The university and OIS are actively monitoring changes in U.S. immigration and border policies that could have an impact on JHU’s community. It is not yet clear what the impact of many of these policy changes will be, and it may take time for federal agencies to determine how they plan to operationalize new directives.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined as ‘temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study.’ A student in F-1 status who has maintained status for at least one academic year may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). One academic year is defined as completing a fall and spring semester. JHU summer terms are not sufficient in length to satisfy the eligibility requirements (with the exception of a regular BSPH term). Time spend enrolled full-time in another immigration status may count toward the academic year requirement.
OPT may be granted before a student completes their degree program, which is called Pre-Completion OPT, or after they complete their degree program, which is called Post-Completion OPT. This webpage will only discuss post-completion OPT. A student is allowed a maximum of 12 months of full-time OPT for each increasing degree level. You do not need a job offer in order to apply for OPT and having a job opportunity does not expedite the process.
Some students may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT, see STEM OPT Extension for details. Post-completion OPT and STEM OPT are separate applications, applied for at different times. STEM eligible students are not able to apply for 3 years of work authorization all at once.
A student is eligible for post-completion OPT once:
They have completed all degree requirements OR
They are a graduate student and have completed all degree requirements with the exception of the thesis/dissertation.
Part time CPT has no impact on OPT. Be aware, however, if an F-1 student has engaged in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT), they are ineligible for OPT.
When to Apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Post-Completion (OPT) Application Basics
Post-completion OPT is for students that wish to be employed in the U.S. after the completion of their degree in a position that is directly related to their degree program. Students applying for post-completion OPT can request the I-20 recommending post-completion OPT up to 90 days before the date that they will complete their course of study and must submit their OPT application to USCIS NO LATER THAN 60 days after the date that they will complete their course of study. See below for a visual representation of the application timeline.
For most Bachelor’s and Master’s students, the day that degree requirements are completed is the last registered class day or the end of exams; please refer to the JHU academic calendar for these specific dates
For doctoral students, the date when degree requirements are completed varies by school
Consult an OIS Advisor for specific details
Once a student has completed all degree requirements, the I-20 program end date is shortened to reflect that last date of required enrollment. Even if graduation is weeks or months later, the I-20 program end date reflects the date the degree requirements were met. The requested OPT start date must be within 60 days of the I-20 program end date. OPT applications must be receipted by USCIS no later than 30 days after the I-20 recommending OPT was issued by OIS or 60 days after the I-20 program end date, whichever is sooner. Applications filed too early or too late will be denied by USCIS.
When filing a post-completion OPT application with USCIS, it is important that the correct eligibility category be selected: (C)(3)(B).
Application Timeline for Post-Completion OPT
You can check USCIS’s OPT processing time by visiting their website, selecting “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”, selecting “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and selecting “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center.” There you will be able to see their estimated time range for processing OPT applications. Review these points when determining when you should apply for post-completion OPT:
You can submit an OPT application to USCIS no sooner than 90 days before the program completion date and no later than 60 days after the completion date
Remember that you first need an I-20 recommending post-completion OPT from OIS before you file your OPT application with USCIS
If you wish to begin working immediately upon completing your degree requirements, you should plan to apply for OPT as soon as you are within 90 days of your degree program completion date
Read the section on Premium Processing below if you are either close to your degree program completion date or interested in receiving your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) quickly
Your requested OPT Start Date cannot be changed after you have filed your application with USCIS
You must have your EAD card in hand and have reached the start date on the EAD in order to work
If your employment start date has arrived and you do not yet have your EAD card you cannot begin employment
The start date on your EAD card may not be the same as the date you requested. Additionally, you will need your EAD card to complete the I-9 verification process with your employer
Students must be in the U.S. when filing their post-completion OPT application with USCIS
If you depart the U.S. before filing your OPT application with USCIS and your degree program completion date has passed, you cannot re-enter as an F-1 student and apply for OPT
Requesting Post-Completion OPT Start Date
When requesting the I-20 recommending OPT from OIS, you will need to select an OPT start date. The requested start date must be within 60 days of your degree completion date. It can be as early as the day after your degree program completion or the end date on your I-20. For example, if you finish all degree requirements by April 30th, the last day you may request to start your period of OPT will be June 29th. The date you request as the OPT start date does not necessarily mean that is the start date that will be approved. USCIS will do its best to provide an EAD card that starts on or shortly after the requested OPT start date. Therefore, you must have the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in your possession and the start date on the EAD must be reached before you may engage in employment. Also, once you have completed all degree requirements you do not have authorization to work in any capacity (on or off campus) until you have received your EAD.
