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Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Discover how Optional Practical Training (OPT) at Nova Southeastern University can enrich your educational journey and foster professional development as an F-1 student. Whether approaching graduation or looking to add practical experience to your studies while earning your degree, this page will help you navigate the OPT process.

Post-Completion OPT for F-1 Students

OPT allows F-1 students to engage in temporary employment directly related to their major area of study. This employment authorization lasts for a total of 12 months per degree level. Students are eligible for another 12 months of OPT when they advance to a higher educational level (e.g., from bachelor's to master's).

Important Things to Consider:

  • Apply as early as 90 days before the completion of your studies (last day of class).
  • Applying early increases the chances of completing the 12-month OPT within the 14 months allowed by USCIS.
  • Students must receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting employment. 

Post-Completion OPT must be applied for before your program of study is complete. Here's what you need to know:

  • A job offer is not required to apply for Post-Completion OPT.
  • You must not have completed more than one year of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
  • You can only apply for OPT once per academic level.
  • You must have maintained F-1 lawful visa status for at least the previous eight months.

Submit your OPT application so that it is received by USCIS between 90 days before and 60 days after the completion of your program.

To get the most out of your OPT, apply as soon as possible. Your OPT authorization starts within 60 days of your program end, even if your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) hasn't arrived yet. This gives you the best chance to secure OPT employment related to your field.

Keep in mind, processing EADs typically takes about three months. So, applying early allows for a smoother transition from studies to work. Remember, you cannot legally begin working until you receive your EAD, even if your OPT start date has passed.

  1. Review the Step-by-Step Guidelines to Apply Online and review our OPT Workshop presentation. 
  2. Complete the NSU OPT Packet and the I-765 draft.
  3. Send your documents by email to intl@nova.edu for review.
  4. Submit your application online, after receiving your updated I-20.
    • USCIS must receive your OPT I-20 within 30 days of your adviser's signature.

Note: Do not apply online without your employment-authorized I-20, as this will result in your OPT being denied. 

USCIS Premium Processing

F-1 students can request premium processing for their Post Completion OPT application through USCIS. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Premium Processing Fee: $1,500 (in addition to the I-765 application fee).
  • Decision Timeframe: 30 calendar days from the proper filing of Form I-907 and payment of the premium processing fee.

Requirements:

  • Work only between the OPT start and end dates listed on your Form I-20.
  • Employment must be directly related to your major.
  • Maintain a valid passport.
  • Work at least 20 hours per week.

 Forms Needed:

Pre-Completion OPT for F-1 Students

Pre-Completion OPT allows students to gain work experience before completing their degree. While less common, it is an option worth considering.

Work Hours

  • During Classes: Up to 20 hours per week.
  • During Breaks/Vacation: Full-time if you plan to register for the next term.
The total OPT duration is 12 months. Any Pre-Completion OPT used will be deducted from the available Post-Completion OPT time.
  • A job offer is not required to apply.
  • Must not have completed more than one year of full-time CPT.
  • Must maintain F-1 status for at least the previous eight months.
  • Submit your OPT application so that it is received by USCIS between 90 days before and 60 days after the completion of your program.

Submit your OPT application so that it is received by USCIS between 90 days before and 60 days after the completion of your program.

To get the most out of your OPT, apply as soon as possible. Your OPT authorization starts within 60 days of your program end, even if your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) hasn't arrived yet. This gives you the best chance to secure OPT employment related to your field.

Keep in mind, processing EADs typically takes about three months. So, applying early allows for a smoother transition from studies to work. Remember, you cannot legally begin working until you receive your EAD, even if your OPT start date has passed.

  1. Email intl@nova.edu to request an appointment with an adviser.
  2. Submit OPT-I20 to USCIS within 30 days of your adviser's signature. 

Post-Approval Requirements

Once you are approved for OPT by USCIS and receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) with a valid start date, you can begin your OPT. After receiving your EAD, follow these requirements:

  • Only work between the OPT start and end dates listed on your Form I-20. For more details, visit the FAQ section at the bottom of this page.
  • Your employment must be directly related to your major.
  • Maintain a valid passport throughout your OPT period.
  • Complete your program/coursework by the date specified in the letter from your academic adviser.
  • Work at least 20 hours per week.

Reporting Employment

You must report any changes in employment or personal information within 10 days and confirm employment details every six months.

