OPT and beyond for ASU students
link A guide to help you understand the benefits of Optional Practical Training and all the resources available to help you through the process.
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A message from our Assistant Vice President Holly Singh
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link Interviews with OPT students
Click here to watch Tanvi’s journey
Name
Tanvi Raorane
Major
Masters in Business Analytics
Country
Mumbai, India
Graduation
May 2022
Employer
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Position
Vice President of Risk
link The best parts of OPT are gaining precious working experience in the U.S. and keeping your options open for career development.
Click here to watch Kemi’s journey
Name
Kemi Chen
Major
Masters in Music Education and Music Performance (Percussion)
Country
Chongqing, China
Graduation
December 2019
Employer
Sunshine Acres Children’s Home
Position
Drum Set Teacher
link OPT has given me the opportunity to experience American culture in the corporate world. As an aspiring entrepreneur, working for a successful private company in the U.S. has taught me tips and nuggets which I know would be useful in my future business endeavors. For that, I am grateful.
Click here to watch Lois’ journey
Name
Lois Andoh
Major
Masters in Global Logistics
Country
Takoradi, Ghana
Graduation
May 2020
Employer
Shamrock Food Company
Position
Logistics Analyst
link From my personal experience, OPT was instrumental in securing my first full-time job in the United States and equipped me with the necessary skills to succeed as a professional in the fields of sports and education. Above all, it allowed me to reflect on my career and generate a path toward achieving my professional development and passion.
Click here to watch Shaorui’s journey
Name
Shaorui Zhu
Major
Bachelor in Physical Education
Country
Shanghai, China
Graduation
December 2017
Employer
IMG Academy
Position
Student-Athlete Mentor
Frequently asked questions
Q
Can I withdraw my Post OPT application? Please contact the ISSC immediately to receive further advisement as a withdrawal is not always guaranteed to happen due to USCIS’s processing time.
A
Can I do a second POST-OPT after I finish a second degree? Students can be eligible for 12 months of OPT (including Pre and Post) at each higher degree level completed. For example, if a student was granted OPT at a bachelor’s level, OPT for another bachelor’s degree is no longer available. For students with multiple majors at the same degree level, only one major can be used when applying for Post-OPT.
Can I change employers while on Post OPT? Yes, as long as the new employment is directly related to the field of study and is a minimum of 20 hours per week. No special permission is required to change employers. Please remember you must report all updates within 10 days of the change to the SEVP Portal. sevp.ice.gov/opt/#/login.
Can I start working once I file my Post OPT application with USCIS? No, work cannot begin until after the application is approved and you receive your EAD card and the valid from date occurs. This includes volunteer and intern positions.
Can I start a new degree program while on Post-OPT? You can start a new degree during your work authorization, however, your OPT work authorization will be invalidated once your new I-20 is issued.
FAQs continued
Q
What is my visa status after I complete my program? You will remain in F-1 status while your application is being processed, during your Post-OPT authorization and during your 60-day grace period upon completion of your OPT authorization.
A
Can I extend my Post-OPT authorization? There are no extensions of the Post-OPT work authorization unless you are eligible for the STEM OPT Extension. Once your Post-OPT authorization ends, you have a 60-day grace period to either change your visa status, transfer to another school, pursue another degree at ASU or depart the US.
When should I apply for STEM OPT if I am eligible? You may apply for STEM OPT no more than 100 days prior to end date of your Post-OPT, but must apply before your Post-OPT authorization expires. This will maximize your opportunity to receive your EAD card on time.
I have been unemployed for almost 90 days. What do I do? If you accumulate 90+ days of unemployment on Post-OPT, you should plan to depart the US. Please note while on Post-OPT, volunteer and intern positions can be utilized to not accrue unemployment days as long as the position is directly related to your field of study and at least minimum of 20 hours per week.
My 60-day grace period has ended but my application has not been approved. What do I do? As long as your application was received by USCIS, you are permitted to stay in the U.S. until your application is processed. Please keep in mind, you cannot work, intern or volunteer until the start date on your EAD card.
Thanks for contacting the ISSC, have a great day!
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Application timeline
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Apply for Post-OPT I-20 between 100 days before your degree completion date and 50 days after your degree completion date Within 10 business days of your academic advisors approval the ISSC will issue the Post-OPT I-20
The requested OPT start date must be between the degree completion date and the end of the 60 day grace period
Your OPT application must be received by USCIS between 90 days before your degree completion date and 60 days after your degree completion date, and within 30 days of the Post-OPT I-20 issue date
The average USCIS processing time is 90 days, however, they can also take longer or shorter
There is a 60 day grace period after your OPT EAD expires
Career Services Resources
ASU students have access to free self-paced and discounted in-person prep to a variety of graduate exams? The #1 piece of Thanks to a partnership with The feedback employers give Princeton Review, Sun Devils can is that applicants do not tailor take their preparation for the GRE, their materials to the position they GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT to the are applying for. Make sure to read the next level. Learn more here! job description clearly to make sure your experiences fit what the employer is looking for, and then update your resume and cover letter to make it clear why you are the right fit! You can have your resume reviewed in a number of ways. We recommend making use of resources in this order: 1. View examples of resumes and application materials (480) 965-2350 2. Get immediate feedback by leveraging careerservices@asu.edu the VMock platform. career.asu.edu/location-and-hours
Resources Advising
Government resources
ISSC advising
Career Services advising
MyUSCIS USCIS employment page USCIS Ombudsman Form I-765 SEVP portal overview SEVP portal user guide
How to apply for OPT
Case management fee
Application tutorial OPT workshops ISSC YouTube channel ASU OPT web page MyISSC eForm portal
Pay Post-OPT Pay STEM OPT
Immigration specific questions
Job search, application materials, interview skills help, and mock interviews
Guided Canvas courses Post OPT review STEM Extension review Form I-983 review (for STEM)
Finding a job Handshake Interstride Your academic unit may have a list of job opening tailored to your major or department
Contact us
(480) 727-4776 issc.employment@asu.edu
Refunds will be considered under the following conditions: 1. Payment was paid in error 2. ISSC determines that student is ineligible 3. Application is canceled by the student prior to the issuance I-20