Optional Practical Training faces stricter checks for foreign graduates

Key Takeaways

• OPT allows F-1 visa holders to work up to 12 months, with a 24-month STEM extension available.
• ICE enforces strict OPT reporting; students have 15 days to update employer info or face termination.
• OPT is crucial for work experience and visa transitions; 1/3 of participants move to skilled visas.

Foreign graduates in the United States often look to Optional Practical Training (OPT) as a way to gain valuable work experience after completing their studies. However, recent developments have placed the OPT program under increased scrutiny, with new enforcement actions and policy debates raising concerns for both students and employers. This guide provides a comprehensive explanation of OPT, including its purpose, eligibility, application process, required documents, processing times, validity, participant rights, and pathways to longer-term status. It also compares OPT to similar visa options, highlights real-life scenarios, and offers practical advice for those affected by recent changes.

What Is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization for eligible F-1 student visa holders in the United States 🇺🇸. It allows international students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. For those with degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM), an additional 24-month extension is available, making OPT a critical bridge between academic study and professional employment.

OPT is not a separate visa but a benefit of F-1 student status. It is managed through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), a government database that tracks international students and their employment.

Purpose of OPT

The main goal of OPT is to give international students practical work experience related to their academic field. This helps students:

• Apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings
• Build professional networks in the United States 🇺🇸
• Improve their chances of qualifying for longer-term work visas, such as the H-1B

For employers, OPT provides access to a pool of highly educated, motivated workers who bring global perspectives and specialized skills.

Who Is Eligible for OPT?

To qualify for OPT, students must meet several requirements:

• Hold valid F-1 student status
• Have completed at least one full academic year at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school
• Intend to work in a job directly related to their major field of study
• Not have used more than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same educational level

Types of OPT:
– Pre-completion OPT: Work authorization before finishing your degree (rarely used)
– Post-completion OPT: Work authorization after graduation (most common)
– STEM OPT Extension: 24-month extension for eligible STEM graduates

Application Process for OPT

Applying for OPT involves several steps and strict deadlines. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Request OPT Recommendation from Your School

• Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) to request an OPT recommendation.
• The DSO will update your SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation.

2. Prepare and Submit Form I-765

• Complete Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.
• Gather required documents:
  • Copy of new Form I-20 with OPT recommendation
  • Copy of your passport and F-1 visa
  • Two passport-style photos
  • Previous Employment Authorization Documents (if any)
  • Filing fee (currently $410 as of 2024; check USCIS fee schedule for updates)

3. Submit Your Application to USCIS

• Mail your application to the correct USCIS lockbox address or file online if eligible.
• You must apply no earlier than 90 days before and no later than 60 days after your program end date.

4. Wait for Approval

• USCIS will process your application and, if approved, send you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• You cannot begin OPT employment until you receive your EAD and the start date has arrived.

Required Documents for OPT

When applying for OPT, you’ll need:

• Form I-765 (completed and signed)
• Copy of new Form I-20 with OPT recommendation
• Copy of passport (biographical page)
• Copy of F-1 visa
• Two recent passport-style photos
• Copies of previous EADs (if applicable)
• Form I-94 (arrival/departure record)
• Filing fee payment

For the STEM OPT extension, you’ll also need:

• Form I-983, Training Plan for STEM OPT Students
• Employer’s E-Verify number

Processing Times

• Standard OPT: Processing times vary but typically range from 2 to 5 months. Delays are possible, so apply as early as allowed.
• STEM OPT Extension: Similar processing times, but students can continue working for up to 180 days after their initial OPT expires while the extension is pending.

Check current processing times on the USCIS website.

Validity and Unemployment Limits

OPT is valid for:
– 12 months for most students
– 24 additional months for eligible STEM graduates (total of 36 months)

Unemployment limits:
– Regular OPT: Maximum of 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month period
– STEM OPT: Additional 60 days allowed (total of 150 days over 36 months)

If you exceed these limits, your SEVIS record may be terminated, and you could lose your legal status.

Rights and Responsibilities on OPT

Rights

• Work in a job directly related to your field of study
• Work for multiple employers or change jobs (as long as each job is related to your degree)
• Travel internationally (with caution; see below)
• Apply for a Social Security Number

Responsibilities

• Report all employment and address changes to your DSO within 10 days
• Keep your SEVIS record up to date
• Track your unemployment days carefully
• For STEM OPT, submit regular self-evaluations and employer reports

Recent enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have made these requirements even more important. ICE now sends warning letters to students whose SEVIS records lack current employer information, giving only 15 days to update records or risk termination and possible removal proceedings.

Pathways After OPT

Many students use OPT as a stepping stone to longer-term work visas or permanent residency. Common pathways include:

• H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa: Allows employers to sponsor foreign workers in specialty fields. Many OPT participants apply for H-1B during their OPT period.
• Green Card (Permanent Residency): Some employers may sponsor OPT workers for permanent residency, though this process can be lengthy and competitive.
• Other Work Visas: Depending on your field and qualifications, options like the O-1 (extraordinary ability) or L-1 (intra-company transfer) may be available.

According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, about one-third of OPT recipients eventually transition to high-skilled work visas, making OPT a key part of the skilled immigration pipeline.

Comparisons: OPT vs. Similar Visas

Key differences: OPT is more flexible and does not require employer sponsorship for the initial 12 months, but it is temporary and comes with strict reporting requirements. H-1B offers a longer stay and a direct path to permanent residency but is subject to an annual cap and lottery.

Real-Life Example: OPT Under Scrutiny

Case Study: Maria, a Computer Science Graduate

Maria graduated from a US university in May 2024 and started her OPT at a tech company. In May 2025, she received a warning letter from ICE stating her SEVIS record lacked current employer information. Maria had changed jobs but forgot to update her SEVIS record.

What Maria did:
– Immediately contacted her DSO and provided her new employer’s details
– Updated her SEVIS record within the 15-day window
– Avoided termination of her SEVIS record and maintained her legal status

Lesson: Even a simple oversight can put your status at risk. Always keep your SEVIS records current and respond quickly to any official notices.

Employer Obligations for OPT Students

Employers who hire OPT students, especially those on STEM extensions, must:

• Enroll in E-Verify and maintain good standing
• Provide a valid Employer Identification Number (EIN)
• Report any material changes in employment to the student’s DSO
• For STEM OPT, report the student’s termination or departure within 5 business days

Employers should also ensure that job duties match the student’s field of study and that all training plans (Form I-983) are properly completed.

Recent Enforcement and Political Climate

In May 2025, ICE began sending warning letters to OPT participants with missing employer information in their SEVIS records. Students have just 15 days to update their records or face termination and possible removal proceedings. This marks a significant increase in real-time monitoring and enforcement.

The current administration has also signaled intentions to restrict or even eliminate the OPT program. Public statements by officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have highlighted a tougher stance on international students. In March 2025, the vice president described international students as “bad for the American dream,” raising concerns about the future of OPT.

Legal uncertainties remain: Recent court cases have questioned whether termination of a SEVIS record automatically ends F-1 status, creating confusion about employment authorization and legal standing.

Economic Impact of OPT

Eliminating OPT would have serious consequences for the US economy. Economists have found that ending the program would reduce innovation, productivity, and job opportunities for both native and foreign workers. OPT is a major pipeline for skilled talent, with over 240,000 foreign graduates participating each year—more than one-fifth of all student visa holders in the United States 🇺🇸.

Practical Guidance for OPT Participants

Given the current climate, all OPT participants should:

• Verify your SEVIS record: Make sure your employer information is current, even if you haven’t received a warning letter.
• Track your unemployment days: Don’t exceed 90 days (or 150 days for STEM OPT).
• Report changes promptly: Notify your DSO of any changes in employment or address within 10 days.
• Keep detailed records: Save offer letters, pay stubs, and correspondence with your DSO.
• Be cautious with travel: Consult your DSO or an immigration attorney before leaving the US while on OPT.
• Prepare for extra scrutiny: Expect more questions during visa renewals or re-entry to the US.
• Have a backup plan: Consider other visa options or returning home if your status is at risk.

For official guidance, visit the USCIS OPT page.

Conclusion and Next Steps

OPT remains a vital opportunity for international graduates, but the environment is changing rapidly. Strict reporting requirements, increased enforcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and political debates mean that students and employers must be more vigilant than ever. By staying informed, keeping SEVIS records up to date, and seeking qualified advice, OPT participants can protect their status and make the most of their time in the United States 🇺🇸.

For more in-depth analysis and updates, VisaVerge.com reports that ongoing policy changes could further affect OPT in the coming months. Always rely on official sources and your school’s international office for the latest information.

Action steps:
– Check your SEVIS record today
– Contact your DSO with any questions
– Keep all documentation organized
– Monitor official government updates regularly

Staying proactive is the best way to safeguard your OPT experience and future opportunities in the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Optional Practical Training (OPT) → A temporary employment authorization for F-1 students to work in their academic field after graduation.
STEM OPT Extension → An additional 24-month work authorization extension for STEM degree holders under OPT rules.
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) → A government database tracking international student status and employment in the U.S.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD) → An official U.S. document showing permission for non-citizens to work legally.
Designated School Official (DSO) → A school representative who helps students maintain legal status and process OPT recommendations.

This Article in a Nutshell

Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers international students vital U.S. work experience after graduation. Recent enforcement tightened reporting rules, risking student status. STEM graduates gain extra extensions, creating pathways to skilled visas. Understanding OPT’s process, rights, and obligations ensures students protect their status amid the evolving regulatory environment in 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com

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