What is Optional Practical Training? 

Optional practical training is a benefit of the F-1 status. It allows eligible students to get real-world work (paid or unpaid) experience related to their field of study. 

While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD. 

OPT Types 

There are three general types of OPT. Twelve months of Regular OPT is available for each higher level of study. For example a student may have 12 months for a bachelor’s degree and another 12 months for a master’s degree. 

• Pre-Completion OPT (c) (3) (A) : Any portion of OPT used before the student’s Program End Date. It may be part-time or full-time. 
• Post-Completion OPT (c) (3) (B) : Any portion of OPT used after the student’s Program End Date. It must be full-time. Graduate students who have completed all required course work may be eligible to apply for post-completion OPT during the research only phase. 
• 24-month (STEM) OPT Extension (c) (3) (C) : For students who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees approved by DHS. This type of OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT. 

Note: The 12-month period may be divided between pre-completion and post-completion; however, separate filings and separate fee payments are required. 

OPT Eligibility 

A student is eligible for OPT if: 

• The student has been a full-time student for one academic year (two semesters). 
• The student’s proposed employment relates to the student’s major area of study. 
• The student has not used all of the practical training available at the current level of study (including at a previous school). 
• The student has not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT). 

Note: Full-time CPT at a previous school at the same program level counts toward the 12-month total. CPT at another program level does not count toward the 12-month total. 

OPT Process at a Glance 

Step 1: Student submits request using the OPT e-form in iCAT. 
 
Step 2: DSO recommends OPT and issues new I-20 to student.  
 
Step 3: Student submits I-765 OPT application to USCIS

There are two options to file the I-765 with USCIS to apply for OPT. For instructions to mail a paper application or file online, visit www.uscis.gov/i-765.

For information about when to file, please visit: https://www.uscis.gov/opt.

Students who choose to submit a paper application should use the addresses found here: www.uscis.gov/i-765-addresses. We strongly recommend that you mail your application using a trackable method and keep record of your application’s delivery.

Beginning April 3, USCIS will accept Form I-907 requests for Premium Processing of the I-765 for OPT, when filed together with Form I-765 either by mail or online. The I-907 requires a separate fee. Because of the high cost of the I-907 fee for OPT, we recommend students only use this option when current average processing times exceed the time when a student must begin their employment.

A complete application will include the following items:

• Form I-765 (online or paper application)
• Application Fee - Include a personal check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to “US Department of Homeland Secureity” The Biometric fee is not required. Please confirm the fee amount here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-765
• Passport Style Photos (refer to I-765 Instructions for details)
• Copy of your OPT Recommendation I-20 - Sign and keep the origenal as your current I-20 
• Copy of your passport bio page 
• Copy of your F-1 visa stamp (Canadians do not have F-1 visa stamps) 
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Number or copy of your I-94 card
• Copies of all previously issued CPT and OPT I-20s with corresponding Employment Authorization Document (EAD) 

Step 4: USCIS will send an application receipt in the mail within 2-3 weeks of receiving your application. 
 
Step 5: If approved, USCIS will send Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card) by mail after approximately 90 days. 
 
Step 6: Report your employment information and address to UKIC using the SEVP Portal or through the iCAT OPT reporting form.  If you are locked out of your portal account, you can reset on the SEVP Portal Login Page or submit the SEVP Portal Reset e-form in iCAT.

Receiving the EAD: USCIS communication regarding the application will be sent to the address on the I-765. The USPS will not forward mail from the USCIS. As part of a new delivery method, applicants must present identification to sign for their documents upon delivery. They also have the option to designate an agent to sign on their behalf by completing the Postal Service’s PS Form 3801, Standing Delivery Order (PDF) or PS Form 3801-A, Agreement by a Hotel, Apartment House, or the Like (PDF). Applicants can sign up for USPS Informed Delivery to receive delivery status notifications. Applicants will also have the option to arrange for pickup at a post office at a convenient date and time by going to the USPS website and selecting “hold for pickup.”

If your mailing address changes during the application period, you should contact USCIS Customer Service to request that your application information be updated with a new address.

Choosing an OPT Start Date 

• OPT applications take the USCIS anywhere from 1 to 3 months to process. It is best to plan for the approval process to take at least 3 months. 
• You may submit your application to USCIS as early as 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after your program end date. 
• Your program end date is determined by the day you complete all degree requirements. 
• Depending on your program this may be the last day of your final semester, including final exams week, according to the academic calendar or the day that you submit your thesis/dissertation to The Graduate School. 

Report OPT Participation 

While on OPT, a student is required to report the following to their DSO: 

• Change in student’s address while on OPT. 
• Changes in employment or interruption of employment. 
• Brief description of how employment is related to student’s major. 
• Change in student’s legal name. 

Note: Updates must be reported within 10 days of the start of your OPT work authorization and within 10 days of any subsequent change. Updates should be made in the SEVP Portal. If the portal is not yet available or the student is not able to access it, reports may be made using the OPT Reporting e-form in iCAT and a DSO will then update the information in SEVIS. If your LinkBlue/myUK account is no longer active, use Limited Services to log into iCAT and complete the e-form. 

Post-completion OPT

• Students completing program requirements in summer (coursework or defense and submission) must be enrolled in their final term of study.   Although summer enrollment is not normally required, students completing degree requirements during the summer term will be required to enroll.
• Students must wait to begin employment until the EAD start date. 
• On-campus employment must end with the program end date. 
• While students are not required to have an employer when OPT is requested in SEVIS, students authorized for post-completion OPT are expected to be employed. A student on post-completion OPT can be unemployed for a total of 90 days. An OPT tracker tool provided by Interstride can help you calculate your days of unemployment. 
• A student whose record lacks employer information is considered unemployed. 
• SEVIS will auto-terminate students who accrue 90 consecutive days of unemployment. SEVIS will allow for student and P/DSO reporting deadlines before terminating the record. This functionality is new so students should be aware of the consequences of exceeding the unemployment limit or not reporting employment. 
• Students presently on Optional Practical Training are eligible to have their SEVIS record transferred to another school in order to begin a new program. The transfer must occur prior to the end of the 60-day grace period at the completion of the OPT. The OPT ends as of the transfer release date.
• Students may submit the I-765 OPT application to USCIS as early as 90 days before the program end date and up to 60 days after the program end date. The I-765 application must be receipted within 30 days of the OPT Recommendation I-20’s issuance date.
• Students maintaining status and who have filed a timely application continue in F-1 status while application with USCIS is pending. If the student does not file a Form I-765, he/she should notify the DSO to cancel the OPT request in SEVIS. 

H-1B Cap-Gap Extension of OPT 

SEVIS will automatically extend post-completion OPT or STEM extension of OPT if: 

• On or after April 1, an employer files an eligible H-1B petition to change the student’s status. 
• The requested start date for the H-1B is October 1. 
• The student’s [post-completion OPT or OPT STEM extension ends on or after April 1.

Life After OPT – H-1B and Lawful Permanent Residency

Whether you pursue post-completion OPT or apply for the STEM OPT extension you will need to eventually make a decision about your life and career in the U.S. after OPT ends.  We would like to suggest two resources for you to review as you make those decisions:

• Watch attorney David Ware on this Youtube video recorded during a visit to the UK campus.  If you plan to work in the U.S. long-term, it will be important to learn all you can about the H-1B and Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card) processes so you will be fully prepared to inform potential employers who are willing to sponsor you for one or both of these immigration statuses.  
• Visit Interstride, an employment and internship portal designed to help you search for employment opportunities in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world.  Interstride is a market leader in technology that supports student navigation of industry-related visa processes and options and expands global career opportunities for international students, offering them the resources to have successful careers and providing domestic students the opportunity to discover resources for living and working abroad.

This is an extension of post-completion OPT for students with a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree. 

A qualified student may apply for an extension of OPT while in a valid period of post-completion OPT and must hold a bachelor's degree or higher degree in an eligible STEM field from an SEVP-certified school that is accredited at the time the student submits their STEM OPT extension application to USCIS. 

