
Optional Practical Training
Learn about Optional Practical Training requirements and application procedures.
Learn about Optional Practical Training requirements and application procedures.
*CRITICAL APPLICATION INFORMATION* |
USCIS sometimes changes requirements for OPT applications, such as updating the Form I-765 to use, changing the mailing address for applications, etc. It is your responsibility to follow all the government’s requirements to avoid a rejection or denial of your OPT application. Always use the links to USCIS that are posted on the OGI website and be sure to follow all instructions carefully. |
How to submit your application for OPT I-20 to the OGI |
or,
When your I-20 is ready, you'll receive it via email from OGI. |
Pre completion OPT is employment which will occur prior to program completion. Pre completion OPT authorization ends upon program completion. Students already engaged in pre completion OPT are required to submit a separate application to USCIS for post completion OPT approval. Most students at NJIT apply for CPT rather than pre-completion OPT.
Post completion OPT is employment which will occur after program completion. In some cases, PhD students can be approved for post-completion OPT while they are still working on their dissertations..
OPT allows you to engage in employment directly related to your major field of study, and requires prior approval from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Students may qualify for up to 12 months of full time OPT employment authorization for each higher level of education completed. Any applications approved by USCIS after the 60 day post completion grace period has passed will be issued an EAD card with a start date of the date USCIS approved the application, and an end date 12 months from the end of the 60 day grace period (14 months from program completion date).
In order to be eligible for Post or Pre Completion OPT:
*IMPORTANT* If the student is authorized for CPT employment in their final semester, CPT authorization will end on the program completion date (the last day of final exams as listed on NJIT’s academic calendar), even if a later end date was previously authorized for CPT employment.
Students applying for pre-completion OPT:
Students applying for post-completion OPT:
*USCIS must RECEIVE your application documents before the end of your 60 day post completion grace period. Any applications received after this date will be denied.
IMPORTANT! Your I-20 end date will be shortened to reflect the true end date of your last semester. The end date is the last day of final exams as listed on NJIT's academic calendar. If you are a PhD student who is defending your dissertation in the beginning of middle of the semester, contact your international student advisor to determine what your end date will be.
In order to be fair to all students, applications will be processed in the order received, and will not be expedited. USCIS processing time is 3-5 months. Tips for filing forms with USCIS: https://www.uscis.gov/forms-filing-tipsREMINDER: Always check the USCIS website directly for the most up-to-date I-765 form, filing fee and mailing address.
**If applying for post-completion OPT, you may submit your application to OGI starting 90 days before your program end date and up to 14 days before the end of your 60 day grace period. If you depart the U.S. during your post completion grace period, before sending your application to USCIS, you will no longer be eligible for OPT.
Applications for OPT must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the issuance of your Form I-20 with OPT requested.
DO NOT submit your application to the OGI unless you are prepared to complete your application to USCIS within 30 days.
Please allow 7 business days to process all application requests and submissions. Students will receive their new OPT requested I-20 via email.
**In order to obtain a new I-20 with OPT recommendation, students must submit the following documents to the Office of Global Initiatives IN PERSON or BY MAIL. The OGI will no longer accept OPT applications electronically**
To submit applications:
When the office door is open: drop off completed applications in the office in the OPT drop box. When the office door is closed: slide them under the OGI office door. OGI is the only office in this suite so applications will certainly be received. These applications must be COMPLETE and include all required documents listed above. Documents must be completed and filled out prior to drop off, including the money order and application form. OR
Students may mail completed applications to the OGI directly. All applications submitted by mail must be complete and include all required documents listed above. Students may mail documents to the office using the contact information HERE.
Students should review their OPT requested I-20 carefully to ensure that all information is correct prior to submitting their application to USCIS. Contact OGI immediately if there are any errors, so they may be corrected as quickly as possible.
USCIS must receive your OPT application within 30 days of your OPT I-20 being issued or they will automatically deny your petition.
Refer to the OGI guidelines in Canvas if you are considering applying online rather than mailing your application to USCIS. Find more information about applying online on the USCIS website.
If you are applying online, refer to the online instructions from USCIS to know what documents to upload.
Please be aware:
If you are mailing your application to USCIS, assemble the supporting documents in the following order:
**Make a copy of your entire application package, all documents included, prior to mailing, in order to have a copy of your complete application for your records, and send all materials to USCIS with tracking information if you are mailing your application rather than applying online.**
Students may submit their application for post-completion OPT to USCIS up to 90 days prior to their program end date, and up to 60 days after the program end date (all documents must be received by USCIS before the end of the 60-day grace period). Your program end date might differ from the one currently listed on your I-20. Your true program end date will be the last day of final exams of the semester when you will graduate. Your I-20 will be shortened as needed to reflect the true end date of your program.
If sending by mail: look on the USCIS website for the direct filing addresses for Form I-765. Send your documents to USCIS with tracking information and/or delivery confirmation requested, and make a copy of your entire application prior to mailing to USCIS.
If applying online: refer to the USCIS website.
Students may find additional information regarding employment issues below:
Ph.D. Students may apply for Post Completion OPT prior to the official completion of their program of study.
Regulations will allow such students to begin Post Completion OPT, and continue to enroll in coursework in order to finalize their program requirements as necessary, as long as the student maintains OPT requirements during this time. Students will begin accruing unemployment days once their EAD start date has arrived, regardless of whether they are still completing program requirements and are enrolled in coursework.
In order to apply for post completion OPT, even if the student will continue to enroll in coursework, the Form I-20 program must be shortened to indicate program completion.
**PhD students who apply for OPT before they have completed their dissertations are still subject to NJIT policies which include, but are not limited to, registration for dissertation credits. Students should contact the Graduate Studies Office for additional information.
If your application for post completion OPT is APPROVED by USCIS:
If your application for post completion OPT is DENIED by USCIS: