ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status that permits off-campus employment in the student’s field of study to begin prior to the student’s program completion date.

Students are eligible for 12 months of OPT at each degree level (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral). OPT work authorization can be used either before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) degree completion. Any time used prior to degree completion is subtracted from the 12-month total.  Students become eligible for another 12 months of OPT when moving to a higher degree level (e.g. Bachelor’s to Master’s, Master’s to Ph.D.).

Am I eligible for Pre-completion OPT?

• Must have completed 1 academic year of full-time study before the intended OPT start date
• Must be in valid F-1 status at the time of application and must maintain status during the OPT authorization period, including maintaining full-time enrollment when required
• Must not have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the current degree level
• Must have OPT time remaining at the current degree level

Additionally, students planning to apply for Pre-Completion OPT should note the following:

• Students may only be authorized for part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) during the academic year (fall and spring semesters)
• Students may be authorized for full-time work (more than 20 hours/week) during the summer and winter break
• Graduate students who have been advanced to candidacy by The Graduate School may be authorized for full-time work any time prior to program completion
• Employment during OPT must be directly related to the students’ major area of study
• Students may not be authorized for Pre-Completion OPT beyond the program end date on the Form I-20

A job offer at the time of application is not required. However, any Pre-Completion OPT period approved by USCIS will count against the 12-month period of OPT allowed per educational level, regardless of whether the student ever secures an employment position.

Students rarely apply for Pre-completion OPT knowing any time used prior to degree completion is subtracted from the 12-month total for OPT. If you need clarifications or advise, please send an email to ISGSS@lewisu.edu

Post-completion OPT is Optional Practical Training you use AFTER finishing your program of study. Remember, OPT is employment that is directly related to your major field of study and is only for students in F-1 status.

Am I eligible for OPT?

• You have a valid F1 visa.
• You have been enrolled in a full course of study for one academic year.
• You have not exceeded 12 months of full-time CPT.
• You have not exceeded 24 months of Pre-completion OPT.
• You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.
• The employment must be directly related to your program of study and must be appropriate for someone having your level for education.

Types of Employment

• Multiple employers: You may work for more than one employer, but all jobs must be related to your field.
• Work for hire: Commonly referred to as 1099 or Independent Contractor Employment; keep evidence of the duration of contract periods and the name and address of the contracting company.
• Self-employed business owner: You can start a business or be self-employed while on OPT. You should be able to prove that you have the proper business licenses and that it is related to your degree program.
• Employment through an agency or consulting firm is also allowed.
• Unpaid Employment: You may work as a volunteer or unpaid intern, where this practice does not violate any labor laws.

IMPORTANT! Students who apply for post-completion OPT and then fail to graduate on the date indicated in their application risk violating their visa status and could forfeit their OPT opportunity. DO NOT SUBMIT a request for post-completion OPT until you are absolutely sure of your graduation date.

OPT Application window and timings
90-60-90 rule: OPT application window opens 90 days before your program completion date. You can choose your OPT start date the day after your program completion date to 60 days after. You are required to find a job opportunity from your chosen OPT start date to 90 days after.

IMPORTANT! Do not pay or submit your application to USCIS until you receive the OPT recommendation I-20 from the International Student and Global Scholar Services Office. This I-20 must be included in your application to USCIS.

You can choose to apply online (recommended) or apply through physical mail. If you choose to apply through physical mail, please inform us and send an email to ISGSS@lewisu.edu.

OPT Online
Application Guide (PDF)

STEP 1: Academic Advisor Recommendation Form.

1. The first step on the OPT application process is to work with your Academic Advisor to complete the OPT academic advisor recommendation form.
2. Once the information is complete, your Academic Advisor will then sign the form and inform our office.
3. Please wait for a confirmation email from ISGSS that includes your OPT Academic Advisor Recommendation Form, signed by your academic advisor, and a link to the Post Completion OPT Application Form before proceeding with the next steps.
4. Once you receive the signed academic advisor form from ISGSS, please proceed to Step 2.

STEP 2: Creating a USCIS account and start your online I-765, application for employment authorization.

1. Go to and create your USCIS online account (only if you have not made an account already). 
• Use a personal email address when creating the account. 
• Do not use your ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ email address when creating the account.
• If you already have an USCIS account, proceed to STEP 2b.
2. When the USCIS account is created, you will need to start entering information to start your i765 Employment Authorization Application so that you can generate a snapshot/draft of the form I-765 that is one of the required application documents. Once done creating the draft/snapshot of the form i-765, proceed to STEP 3
   
   
   
• Review the online application guide linked above.