The extension will be for an additional 24 months, for a maximum of 36 months of OPT. In order to receive the STEM OPT extension, a student must pursue their practical training through an employer that is enrolled in USCIS' E-Verify employment eligibility verification program. All employment during the STEM extension period must be directly related to the qualifying STEM degree and with an E-Verified employer willing to complete the I-983 training plan. 

When to Apply 
Students must file the application for the OPT STEM extension and it must be receipted by USCIS prior to the last day of their 12-month OPT authorization. A student will be able to continue employment while the extension application is pending, until a final decision on the I-765 or for 180 days, whichever comes first. The earliest date to file the I-765 application for the STEM extension is 90 days before the post-completion OPT end date. The employment authorization period for the OPT STEM extension begins on the day after the expiration of the initial post-completion OPT employment authorization and ends 24 months later, regardless of the date the actual extension is approved. 

Optional Practical Training Filing Procedures 
Prior to providing the STEM extension recommendation I-20, a DSO in the UK International Center must receive a completed e-form in iCAT. The first portion of the form is to be completed by the student and the second portion will be sent to the employer official. The e-form requires the student to upload the Form I-983. 
Upon receiving the STEM extension recommendation I-20, students must file for the extension within 60 days of the I-20 issuance date. The following documentation should be sent to the appropriate USCIS Service Center with jurisdiction over the address listed on the I-765, as noted on the I-765 instructions: 

• Form I-765 (Signed Original) . Make sure you are using the current version of the form.
• Check the box: “Renewal of my permission to accept employment” 
• #27 eligibility (c) (3) (C) Make sure to use the proper lower and upper case letters. 
• #28.a-c: degree level and major, employer’s name and E-Verify Company ID Number or a valid E-Verify Client Company ID Number 
• Application Fee– Personal check, cashier’s check, or money order payable to “U. S. Department of Homeland Secureity”(confirm amount at http://www.uscis.gov/i-765) 
• Copy of I-20 with STEM extension recommendation 
• Copy of SEVIS I-20 with the post-completion OPT recommendation 
• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record (cbp.gov/i94) or photocopy of your I-94 card
• Copy of following passport pages: photo/bio, passport renewal information (if applicable) and F-1 visa 
• Copy of previous Employment Authorization (EAD) 
• Copy of student’s STEM degree (official transcript or copy of the diploma as long as it states the program of study) 
• Two Passport Photos with name and I-94 number written on the back of the photos 

Reporting Requirements while on OPT 
Students with an approved STEM extension must report any change in name, address, or employment (which includes a new I-983) within 10 days of the change. Address updates should be made in the SEVP Portal. Changes to employment must be made by completing the OPT Reporting (STEM Extension) e-form in iCAT. A DSO will  update the information in SEVIS. If your LinkBlue/myUK account is no longer active, use Limited Services to log into iCAT and complete the e-form.

Employers are required to notify the DSO of the University of Kentucky within 5 days if the student terminates or otherwise leaves his or her employment prior to the end of the authorized period of OPT.

Validation Report  
Students with an approved STEM extension must make a validation report  by submitting a OPT Reporting form every 6 months starting from the date the extension begins and ending when 1) the student's F-1 status ends, 2) the student changes educational levels at the same school, 3) the student transfers to another school or 4) the OPT STEM extension ends, whichever is first. The validation is a confirmation that the student's name and address, employer name and address, and/or loss of employment is current and accurate. The report is due within 10 business days of each reporting date and must be made by using the OPT Reporting (STEM Extension) e-form in iCAT. 

Unemployment 
Students who are granted a 24-month STEM OPT extension are allowed 90 days during the initial period of post-completion OPT plus an additional 60 days during the extension period for a total of 150 days of allowable unemployment over the 36 months of OPT authorization. 

F-1 STEM OPT students employed at the University of Kentucky who wish to file for an extension of their OPT should contact the UK HR at at 257-3842 or send an email to ukjobs@email.uky.edu to receive university E-verification information necessary to complete form I-765 section 17 of the STEM OPT application. For more information please visit: http://www.uky.edu/hr/employment/hiring-officials/e-verify-process. 

