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Optional Practical Training

One of the benefits of F-1 status is Optional Practical Training. OPT is of off-campus employment during or after the course of study. OPT employment must be in the field of study and can begin only after an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) has been applied for and received from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Optional Practical Training Forms
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application for a 17-month Extension Only	This form should be used ONLY by students who have completed their degree, have been authorized for Optional Practical Training, and are in a STEM field. NOTE: FSU HUMAN RESOURCES has opted no to enroll in eVerify at this time, but will continue to monitor enhancements to eVerify.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) Update Form	This form should be used ONLY by students who have completed their degree and have a pending or approved request for Optional Practical Training.
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) Form	You must Register for an attend an OPT Workshop. Students should apply for OPT in the semester of intended graduation up to 60 days after the graduation date. Early applications are recommended. OPT employment must be full time after completion of studies and students should not have a total of more than 90 days of unemployment during the authorized OPT period. Your OPT I-20 end date will be shortened to the graduation date. After your I-20 completion date you MAY NOT work until the dates listed on your EAD card. This includes on-campus employment.

Resources for New Rule on Optional Practical Training:

• OPT Forum - New Rule April 2008 (PowerPoint file)
  International Center PowerPoint presentation (presented at Q & A Forum on Tuesday, April 22)
  
  
• www.nafsa.org/OPT29
  This site contains links to all government documents and good summaries of the new rule information. We recommend using it as a starting point.
  
  
• Question and Answer Forum summary (to be posted soon)
  
  
• Brochures (to be posted soon)
  • Application for OPT Extension
  • OPT Extension Information for Employers

All forms are available in alternative format upon request.