Once you have filed your OPT application with USCIS, your requested start date cannot be changed.
Post-Completion OPT for PhD Students
PhD Students – Determining Your I-20 Program End Date
It’s important to note that this information is in reference to I-20 program end dates and post-completion OPT start dates. Your graduation date, academic program completion date, or other academic deadlines may not be the same as the I-20 program end date.
PhD students eligible for post-completion OPT have several options to consider for the I-20 program end date, but it must be within a term they will enroll in. In consultation with their academic advisor, PhD candidates can select their final date of completion based on:
Completion date of dissertation – if this date is before the last date of your final semester of enrollment
Thesis defense date – if your defense date is before the last date of your final semester of enrollment
Submission of dissertation – if this date is before the last date of your final semester of enrollment
Upon completion of coursework (before entering the dissertation stage of your program) – this is not commonly chosen because PhD students often want to work on their dissertation before seeking a post-completion OPT authorization
Last date of your final semester of enrollment
If choosing an I-20 end date that is before the completion of all degree requirements, students should consult their JHU academic department to ensure that there are no conflicts with their I-20 end date, OPT requested start date, and their school’s enrollment or stipend requirements.
Although PhD students have options for which to base the I-20 Program End Date, they should keep in mind:
The date student and their advisor indicate on the Post-Completion OPT Request eForm is the date that OIS will use as their I-20 program end date. This may mean that OIS will shorten their I-20 program end date
PhD students cannot work on campus or be paid after the I-20 Program End Date until:
they are in an authorized period of post-completion OPT
have their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in their hand and
are working in a position directly related to the major field of study
PhD students can continue revising and can submit their dissertation while authorized for post-completion OPT
Contact OIS if additional clarification is needed.
Virtual live OPT workshops are typically held throughout the year. Workshops are announced in the OIS Student Newsletter “The International Insider” (sent monthly by email) and can also be found on the OIS Webinars & Workshops page. We also offer an online OPT eCourse that can be accessed using this link or found in iHopkins within the OPT Presentation and Quiz eForm.
The Post-Completion OPT request process is comprised of a group of two eForms, located in iHopkins. The first eForm is the OPT Presentation and Quiz. To ensure that you have reviewed the presentation and have a basic understanding of OPT, you are required to complete a brief quiz. You must answer all questions correctly before you can proceed to the Post-Completion OPT Request eForm.
STEP 3: Prepare and submit the Post-Completion OPT Request form to OIS and receive new I-20
After you pass the OPT quiz, you must complete the “Post Completion OPT Request eForm”. This eForm will be routed to your Academic Advisor via email for review and approval.
PhD students, should speak with their program or thesis advisor to discuss their specific end date before submitting the OPT Request eForm
Upon approval from the Academic Advisor, OIS will review the eForm and create your new I-20. Your new I-20 will be issued electronically with your OPT recommendation printed on page 2 of the I-20.
*Review the section Requesting an OPT start date above before submitting your OPT request eForm. If you have any questions about deciding your OPT start date and would like to consult with OIS advisor, email us at [email protected].
STEP 4: Prepare and Submit the Post-Completion OPT Application to USCIS
*DO NOT submit your OPT application to USCIS until you have received the I-20 recommending post-completion OPT from OIS.
Important Reminders: You must file your OPT application while inside of the U.S.If you depart the U.S. before filing your OPT application with USCIS and your degree program completion date has passed, you cannot re-enter as an F-1 student and apply for OPT.
Once you receive the I-20 from OIS, review it carefully to ensure the details are correct. If there are any errors (such as ‘part-time’ OPT requested instead of ‘full-time’) reach out to OIS for a correction before filing your OPT application with USCIS.
*Your OPT application must be received by the USCIS:
within 30 days of the date that your most recent I-20 (the I-20 with the OPT recommendation on page 2) was signed by an OIS advisor and
no later than 60 days after your I-20 program end date
Failure to submit your application during this time frame WILL result in the denial of your application.
*File your application online OR by mailing in paper application to USCIS. Do not submit your application using both methods.
*You will be responsible for compiling the documentation that is required as part of the OPT application.
After you have received an I-20 recommending Post-Completion OPT from OIS, you may file your Post-Completion OPT application/form I-765 with USCIS. You will need to upload the following materials to the USCIS online application system (if filing online). See additional online filing recommendations below.