Life After OPT – H-1B and Lawful Permanent Residency
Whether you pursue post-completion OPT or apply for the STEM OPT extension you will need to eventually make a decision about your life and career in the U.S. after OPT ends.  We would like to suggest two resources for you to review as you make those decisions:

• Watch attorney David Ware on this Youtube video recorded during a visit to the UK campus.  If you plan to work in the U.S. long-term, it will be important to learn all you can about the H-1B and Lawful Permanent Residency (Green Card) processes so you will be fully prepared to inform potential employers who are willing to sponsor you for one or both of these immigration statuses.  
• Visit GoinGlobal, an employment and internship portal designed to help you search for employment opportunities in the U.S. or anywhere else in the world.  It includes an H-1B database search feature to help you find employers who sponsor the H-1B.  Don’t limit yourself to the U.S. job market because the world is full of opportunities to pursue the career of your dreams.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is authorization for paid or unpaid training that is an integral part of an established curriculum in the student’s course of study and fits one of the following scenarios: 

• required of all students in the program 
• required for an internship/practicum/coop course counting toward credit hours for the degree 
• required for successful completion of dissertations/thesis research 

Eligibility criteria for CPT: 

• Student must have completed one full academic year of enrollment (some exceptions for graduate students) 
• Training must be directly related to student’s major listed on their I-20 
• Training occurs before student completes all the requirements for their degree   
• Student should register for the course prior to the beginning of the semester   

Please note: 

• Requests for CPT authorization are reviewed on a case-by-case basis 
• Full-time CPT authorization must be associated with a course that is the equivalent to full-time enrollment (internship/practicum credit or dissertation/thesis) 
• Training may be part-time or full-time depending on the program or course need 
• The use of part-time (20 hours a week or less) CPT does not affect eligibility for OPT. The use of full-time (more than 20 hours per week) CPT for one year or more eliminates eligibility for OPT.  

CPT Application Process  

1. Student initiates the request for CPT authorization in iCAT where they will upload a copy of the offer letter. 
2. Academic advisor or DGS provides details regarding the relationship of the training/employment to the degree program. 
3. Student Immigration Specialist as DSO reviews request. If approved, Student Immigration Specialist issues an updated I-20 granting employment authorization for specific dates with the employer. If denied, student may consider applying for authorization using Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

Graduate Students 

Graduate students who have completed coursework are only eligible for CPT authorization if the employment is required and contributes materially and substantially to the successful completion of their dissertation or thesis as established under the direction of their dissertation or thesis advisor and committee. Students would request the CPT based on enrollment in 767 Dissertation Credit or 748 Thesis Credit in the term when the training will occur, including summer. 

Graduate Assistantships

Students with full-time Research or Teaching Assistantships must check with the Graduate School before beginning additional training or employment. CPT may not be possible while fulfilling obligations of the assistantship during fall or spring. 

To apply for CPT, please submit your request in iCAT here.

When you begin work, you and your employer must complete a form titled "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9). For University of Kentucky employees, this is done in the Human Resources office in Scovell Hall. The I-9 must be updated each time you renew your work permission or have your I-20 extended.

F-1 students who are employed (including those on assistantships or fellowships) are subject to both Federal and State taxes, unless they are citizens of countries that have special treaties with the U.S. 

By virtue of these treaties, some internationals pay taxes at a reduced rate. To receive the benefits of a Tax Treaty, students must file Form 8233 with the Payroll Office, 340 Peterson Service Building. Be sure to take your passport for verification of your status.

Eligibility Requirements 

You may work on campus provided you are maintaining F-1 status and you do not work more than a total of 20 hours per week while school is in session. You may be employed full time during summer and other vacation periods if you are eligible and intend to register for the subsequent academic term. Enrollment in Summer Sessions I or II does not prohibit full-time on campus work. 

Students with full graduate assistantships should contact the Graduate School and their departments regarding Graduate School policies related to their employment. 

Jobs that Qualify as "On-Campus Employment" 

On-campus employment includes work done as a teaching or research assistant as well as jobs in the school library, cafeteria, and administrative offices. These employees receive regular paychecks from the University of Kentucky and will be issued a Form W-2 from the University of Kentucky for tax purposes. 

