Optional Practical Training (OPT)

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

Definition

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).

Eligibility Criteria

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
  • 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.”

Maximum Length

  • 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.

OPT Workshop Presentation

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

Please see the most recent update about online filing. 

Registration for the Winter 2024 OPT Workshop

OPT Workshop: Click and view the OPT Workshop Presentation

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

Friday, January 26, 2024
Join Zoom Meeting 92463494183
Meeting ID: 924 6349 4183 Passcode: 528930

Friday, February 2, 2024
Join Zoom Meeting 95772945024
Meeting ID: 957 7294 5024 Passcode: 134499

Friday, March 29, 2024
Join Zoom Meeting 97733276462
Meeting ID: 977 3327 6462 Passcode: 427404

Friday, April 19, 2024
Join Zoom Meeting 92492184816
Meeting ID: 924 9218 4816 Passcode: 295342

OPT Forms and Process

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. 

Office of International Affairs

1169 - James C. Renick University Center
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
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Phone: 313-583-6600
Fax: 313-583-6725