Newest I-20 with post-completion OPT recommendation
This is only referring to the I-20 recommending OPT, not to prior I-20s
Filing your application online:
Benefits of Filing Your Post-Completion OPT Application With USCIS Online:
USCIS has confirmed that an electronically filed OPT application is less likely to be rejected. This is because the USCIS online filing system uses logic that limits the questions you will need to answer based on prior answers, diminishing the opportunity for errors
Once the application is submitted online with final payment, students will immediately receive a receipt number and receipt notice. A paper copy receipt notice will also be mailed to you
Payment will be made on a secure website using a credit or debit card. This means that you’ll be able to confirm receipt of payment at the time of application. Make sure that you are ready to submit your entire OPT application (including the required OPT recommendation I-20 from OIS, passport photos, and any other supporting documents) when you get to the payment screen
To electronically file the Form I-765 with USCIS online, individuals must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov. Once you have created an account, you’ll be able to complete the filing process. Within your USCIS account, you will be able to:
Upload your documents
Documents can be uploaded in the following formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF. Photos can be uploaded as a JPG, JPEG, or PNG
File names must contain only English characters (e.g. ABC). Special characters (e.g. @, #, $, &) are not allowed. You will receive an error message if the file format or file name do not meet the standards above
Once you submit your application through the online system, you should:
Receive your receipt notice and receipt number immediately within your USCIS account
Be able to track the status of your case
Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox
Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE)
We recommend that you review the USCIS online filing webinar to understand the process and documents you will need to submit before you begin the online application.
USCIS Offers Premium Processing for certain OPT and STEM OPT Applications:
Premium processing is a service that guarantees USCIS’s response to an application within a certain timeframe. The response will be the issuance of an approval notice, a denial notice, a notice of intent to deny or a request for evidence. For students in F-1 status filing form I-765 for OPT or STEM OPT, the premium processing fee is $1,685 and the timeframe is 30 business days after USCIS receives your complete application.
Before submitting a request for premium processing, consider the current processing times for the Form I-765. You can check USCIS’s OPT processing time by going to their processing times website, selecting “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”, selecting “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and selecting “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center.” There you will be able to see their estimated time range for processing OPT applications.
Travel While Your OPT Application is Pending
For information on travel while your OPT application is pending or approved, review our OPT travel information page.
After you file your OPT application with USCIS, pay attention to receipt notices, mail, and notifications from USCIS. When you receive your receipt notice, it is important that you check the spelling of your name to make sure there are no errors. If you find an error, contact USCIS at the phone number provided on the notice. This is considered your personal application for immigration benefits and OIS cannot influence USCIS processing of your application.
Contact OIS if your post-completion OPT application is rejected, denied, or if you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE)
If you move from the U.S. address you entered in item 3 of the Form I-765 or are no longer receiving mail there and have not yet received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card), you must update your address information in the USCIS Online Change of Address System
If you have questions about your case or status of your application, use the USCIS online tools or call the National Customer Service Number (800-375-5283). To check your case status online, click here. You can create a free account on their website which will allow you to view your case status, history, and easily save your receipt numbers. You will also be able to receive electronic case updates
When authorized for post-completion OPT, F-1 status is dependent upon employment. Students can accrue up to 90 unemployment days during their post-completion OPT authorization period. The unemployment days start on your OPT authorization start date (the start date listed in SEVIS and on your EAD card). To stop the unemployment days from accruing, you need to report your employment information.
How to Report Employment
You can report your employment in the SEVP Portal or complete the OPT Reporting Form to have OIS report your employment information on your behalf. If you complete the OPT Reporting Form, you’ll be able to indicate on that form that you want an updated I-20 with your employer information on page 2 of the I-20. If you update your employment information yourself in the SEVP Portal, you may complete the Travel Signature/I-20 Reprint Form and indicate that your reprint reason is “update”. OIS will then issue an I-20 with the employer information on page 2 of the I-20.
Reporting process through iHopkins
If you continue to have access to JHU systems using your JHED login:
A pin will be emailed to your email address that is on file with the OIS
Once you receive the pin, log in using your Hopkins ID, date of birth and pin
Once logged in, click on “F-1 Practical Training”, then click on “OPT Reporting Form”
If you experience difficulties accessing iHopkins, please email [email protected].
When to Report Updates
Any changes to your personal or professional information that occur must be reported within 10 days in order to maintain your F-1 status. Failure to report in a timely manner will be considered a violation of your F-1 status and may jeopardize your legal status in the US.
If any of these changes occur, please report them within 10 days:
New Employment – When reporting a new employer, you will be required to explain how the job relates to your degree. You may review some examples of acceptable explanations here
Change in Employer’s Address
Start and/or end date of employment
Any periods of unemployment
Change of U.S. address
Change of personal phone number and/or e-mail address
Change of immigration status (i.e. H1B, F-2, J-2, Permanent Resident, etc.) A copy of the approval notice must be submitted to the OIS
Date of departure- if you decide to leave the U.S. and will not return to use the remainder of your OPT
Eligible Types of Employment
During post-completion OPT you must work at least 20 hours per week in order to maintain your F-1 status. There is no maximum number of hours you can work. You may also have multiple OPT employers as long as each job is related to your degree program. The following activities are considered allowable employment on standard post-completion OPT:
Go back and review the information from “Requesting OPT Start Date.”
OIS cannot give a specific answer to this question because there are too many factors to consider. How close to finding a job are you? Do you want to take a break after school before working? If you do have a job lined up, when is it supposed to start? Are you applying with enough time to allow for USCIS processing?
The earliest possible start date you can request is the next day after your program end date or the end of date on your I-20. The latest start date you can request is 60 days after your program end date or the end date on your I-20. For example, if the program end date is May 24th. You may select May 25th as an earliest OPT start date. The latest OPT start date may be July 23rd.
What is my program end date?
For the OPT application process, we use the degree completion date as the program end date. The program end date may differ than the degree conferral date or graduation date.
For most bachelor’s and Master’s students, the program end date is the day on which degree requirements are completed is the last registered class day or the last day of the final exam period based on each school academic calendar.
Doctoral students have more flexibility when determining the program end date. Please see the Post-Completion OPT for PhD Students tab on this page for more information.
My OPT is still pending, but my 60 day grace period is almost over – can I stay in the US after my 60 day grace period has ended?
Yes, as long asyour OPT application was receipted by USCISwithin the 60-day grace period, you can stay in the U.S. until your OPT application has been processed, even if that goes beyond the 60-day grace period.
Can I volunteer before I get my EAD (“employment authorization document” also referred to as an OPT Card)?
You should not engage in any activity (paid or unpaid) that is related to your degree program and/or is a position that satisfies your OPT employment requirements until you have your EAD in hand and have reached the start date on the EAD. Bona fide volunteer opportunities such as cleaning up a local neighborhood or serving food in a soup kitchen are the only types of volunteering that would not require the OPT EAD.
Which filing method should I use for the I-765 – online or mailing?
You are able to choose to file the I-765 to USCIS either by mailing the application to USCIS or filing online application via USCIS portal. You must be physically present in the US when you file I-765. Here are the advantages of online application.
Online filing allows applicants to submit forms electronically. No cost of mailing involved
To receive notices from USCIS online right away instead of waiting for them in the mail
To check the status of the OPT case anytime from anywhere
Application fee can be paid using credit/debit card
No need to file G-1145 form
I need to make a change to my OPT application after submitting to USCIS
You cannot change your requested OPT start date once you file your OPT application with USCIS. If you move from the U.S. address you entered in item 3 of the Form I-765 or are no longer receiving mail there and have not yet received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card), you must update your address information in the USCIS Online Change of Address System.If you need to withdraw your application because you no longer want to pursue OPT authorization, please contact OIS to discuss next steps to do so.
The case tracker on the USCIS website hasn’t updated in a while. Will it ever be updated?
The case tracker on the USCIS website will only provide general updates approximately 2 to 3 times during the OPT application process. You’ll know that your case has been received and is in processing. This is what the case tracker will indicate for majority of the time. It should update when OPT has been approved and then again when the EAD has been sent to you.
Can I cancel my OPT application if my plan has changed?
First, contact OIS right away if your plan has changed and you will not need to apply for OPT. OIS will provide you with the necessary instructions.
If you received an I-20 with the OPT recommendation from OIS but you have not yet filed your OPT application with USCIS, OIS can cancel the OPT recommendation in your SEVIS record.
If you filed your OPT application with USCIS and received a receipt notice, you will need to request that your OPT application be withdrawn. If USCIS approves your OPT application before your application is successfully withdrawn, then you will lose the opportunity to re-apply for OPT later at the same degree level. There is no option to withdraw the application once it is approved.
My OPT has been approved but I have not received my EAD. What do I do?
OIS recommends that you contact your local US Post Office to see if they have any record of your EAD shipment. You can also check with your local mail carrier, apartment complex front desk, and neighbors. USPS may return the card to USCIS if it was not deliverable. If the EAD was returned to USCIS, you can request that they reship it to you, which can take up to 30 days. If the EAD was lost in the mail you will have to request a replacement EAD. The replacement process is similar to the initial OPT application process and requires you to pay the filing fee again. Once you receive the receipt for the replacement, you may be able to work while waiting for the replacement EAD. Please check with your employer.