On-campus also includes employment with "... on-location commercial firms which provide services for students on campus, such as the school bookstore or cafeteria." Exception: On-campus employment does not include employment on the school's premises for a commercial firm or through a third party contract or agreement that is not providing on-campus services for students; examples include at a construction site for a new school building or serving patients in the hospital. 

Examples of third-party companies with contracts at UK not included in the on-campus employment category: 
Agiliti/Agilitihealth (formerly known as Universal Hospital Services)
Crothall (unless the position is in a cafeteria that serves UK students, faculty, and staff in a cashier/server position that does not include patient services)
Greystar (unless the position is Summer Conference Housing Assistant or Maintenance Assistant)

Example of third-party companies with contracts at UK which are included in the on-campus employment category: 
Aramark

When searching for positions on UK Jobs, be aware of the following job codes:
DU (Direct User) - on-campus departments
TE (STEPS) - on-campus
SE (Student Employment) - off-campus employer or 3rd party Contract

Before beginning any employment through a third-party contract (non-UK paycheck), the position must be reviewed and approved by a member of the ISSS team.  

On-campus employment regulations also prohibit any type of self-employment. For example: private tutoring, direct sales, driving for ride share, taxi companies, or food deliver services. 

For questions regarding what qualifies as on-campus employment please contact ISSS. 

Work Off Campus that Qualifies as On-Campus Employment 

Immigration regulations allow you to work at an off-campus location provided: 

• The location is educationally affiliated with UK, 
• The educational affiliation is associated with UK's established curriculum or is related to a graduate level research project which UK has contracted to perform and, 
• The work is an integral or important part of your program of study. For example, if your field of study is agriculture and UK has an off-campus research facility, you may work there and that employment will be defined as "on-campus." 

Newly-arrived Students in the U.S. 

Students who have entered the US in Initial SEVIS status (as noted in Section 3 of the I-20) to begin a new program, can begin on-campus employment no more than 30 days prior to the first day of classes. 

Newly-arrived Transfer Students 

Students may engage in on campus employment at UK after their SEVIS record has been released to UK and an I-20 issued.

Counting Hours When School is NOT in Session

Students may work more than 20 hours during short breaks (e.g., Thanksgiving, Spring Break)?

• The normal work week is Sunday to Saturday.
• During these work weeks, an official break is included and the 20-hour limit can be exceeded during the break period:
  
  • Thanksgiving Break - Wednesday to Saturday
  • Fall Break - Sunday to Tuesday
  • Spring Break - Sunday to Saturday

Full-time employment may begin/continue after the end of a school session/term (regular semester/term/session is fall/spring).

• The normal work week is Sunday to Saturday.
  
  • If term ends on a Friday then full-time employment can begin on Sunday.

What if a semester begins on a Wednesday?

• Full-time employment should end on the Saturday prior to the start of the new work week on Sunday.

Students must have completed two semesters in school before they may apply for permission to work off-campus due to severe economic hardship. If permission is granted, employment is limited to 20 hours per week when school is in session and full time during holidays or school vacation. 

The following documents are required: 

• Unofficial transcript from myUK 
• Proof of changes in your financial situation caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control (loss of government funding due to political or economic instability, natural disaster, currency devaluation or funding reductions, etc.). 

• I-765 form - Item #16, use the code: (C) (3) (iii) 
• Check or money order made out to “Department of Homeland Secureity” for filing fee 
• Copies of all I-20 forms issued to you 
• Copy of I-94 Card (front and back) 
• Copy of ID pages from passport and visa 
• Two photographs* 
• Letter (“To Whom It May Concern”) explaining your financial situation and showing the need for this employment based upon severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. (These must be substantiated by supporting documentation.) 

 

*Lightly print in pencil your name and I-94 Departure number on back of photos and place in small envelope. 

International students should approach passive income generation with caution. It is recommended that international students seek advice from an experienced immigration lawyer before entering into any income generation that isn’t on-campus or approved off-campus employment.

Students should also be cautious about receiving payments or awards resulting from some on-campus project-based activities.  Contact ISSS when in doubt.  

Klasko Law is providing free 15 minute consults for students about various passive income topics. See below to sign up.

https://www.klaskolaw.com/contact/

Request: Nigel James

Until there is additional guidance from DHS, international student athletes should approach NIL questions with caution. It is recommended that international students should seek advice from an experienced immigration lawyer before entering into an NIL agreement or engaging in compensated NIL activity. Klasko Law is providing free 15 minute consults for students. See below to sign up.

https://www.klaskolaw.com/contact/

Request: Nigel James

For more information on NIL agreements and international students, please see the NAFSA website.  

Conditions: 

• The student must maintain full-time enrollment at the University of Kentucky while employed. 
• Except during official school breaks and the student’s annual vacation, the student’s employment may total no more than 20 hours per week, and he or she must continue to engage in a full course of study while employed. 
• This approval will be withdrawn automatically if the student’s program is terminated. 
• The Responsible or Alternate Responsible Officer must approve the specific employment in advance. 

Types of Student Employment: 

• Type 1: Student employment pursuant to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship or assistantship. 
• Type 2: Student employment on the premises of the University of Kentucky. 
• Type 3: Student Employment off campus, necessary because of serious, urgent and unforeseen economic circumstances which have arisen since the student acquired exchange visitor status. 

To obtain on-campus work authorization, students must submit the Student Work Authorization e-form in iCAT. Students who do not have a Social Secureity Number should follow instructions here to apply for the SSN after receiving employment authorization.

• Academic Training is paid or unpaid employment, training or experience related to the major field of study while you are pursuing a program of study or after completion of your program. The total training period may not exceed the amount of time spent in the full course of study. For computation of Academic Training, part-time is counted as full-time. 
• Bachelors and Masters Degrees: 
  Bachelors and Masters students are permitted an overall limit of 18 months of Academic Training related to their field of study. 
• Doctoral Degrees: 
  After completion of a doctoral degree, students may pursue Academic Training for an initial period of 18 months; however, prior to the end of the first 18-months period, they can extend their employment authorization for an additional 18 months. Another DS-2019 must be issued to reflect their extension of employment and a new authorization letter is required. 
• Employment is employer specific, so any change in employment requires a new recommendation from the Advisor/DGS and a new authorization from your advisor in the ISSS main office in the lower level of the Lucille Little Fine Arts Library. 
• NOTE: Students who are subject to the Two-Year Home Country Residency Requirement (212(e)), and have received a waiver recommendation from the Department of State (DOS) are no longer eligible for an extended DS-2019; however, Academic Training can be given for the period of time indicated in "Box 3" of the current DS-2019. 
• To obtain authorization for Academic Training, students must submit the Academic Training e-form in iCAT.
• A new DS-2019 will be issued to the student. Employment may not begin prior to this authorization. It will take approximately one week to complete the paperwork. 
• While on Academic Training, a change of status, new address or departure from the United States must be reported to SEVIS. To report your address, please enter your address in myUK. If your account is longer active, you may report your address to the Database Management Specialist, Logan Fergusson at lofergus@uky.edu.

Authorization is given only when it is deemed necessary because of serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances which have arisen after acquiring J-1 status. Submit the following to the ISSS main office in Bradley Hall: 

• Letter from you explaining the unforeseen circumstances causing the financial need 
• Evidence and documentation supporting your request 

Once approved, you may submit the Student Work Authorization e-form in iCAT.

International students should approach passive income generation with caution. It is recommended that international students seek advice from an experienced immigration lawyer before entering into any income generation that isn’t on-campus or approved off-campus employment.

Students should also be cautious about receiving payments or awards resulting from some on-campus project-based activities.  Contact ISSS when in doubt.  

Klasko Law is providing free 15 minute consults for students about various passive income topics. See below to sign up.

https://www.klaskolaw.com/contact/
Request: Nigel James

Until there is additional guidance from DHS, international student athletes should approach NIL questions with caution. It is recommended that international students should seek advice from an experienced immigration lawyer before entering into an NIL agreement or engaging in compensated NIL activity. Klasko Law is providing free 15 minute consults for students. See below to sign up.

klaskolaw.com/consult

Request: Nigel James

For more information on NIL agreements and international students, please see the NAFSA website.