Optional Practical Training

Resources

Interactive Presentation Accessible Presentation
OPT Application Checklist 
OPT I-20 Request via iNorthTX
I-765 Application 
G-1145 Form
Payments
Health Insurance for OPT
Travel on OPT
OPT FACTS

Have a quick OPT Question?

Be sure you are logged in to your UNT email account to submit a question.

Authorization for Employment in the U.S.

  • Must receive OPT Recommended I-20 from ISSS (via iNorthTX)
  • Issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for temporary work directly related to your major area of study
  • May be used before or after completion of studies
  • You are eligible to receive a total of 12-months of OPT for each higher degree
  • If you have been enrolled as a full-time student for at least one academic year and are in lawful F-1 status, you may be eligible to apply for OPT
  • F-1 students are eligible to apply for up to one year of OPT per education level
  • Once approved, you must report all changes in employment within 10 days by submitting the Post OPT e-form via iNorthTX
  • Employment may only occur within the dates listed on your approved OPT EAD card from USCIS

To apply for Post-Completion OPT

  • View interactive presentation | View accessible presentation on OPT rules, regulations, and filing information
  • Log on to iNorthTX to complete the OPT Quiz and I-20 request e-forms
  • Applicants must complete the OPT workshop presentation and pass the quiz in iNorthTX in order to request an OPT I-20
  • Request your OPT I-20 via iNorthTX before submitting your application with USCIS 
  • Verify that the I-20 received shows the OPT Employment Authorization on page 2 and verify your requested OPT dates
    • If you do not see the OPT Authorization on page 2 of your I-20, you must contact ISSS BEFORE you file your application with USCIS
    • Filing your OPT application with USCIS without an OPT Employment Authorization listed on page 2 will result in the denial of your application

OPT Employment Authorization as seen on page 2 of I-20

  • Review your health insurance options for after graduation. If you wish to extend your current student health insurance coverage, you must do that within 14 days of your last day of classes at http://unt.myahpcare.com/.

APPLICATION RESPONSIBILITIES

Your OPT application is your responsibility as an F1 visa holder. ISSS staff will provide information regarding OPT and the application process, however, the contents of your application must be reviewed and approved by you, the student. By sending in your signed OPT application to USCIS, you are verifying that all information is correct and accurate. ISSS is not responsible for any missing or incorrect information found in your application.

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