I am moving soon, and my address will no longer be what I put on the I-765. How will I get my EAD card?
It is extremely important to make sure you’re entering a valid mailing address on the I-765 that will allow you to receive your card. The EAD card cannot be forwarded to a new address and will instead be returned to USCIS. If this happens, you will need to file and pay for a replacement card, which will take longer and delay your ability to work. If you do not know your next address at the time of filing, please use the address of a trusted friend or family member inside the US who can ensure you are able to retrieve your card; when filling out the I-765, entering different physical and mailing addresses is permitted for this reason. If you need to move and were not expecting to move at the time of filing, you will need to file a Change of Address with USCIS in your online account.
During Post-Completion OPT
Who determines if my job is related to major?
You have to determine if your job is related to your major. You need to be able to explain how the job uses the skills you gained from the degree program you just completed, if you are ever asked. OIS will update your F-1 record in SEVIS using the information you provide on the OPT reporting form. We recommend that you keep records of all job descriptions and offer letters you receive during OPT, just as we recommend you keep copies of all of your immigration documents.
I received an email from SEVP about the SEVP Portal. Do I have to use the Portal or should I report my employment and address updates to JHU instead?
The SEVP Portal is an online system that allows students on OPT to view and update their employment and address information. Students will receive an email to set up SEVP Portal account on or after the approved OPT start date. If you have not received an email from SEVP to set up your SEVP portal and your approved OPT start date has passed, please send an email to [email protected] and request an SEVP portal account reset.
You can choose whether you report your OPT employment information through the SEVP Portal or through iHopkins using the OPT Reporting Form. Use of the SEVP Portal is optional. It is your choice as to which option to use but keep in mind that you must update your address and employment information using one method or the other within 10 days of the change. You do not have to report the same information through both systems.
Once you report employment or address update either through the SEVP Portal or iHopkins, the information will be entered into your F-1 record and viewable in the SEVP Portal. The main difference is that reporting your OPT employment updates through iHopkins will give you an opportunity to request a new I-20, while the SEVP Portal will not do that.
What status am I in while I’m on OPT?
You are still in F-1 status. You maintain your status by working at least 20 hours per week in a job related to your major and complying with OPT reporting requirements.
Does JHU offer health insurance to students on OPT?
You may be eligible for JHU health insurance if you are employed by JHU while on OPT. Check with the JHU department where you are employed to see if you’re eligible. Otherwise, JHU does not offer health insurance to former students.
If I work at JHU during OPT, do I have to report it?
Yes. OIS will not know you are working at JHU (or anywhere else) unless you report your employment through iHopkins or the SEVP Portal. Otherwise USCIS will assume that you are unemployed and you will continue to accumulate days of unemployment.
I reported my information through iHopkins but it isn’t reflected on the SEVP Portal. Does that mean they don’t have my updated information?
It can take 24-48 hours for your information to display in the SEVP Portal after OIS enters the information into your SEVIS record.
My position title has changed but I am with the same employer. Do I still need to fill out the OPT Reporting form?
Yes, you should report the change because you will need to explain how your new position is directly related to your major field of study. If your worksite address and/or supervisor changed, you’ll be able to report those updates as well.
I changed my visa status. What should I do in this case?
If your immigration status changes, please complete thethe OPT Reporting Form in iHopkins. You can indicate that you have changed your immigration status and provide a copy of your I-797 or I-94 card so that we can end your F-1 SEVIS record.
I decided not to use my OPT and I have left the US. What should I do?
If you have left the U.S. and will not use your OPT authorization, please submit the OPT Reporting Form in iHopkins. When asked “What are you reporting?” please select “I have already departed the U.S. and will not be using my OPT.” OIS will then complete your F-1 SEVIS record. You will not be able to return to the U.S. in F-1 status with your current I-20 and your EAD card will no longer be valid. You should keep copies of all I-20s issued to you and the EAD card as part of your personal immigration records.
SEVP Portal FAQs
I cannot add my employment in the SEVP Portal because my start date is more than 10 days in the past. How do I update my information?
You must complete the OPT Reporting Form in iHopkins to add any employment that started more than 10 days ago. You are required to report changes in employment information, including starting a new job, within 10 days of the change. Only OIS can add employment information into SEVIS if the start date was more than 10 days ago.
I am trying to update my address, but the SEVP Portal will not accept it, and it says I must contact my DSO. How do I update my address?
If your new address is not recognized by the SEVP Portal, please first ensure that the address is entered correctly. If the SEVP Portal still does not recognize or accept the address, OIS must override the address update in SEVIS.You will need to report the address update to OIS through the OPT Reporting Form in iHopkins.