STEP 3: Submitting your OPT documents for review and requesting an I-20 with OPT recommendation.
Before receiving the I-20 with OPT Recommendation from our office, you must fill out and upload ALL the required documents below using the Post Completion OPT application form by ISGSS.  The link to this form will be sent to you by ISGSS along with your signed OPT academic advisor form (see STEP 1c).

You must have ALL of the following documents ready before starting the form. Please note that incomplete documents will not be approved/ reviewed.

1. OPT academic advisor recommendation form (see STEP 1)
2. Form i-765 (draft snapshot from your online application – see STEP 2b)
3. Copy(s) of your previous i20s that have CPT or OPT authorization (only if you did CPT/OPT before)
4. Copy of your valid passport & visa
5. Copy of your most recent i-94
6. Passport style photos (not older than 30 days). .
7. EAD Card (only if you have an EAD card before)

STEP 4: Reviewing your documents.

• ISGSS will review your documents and will contact you with any required changes or updates.
• When everything is complete, your documents will be assigned to a DSO for processing and then ISGSS will send you an email containing your I-20 with OPT Recommendation.
• This process usually takes 3-5 working days.

 STEP 5: Final review, submission, and payment.
After receiving the I-20 with OPT Recommendation from ISGSS:

1. An ISGSS DSO will email you attaching your I-20 with OPT recommendation.
2. You should then print and sign your I-20 in ink. 
3. Scan and upload your signed I-20 with OPT recommendation under the I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status section.
4. Once you upload all requirements, you can now pay and submit your application.

NOTE: USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the time the I-20 was issued for OPT recommendation.

Reporting your OPT employment to ISGSS:

1. Report your OPT employment to the ISGSS office immediately by using this form: (if you are having trouble accessing the link, please let us know).
2. Our processing time for this request is 5 working days, only if your form is complete with no corrections needed. Note: sending multiple emails to follow up will only delay your request.

The following documents should be ready before submitting the form:

1. OPT employer form
2. OPT EAD card
3. OPT offer letter
4. Form I-797 “Notice of Action” For Employment Authorization
1. This document is mailed to you after your OPT approval or can be found in your online application under the Documents tab named “I-765 C03B Standalone Approval”.

What happens if I submit and paid my OPT but failed to graduate on time?
If you find that you will not graduate on time, please contact our office (ISGSS@lewisu.edu) immediately. Please also take careful note of the program end date on your I-20 with the OPT Request. Any requested changes to an I-20 (including program extensions) must be made before the program end date. SEVIS Correction Requests are only approved if a student can show proof (email, etc.) that they asked a DSO for a program extension before the program end date.

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Portal
This is an important tool that lets students on OPT and STEM OPT meet their legal reporting requirements. Students can use the SEVP portal to report these changes, or they can ask the school’s Designated School Official to report it for them. SEVP is not SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). Students cannot access SEVIS. Only students with approved OPT or STEM OPT can create a SEVP portal. Once your OPT is approved, you will receive an email notice that includes a link to the SEVP portal registrations. If you have not received the portal link within 1-2 months after your approved OPT, please email ISGSS@lewisu.edu for a reset link.

What can I do after my 12-month OPT period?
If you are eligible for a STEM extension, email ISGSS@lewisu.edu. Your STEM extension application window opens 90 days before your OPT end date. To check whether you are eligible for the 24-month STEM extension, check your CIP code on your i20 if it matches on this . Check the STEM OPT extension document on our ISGSS website for more details.

Traveling while on OPT
It is not recommended to travel while OPT is pending. You may travel outside of the US; however, there will be risks in re-entering the US without proper documentations. If your OPT is approved and you have a job offer, prepare the following before traveling and for re-entry:

• Email ISGSS@lewisu.edu 2 weeks before your travel date
• Bring your valid passport and visa
• Bring your updated i20
• Bring your EAD card and OPT job offer letter

You must report any update or change in employment to ISGSS@lewisu.edu within 10 days for the said change. To submit a change of employment:

1. Report your OPT employment to the ISGSS office immediately by using this form: (if you are having trouble accessing the link, please let us know).
2. Our processing time for this request is 5 working days, only if your form is complete with no corrections needed. Note: sending multiple emails to follow up will only delay your request.

Our office will issue an updated i20 with your new OPT employer information in 5 business days for receiving your approval email.

