F-1 Optional Practical Training
Critical Information & Resources

 

Effective April 8, 2008, new rules were published in the U.S. Government’s Federal Register for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) benefits available to F-1 students. The regulations include new opportunities and new requirements during authorized periods of OPT. These include:

• 12-month Regular OPT: Please see our employment page for detailed application instructions and required forms.

• OPT Reporting Requirements, for all authorized OPT

• 17-month STEM Extension OPT (for eligible students): Please see our STEM Extension page, with information and additional reporting requirements.

• OPT Cap Gap Extensions (for beneficiaries of a timely filed H-1B petition): Please see our page for notification instructions and relevant deadlines.

• Frequently Asked Questions on the new OPT regulations

 

Other Web Resources -

Department of Homeland Security Announcement
www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1207334008610.shtm

US Citizenship and Immigration Services Q and A
www.uscis.gov/files/article/OPT_4Apr08.pdf

DHS Resources for E-Verify
www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm

NAFSA: Assoc. of International Educators - Resource on the Interim Final Rule
nafsa.org/regulatory_information.sec/29_month_opt_rule_updates

Text of Interim Final Rule
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/E8-7427.htm (text format, 27 pages)
edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-7427.pdf (pdf file, 13 pages)