20 that lists your new employer.

  • If you change employers while on OPT, do not delete previously listed employers unless a duplicate was entered in error, or you never worked for the employer.

    • Use the SEVP portal to report your employment end date if you are no longer working with that employer.

    • Follow the instructions above to report any new employment using your SEVP Portal and your MyISSS portal.

  • Changes to your contact information, you must report changes to your address or telephone information in the SEVP Portal.

  • If your legal name or citizenship changes, submit the Post-Completion OPT Information Update and Relevance Statement e-form available in MyISSS portal

  • If your email address changes, notify ISSS by email

The following employment information must be reported for each job you have while authorized for OPT:
  • Explanation of how employment is directly related to your major field of study (OPT Employment Relevancy Form)
  • Whether employment is self-employment
  • Employer/Company Name
  • Employer Identification Number (EIN)—highly recommended
  • Job Title
  • Employment Start Date
  • Whether employment is full-time or part-time (full-time employment is defined as 20 hours or more per week)
  • The employer’s address and, if applicable, any alternative work addresses
  • Your supervisor’s name, telephone, and email address
  • Previous employment end date (if applicable)

8 C.F.R. § 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(E) states—“During post-completion OPT, F-1 status is dependent upon employment. Students may not accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment during any post-completion OPT carried out under the initial post-completion OPT authorization.” This limit also applies to students with an automatic extension of an OPT authorization due to the cap-gap provisions.

In other words, you can accrue no more than 90 days of unemployment. The unemployment days start on your OPT authorization start date (the start date listed in SEVIS and on your EAD card). To stop the unemployment days from accruing, you need to enter your employment information into the SEVP Portal.

The list below is a suggestion of records you may be asked to present to prove OPT employment (during or after your OPT authorization); it is not exhaustive. Be sure to maintain documentation that the work/internship is in your major field of study.
  • Copies of offer letters and agreements/contracts with all OPT employers including: start/ end dates, pay rate, and number of weekly work hours
  • Copies of job descriptions including job title, duties, location, and supervisor’s contact information
  • If you worked for an agency or consultancy, keep evidence of the projects you worked on
  • Keep copies of your pay vouchers/pay stubs for all periods of employment, copies of your bank statements that show direct or corresponding deposits from your employer(s), and associated W-2 tax forms

If you engage in employment that is not paid while on OPT, it is recommended that you keep the following:

  • Copies of employment agreement or contracts with the employer including: start/end dates, trainings (on location, online, etc.), responsibilities and training objectives, location of the internship/unpaid training, and supervisor’s contact information
  • Copies of all diplomas, completion certificates and/or certifications that you received related to the training program; If you worked/trained as an unpaid employee for a third party, keep evidence of the projects you worked on
  • Copies of company time and attendance records that document your daily tasks in detail for all employers during the unpaid internship or training.

  • Regular paid employment in a position directly related to the student's major program of study.
    • For post-completion OPT, the work must be for at least 20 hours per week.
    • Students may work for multiple employers, as long as the employment is directly related to the student's major field of study.
  • Payment by multiple short-term employers. SEVP guidance states "Students, such as musicians and other performing artists, may work for multiple short-term employers (gigs). The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates and duration."
  • Work for hire. SEVP explains, "This is also commonly referred to as 1099 employment where an individual performs a service based on a contractual relationship rather than an employment individual relationship. If requested by DHS, students should be prepared to provide evidence showing the duration of the contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company."
  • Self-employed business owner. SEVP indicates, "Students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. The student should be able to prove that he or she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to his or her degree program."
  • Employment through an agency. SEVP guidance states, "Students on post-completion OPT must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency."
  • Volunteers or unpaid interns: Standard OPT. SEVP OPT Policy Guidance states that, "Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least 20 hours per week** for students on post-completion OPT. A student should be able to provide evidence, acquired from the student's employer, to verify that he or she worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment."
    • Students should exercise caution when undertaking volunteer activity as a form of OPT employment. Should this volunteer activity be seen as a violation of U.S. labor law, then the activity will not stop the accrual of days of unemployment and the activity could result in loss of status.

SEVP OPT Policy Guidance states that, "Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this practice does not violate any labor laws. The work should be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT. A student should be able to provide evidence, acquired from the student's employer, to verify that he or she worked at least 20 hours per week during the period of employment."

Students should exercise caution when undertaking volunteer activity as a form of OPT employment. Should the volunteer activity be seen as a violation of U.S. labor law, then the activity will not stop the accrual of unemployment days and the activity could result in loss of status.

If you would like to participate in volunteer work at CU Boulder, then the opportunity needs to be a formally established volunteer activity. If a CU Boulder department wishes to create a formal volunteer position, then ISSS recommends the CU Boulder department consult University Risk Management website for guidance in establishing a volunteer program.  The volunteer guidelines will help ensure the project is formally recognized by the university as a volunteer work opportunity.  Questions can be directed to:  urmucbdirs@cu.edu

For future visas to the U.S. as well as for USCIS petitions/applications you may be asked to present proof of employment for all positions you have had while on OPT. If you have been employed by a recruiting agency and have worked at a client's site, ISSS recommends you document proof of employment from both your employer and site location entity.

