Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Learn more about Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students.

OPT is defined in the Federal Regulations as temporary employment directly related to a student's field of study. During OPT, a student remains in F-1 status. The end result of the OPT request process is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS).

To be eligible for OPT, the student must: 

• Be in legal F-1 immigration status
• Be a full-time student for at least one academic year
• Have U-M approved health insurance

Note: Post-completion OPT applications are typically denied by USCIS if the Level of Education indicated in item #4 on the I-20 is “non-degree.”

• The standard OPT period is a cumulative maximum of 12 months.
• Part-time OPT is deducted from the 12-month limit at 50%.
• An F-1 may become eligible for another 12 months of OPT if he/she advances to a higher educational level.

Note: Some students may be eligible for a 24-month STEM extension of OPT.

All students applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) are required to attend an OIA OPT Workshop. You can review the workshop presentation here. 

Please see here the most recent update about online filing. 

Registration for the Winter 2023 OPT Workshop

OPT Workshop: Click and view the OPT Workshop Presentation

OPT Virtual Workshops: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, January 25, 2023
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umich.zoom.us/j/99953045509
Passcode: 352386

Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umich.zoom.us/j/99275876733
Passcode: 485448

Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umich.zoom.us/j/98467461557
Passcode: 937791

Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Join Zoom Meeting
https://umich.zoom.us/j/93038979138
Passcode: 031379

OPT & STEM Application Forms and Reporting 

OPT and STEM application forms are available via the UM-Dearborn F-1 international student portal: M-International.

Post-Completion OPT change of employer

The OIA cannot update employment information for F-1 students on Post-Completion OPT. Instead, students must submit employment updates and new employer information directly to their SEVP Portal Account.

STEM OPT change of employer

To update employment information during STEM OPT, students must submit a new training plan I-983 for the new employer as well as a final evaluation form I-983 for the previous employer. Once the OIA receives the I-983 forms, the OIA will be able to update the student's SEVIS record and issue a new I-20 via email. All STEM employment updates must be submitted via the STEM OPT Reporting eForm, via the M-International F-1 student portal. 

Reporting Requirements During STEM OPT 

Students' STEM OPT reporting requirements for the 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-month reporting intervals must be submitted via M-International.