How to Report:

  • You will receive an email from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) close to your OPT start date with a link to report your employment for your SEVIS record.
  • If you miss the 10 day period given to report employment, you will be unable to input information in the SEVP portal. Only in cases like this are students able to report through the Office of International Affairs via an E-form Request submitted to intl@nova.edu. 
Situation Required Information
Initial OPT job
  • Employer name
  • Employment start date
  • Employer mailing address
Change to a new job
  • Previous employer name
  • Previous employment end date
  • New employer name
  • Employment start date
  • Employer mailing address
Multiple short-term gigs in one period
  • Report at the beginning of the first gig and indicate "Multiple short-term gigs"
Work for hire (contract start)
  • Indicate "self-employed work for hire"
  • Indicate the start date of the contract
Work for hire (contract)
  • Indicate "Self-employed work for hire"
  • Indicate you have no current contract
  • Ending date of the last contract worked
Unemployment
  • Indicate "unemployed"
  • Ending date of last job
Self-employed business owner (start)
  • Indicate "Self-employed business owner"
  • Indicate date you went into business
Self-employed business owner (end)
  • Indicate "Self-employed business owner"
  • Indicate date your business closed or you no longer worked for the business full time
You decide to exit the U.S. and complete your F-1 status prior to the end date of OPT
  • Indicate "Completing OPT and exiting the U.S."
  • Date of exit
Change in legal name
  • Documentation indicating new legal name
Change in residential or mailing address
  • New residential or mailing address

Unemployment Rules and Ending Employment

Unemployment Limit

  • You may use up to 90 days of unemployment.
  • The following counts towards unemployment:
    • Each day between start and end dates without qualifying employment
    • Travel outside the U.S. while unemployed
  • The following does NOT count towards unemployment:
    • Travel while employed with employer authorization, including approved leave or work-related travel.

Ending Employment

  • Terminate employment when:
    • you transfer your SEVIS record to another school.
    • your EAD expires.
    • you begin study at another educational level with a new I-20.
    • you exceed 90 days of unemployment.

Depart the U.S. within 60 days of completing your OPT if your Form I-20 is not extended or transferred to another SEVIS approved school.

F-2 Dependents

As an F-2 dependent, you are prohibited from participating in any form of employment or business activities. Violating this regulation will result in a loss of status. Employers may face citations, fines, and/or imprisonment for hiring individuals who are not eligible for employment or for retaining employees who are no longer authorized to work. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Start Date:

  • Undergraduates: Anytime after graduation up to 60 days after I-20 expiration. (e.g., if I-20 expires on 12/17/2020, start date must be by 02/14/2021). It is not recommended to choose the last day of the grace period as your start date.
  • Graduates: Anytime after expected graduation or completion of coursework (leaving only thesis/dissertation). We will shorten your I-20 end date to your listed completion date.

End Date:

One day before the completion of a year from the start date. (e.g., if start date is 01/14/2021, end date will be 01/13/2022).

It is advised to stay in the U.S. between the program end date and EAD receipt, as it may be considered an application abandonment.
  • Approved OPT but no job: Reentry may be denied without a written job offer. It is recommended to wait until employment is secured.
  • With a job: Carry a printed job offer and a letter from the employer acknowledging your leave and expected return.
  • Travel for work purposes: Carry the job offer letter and necessary travel documents.

Note: Days outside the U.S. count towards unemployment unless authorized by your employer.

  • Regular paid employment with a business or organization (related to the degree program)
  • Employment through a staffing agency
  • Contracted work with a business or organization
  • Self-employed business owner (fully established and registered with the state)
  • Short-term gigs for performing artists (maintain a detailed list of gigs and dates)
  • Unpaid volunteer or internship work (at least 20 hours per week, compliant with labor laws)
Only start working after you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Contact our office for assistance.

  • 12 months directly after each higher educational level, non-transferable between levels.
  • Pre-Completion OPT: Deducted from the 12-month post-completion period.
  • Extensions:
    • Pending H-1B application (Cap Gap Details).
    • STEM majors may extend training.
    • Canadian or Mexican citizens may qualify for TN status.
  • Internship: Apply through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for summer internships before the final year. Full-time CPT during this period will affect OPT eligibility.
  • Final Year: Once your master's level I-20 is activated, CPT is unavailable. Apply for post-graduation OPT in mid-January of your final year.
F-1 visa holders can work off-campus through CPT (after the first two semesters) and OPT (post-graduation) with proper authorization.
  • F-1 Sponsorship: Companies can sponsor F-1 visa holders during OPT if they meet H-1B criteria. Communicate your OPT work eligibility to prospective employers.
  • H-1B Lottery: If sponsored, you enter the H-1B visa lottery; work with an immigration attorney.

Contact Us

(954) 262-7240
800-541-6682, ext. 27240
intl@nova.edu

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closed weekends and major holidays

Address:
Nova Southeastern University
3300 S. University Drive
Horvitz Admin. Bldg, 2nd Floor 
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33328-2004
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