Travel, Extension, and Changes While on Post-Completion OPT

Yes, there are two ways to extend (if you are eligible).

24-Month Extension of OPT (with Qualifying STEM Degree and E-Verify Employer)

Students in F-1 status in a current period of OPT with qualifying STEM degrees (previous U.S. degree or current U.S. degree) and an employment offer with an E-Verify employer in the STEM field may be eligible to apply for a STEM extension of OPT. Students must meet all of the eligibility requirements including submitting the OPT STEM Extension I-20 Request Form with a complete I-983 Training Plan to ISSS.

Cap-Gap Extension

A student in F-1 status is eligible for a cap-gap extension of OPT if they:

  • are the beneficiary of a H-1B petition
  • have requested a change of status
  • have an employment start date of October 1 of the current year

If eligible, your duration of status (D/S) and any post-completion OPT work authorization is extended to September 30 or until the H-1B petition is withdrawn or denied. An automatic cap-gap extension of a student's F-1 SEVIS record also applies to the duration of status of any dependents in F-2 status. To request an I-20 with a comment indicating the H-1B is pending or has been approved, complete the Cap-Gap I-20 Request (available in the MyISSS Portal).

There is a 60-day grace period following the completion of your post-completion OPT (starting from the EAD end date) for students who maintained status and did not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment. You are not eligible for employment or to re-enter the U.S. in F-1 status during the 60-day grace period.Students in F-1 status in the 60-day grace period can request that their SEVIS record be transferred to another institution if they have been admitted and will begin the program within 5 months. They can also apply for a change of status during the grace period.

The F-1 regulations state, "Authorization to engage in optional practical training employment is automatically terminated when the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level." Enrolling full-time or part-time at any degree level may result in the termination of your OPT. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) guidance indicates that recreational and avocational classes are permissible. However, SEVP does not clearly define "recreational and avocational" therefore ISSS cannot advise on how taking classes toward a non-degree certificate program may or may not impact a student's OPT. ISSS advises students exercise caution when considering enrolling in any courses while on OPT.

During post-completion OPT, employment in your major field of study is the basis for maintenance of F-1 status. Enrollment is not required and if you choose to enroll while participating in OPT, it may impact your OPT work authorization. Consult ISSS if you are considering beginning a new course of study or will seek to transfer your SEVIS record to another institution. OPT work authorization is terminated when your SEVIS record is transferred to a new school and/or you begin a program at a new degree level.

If you depart the U.S. while authorized for OPT for a temporary absence, you must have proof of employment or a job offer in your major field of study in order to re-enter the U.S. Please review your employment authorization in the SEVP Portal prior to traveling and update it if necessary.

During post-completion OPT, employment in your major field of study is the basis for maintaining F-1 status. If you do not have a job, travel outside of the U.S. is not recommended.If you exceed the 90-day limit on unemployment while outside the United States, you will not be eligible to re-enter the United States in F-1 status.

If you seek re-entry to the U.S. in F-1 status while authorized for OPT, carry the following documents:

  • I-20 ISSS issued with OPT employment information on page 2 and travel signature dated less than six months from your date of re-entry to the U.S.
  • Valid Passport (validity should extend at least 6 months beyond your date of re-entry to the U.S.)
  • *Valid F-1 visa (exception- Canadians; *automatic visa revalidation)
  • Unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD/OPT card)
  • Evidence that you have a job or a job offer in you major field of study in the United States and have not exceeded 90 days of unemployment since the EAD card start date
  • I-901 SEVIS fee receipt - a copy can be printed from online.

If you are using automatic visa revalidation to re-enter the U.S., have your printed I-94.

Things to keep in mind if you choose to travel while authorized for OPT:

  • A temporary absence from the U.S. should be less than 5 months. Even with a job offer and valid EAD, an absence greater than 5 months may not be considered temporary and you may be denied re-entry.
  • Do NOT leave the U.S. if you have a pending change of status application as it will likely be considered abandoned. Please consult an immigration attorney if you have questions about this.
  • Do NOT re-enter the U.S. in another status (e.g., B) if you intend to work on OPT. You must be present in the U.S. in F-1 status to work on OPT.

Additional Travel Resources:

I-94 Arrival Record

Review your I-94 arrival record every time your re-enter the U.S. to ensure that your entry was recorded properly. Check your biographical information as well as your Class of Admission (F-1) and Admit until Date (D/S).

Travel to Third-Country Destinations

Depending on the country you are traveling to and/or through, you may require a transit visa (to travel through an intermediary country on your way to your final destination) or a tourist visa to enter your final destination. Please consult the appropriate embassy or foreign consular office to determine if an additional visa is necessary. ISSS cannot give advice on visa procedures or application requirements for other countries.