This timeline is intended for international students who are completing their degree on May 23, 2025 (Spring 2025 semester) and have applied for graduation.

The 90-day application window for OPT will open on February 22, 2025.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• Students who apply for post-completion OPT and then fail to graduate on the date indicated in their application risk violating their visa status, could forfeit their OPT opportunity, and will not get a refund of the $410 fee (amount subject to change).
• DO NOT SUBMIT a request for post-completion OPT until you are absolutely sure of your graduation date.
• DO NOT SUBMIT an OPT application to USCIS until ISGSS has reviewed and approved all of your OPT application materials and has issued you a new I-20 with OPT Recommendation.

How to apply for OPT:

1. The first step on the OPT application process is to have your OPT academic advisor recommendation form signed and endorsed by your academic advisor.
2. Your academic advisor will then sign the form and inform our office. 
3. Please wait for a confirmation email from ISGSS that includes your signed OPT advisor form before proceeding with the next steps.

You are encouraged to watch the OPT application process and the OPT online application guide (video and PDF guide) to better understand the process.

The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. On May 10, 2016, this extension effectively replaced the previous 17-month STEM OPT extension.

Am I eligible for OPT Extension?

• You have a valid F-1 student visa
• You are currently in a valid period of OPT
• Have earned a STEM degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral)
• Check here:
• Working in a paid position for participating E-verified employer.
• You can start applying 90 days before your current OPT end date found on your EAD card.
• You many not apply for STEM OPT during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT.

Unemployment
DHS allows STEM OPT students an additional 60 days of unemployment during the 24-month STEM OPT extension period. This is in addition to the 90-day maximum period of unemployment that students are allowed during the initial period of post-completion OPT. Students who obtain a 24-month STEM OPT extension are therefore allowed a maximum of 150 days of unemployment.
If a student completes one period of OPT (including a STEM OPT extension), and then pursues a second period of OPT on the basis of having earned a second degree at a higher educational level, the student will be able to benefit from the rule’s authorized 90-day and 150-day periods of unemployment (as appropriate) at both educational levels.
In other words, a student receives unemployment eligibility each time they participate in a period of post-completion practical training (including STEM OPT).

You can start applying 90 days before your current OPT end date found on your EAD card.

IMPORTANT! Do not submit or pay to USCIS until you receive the STEM OPT recommendation I-20 from the International Student and Global Scholar Services Office. This I-20 must be included in your application to USCIS. You can choose to apply online (recommended) or apply through physical mail.

Before receiving the I-20 with STEM OPT recommendation from our office, you must follow the instructions below:

STEP 1: Prepare the following documents.

• ( to review the guide in filling out i983)
• Form I-765(if you are applying online, please send a snapshot of your application found on the last part of the online application)
• STEM OPT Student Information Sheet
• STEM OPT Employer Information Form
• Fill out section 1 (page 1) only.
• Check STEM OPT extension application
• You are not required to fill out section 2.
• Copy of your passport & visa merged into one PDF file
• Copy of your most recent i-94
• Passport style photos (not older than 30 days)..
• Official Transcript: if you need a copy, please order through:.
• OPT EAD Card copy.Copy(s) of your previous i20 with CPT or OPT authorization.

STEP 2: Complete the.

• Once you have all the documents required, please fill out and complete the STEM OPT Application form linked above. If you are having trouble accessing the form, please let us know.
• Our processing time for this request is 5 working days, only if your form is complete with no corrections needed.
• Note: sending multiple emails to follow up will only delay your request.

Lewis is responsible for issuing consistent CIP codes on I-20s and we have recently standardized all programs to the New CIP Codes listed above. If you have an Old CIP Code(s) on a previously issued I-20, please note that your STEM OPT I-20 will be modified with the new CIP Code listed above. Lewis also only issues one CIP code per I-20. If a previous I-20 has multiple CIP codes listed, please note that the new updated I-20 will only contain one New CIP Code. These updates should not cause any issues with your STEM OPT Application. Please email ISGSS@lewisu.edu if you have any clarifications or concerns.

Program CIP Code Update as of January 2025:

Please email ISGSS@lewisu.edu if you have any clarifications or concerns.

DISCLAIMER STATEMENT
ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥’s International Student & Global Scholar Services (ISGSS) Office offers guidance on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and OPT STEM processes as a courtesy to our students. We make every attempt to ensure that we provide you with the most up to date information available. However, any advice provided to you by our office does not constitute legal advice. You should always independently check all deadlines, and all OPT and STEM OPT application documents for accuracy before mailing them or submitting them online to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The OPT and STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible. The application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case.  While ISGSS exercises best efforts to provide you with the most current guidance, please be aware that USCIS may change its interpretation of applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time.  ISGSS is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims liability for, any errors or omissions relating to your OPT and STEM OPT application and any decisions made by USCIS.  For legal advice, students are encouraged to consult with a licensed and experienced immigration attorney at their own expense.

What do I need to do after submitted my STEM OPT application?

1. Wait for your STEM OPT approval notice and EAD card. This may take 30-45 days.
2. After receiving your EAD card, email ISGSS@lewisu.edu with a copy of your approved STEM OPT EAD card.
3. Our office will issue an updated i-20 with approved STEM OPT and employer information to you in 3-5 business days after receiving your approval email.

Deadlines for Validation Reports and Self-Evaluations:
DSOs must validate a student’s employment data three times during the STEM OPT extension. Validation reporting is done in SEVIS. Paper documentation is NOT mailed to SEVP but must be submitted to the DSO. Timelines are below. Please refer to your STEM OPT Information Sheet for your particular reporting deadlines:

Traveling while on STEM OPT
It is not recommended to travel while STEM OPT is pending. You may travel outside of the US; however, there will be risks in re-entering the US without proper documentations. If your OPT is approved and you have a job offer, prepare the following before traveling and for re-entry:

• Email ISGSS@lewisu.edu 2 weeks before your travel date
• Bring your valid passport and visa
• Bring your updated I-20
• Bring your EAD card and OPT job offer letter

Students on OPT STEM are allowed to change employers but every employer you work for while on OPT STEM must be enrolled in E-Verify and the position must meet all STEM requirements. When you depart from a company while on OPT STEM, you are required to submit the Final Evaluation on Student Progress (last page of the I-983) to our office. When you start employment with a new employer, you must submit a new Form I-983 to our office (isgss@lewisu.edu) for the new employer.

These must be submitted or reported to ISGSS@lewisu.edu within 10 days of the said change:

1. Final evaluation (last page of ) from previous employer
2. New for new employer
3. OPT employer form
4. STEM OPT Student Information Sheet
5. Approved EAD card copy for STEM

The International student and Global Scholar Services Office at ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. Our office is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.

The International student and Global Scholar Services Office at ÌðÐÄÖ±²¥ does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. Our office is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.

• Unable to graduate on time
• Do not want to do OPT
• Change your post-graduation plans

CANCEL: Before sending your application to USCIS

• Send an email to ISGSS@lewisu.edu to request that your OPT application be cancelled.
• Inform our office if you have or have not submitted an OPT application to USCIS.

WITHDRAW: After you send your application to USCIS

Step 1: You must create your own letter to USCIS to request the withdrawal of your OPT application. Include your full name, SEVIS ID number, and USCIS receipt number. You must sign and date the letter. Make a copy of your USCIS I-797C receipt notice.

OPT Cancellation or Withdrawal Sample Letter

Step 2: Email ISGSS@lewisu.edu your letter and I797C copy for review.

Step 3: After your documents are reviewed by ISGSS, you should mail the letter and USCIS I-797C receipt notice copy to the USCIS address on your USCIS I-797C receipt notice. Include your USCIS case status number on the outside of the envelope.

• In this case, contact the service center mentioned on your I-797 receipt notice. You can put your request for withdrawal directly to the service center. The important things to be mentioned in the letter needed for applying for withdrawal:
• Your name, date of birth, SEVIS ID number
• Application receipt number (A duplicate of the receipt is likewise useful).
• A letter expressing explicitly mentioning your request to withdraw the I-765 application for post-completion OPT. You should put your reasons down for further clarification. In the letter you would need to explain that you misfiled without first getting an OPT recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO) and request that the application be withdrawn.
• Express “I-765 Withdrawal” at the top and sign the letter.
• Send these archives to the Service Center recorded on your I-797 Receipt Notice.
• Remember, once the withdrawal request goes through, there is no turning back. You can still reapply for a new EAD, under the premise that you are still eligible.
• Once you receive the official withdrawal notice, you can refile - this time correctly with the OPT I20.

Note: If your EAD card is approved before USCIS processes the withdrawal request, you have lost your opportunity to re-apply for OPT at a later time at the same degree level.