Optional Practical Training

Optional Practice Training (OPT) allows F1 students the opportunity to work in their field of study in the United States up to 1 full year after completing a degree. This year is meant to help you get practical "hands-on" experience and prepare for employment in your home countries.

Employment must be directly related to your most recently completed academic program. Employment outside the primary area of study is not allowed.

Note: If you have already completed 12 months of pre- or post-completion OPT at the associate or higher level degree, you are not eligible for additional OPT at the associate or certificate level. Contact International Student Admissions & Compliance (ISAC) if you have any questions or read more about OPT (opens in a new window).

All forms and PDF documents will open in a new window. 

Application Process

1. Complete and submit the following forms to International Student Admissions & Compliance in-person or by email:

   Required:

   • OPT Request Form (PDF)Listen
   • Graduation Checklist & Exit Survey Form (PDF)Listen
   • F-1 Students Graduation & OPT Seminar Agreement (form will be provided by ISAC)

   Optional:

   • Form-I765 (We highly recommend sending the completed form  to us for review)

   A new I-20 with an OPT endorsement will be issued after all the forms are submitted and approved.

2. Complete and submit the USCIS Application for Employment Authorization (Form I-765)within 30 days of the issuance of the new I-20.
   • If you want to file Form I-765 online, you will need to create a USCIS account (opens in a new window)

   The following documents are required when filing Form I-765: 

   • USCIS Form I-765 application fee payment: 
     • If paying with card use Form G-1450
     • If paying with bank account use Form G-1650
   • Copies of your passport ID page, F-1 visa, I-94, all I-20s issued to you, and Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card (if applicable) 
   • 2 color passport-sized photos 
   • OPT Recommendation Letter from your Primary/Designated School Official (P/DSO)  
   • Endorsed OPT I-20 
   • Employment Verification Letter (if applicable, provided by employer)
3. Apply for a Social Security Card

   If you do not do not have a Social Security Number (SSN), you will have to apply for a Social Security card with the Social Security Administration (SSA) (opens in a new window).

   • The following requirements are needed: 
   • Physical passport, F-1 visa, and I-94
   • Endorsed OPT I-20
   • OPT Recommendation Letter from P/DSO
   • Social Security Number Letter from P/DSO
   • Employment Verification Letter (if applicable, provided by employer)

Review our OPT checklist (PDF)Listen to make sure you have everything completed. 

Taking the Job

Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is an authorization to find employment and to start work only on the date your EAD card becomes valid. Do not work outside of the EAD dates!

During standard post-completion OPT, you may not be unemployed for more than 90 days in total. Per USCIS SEVP Policy Guidance on OPT, to be considered employed, you must work a minimum of 20 hours per week in an eligible position. If your work schedule varies, the total working hours per month must average at least 20 hours per week. 

For answers to additional questions, check the USCIS website (opens in a new window) or contact ISAC. 

Life after OPT

When your OPT EAD card expires, you must stop working. You will have the following options:

• Transfer to another U.S. institution
• Start a new program at TCC (must need a minimum of 15 credits for completion)
• File for Change of Status with USCIS (opens in a new window)
• Return to your home country

You must take one of the above actions within 60 days of the expiration date on your EAD card. You are required to notify ISAC of your plans before the 60-day grace period expires. If you fail to notify ISAC on time, your SEVIS record will auto-complete.  You will be out of status if this happens and we will not be able to help you further.

Transfer to Another School

If you are accepted to another U.S. college or university and transfer before the EAD card expires, you must stop working on the date of the transfer.

To successfully have your SEVIS records transferred out to another U.S. institution, you will need to provide ISAC with the SEVIS Release Request Form (PDF)Listen and the Acceptance Letter of the new institution.

Learn how to transfer to another school.

Start a New Program at TCC

If you are planning to start a new program at TCC, you must complete and submit the following required forms to ISAC:

• Request for New or Revised I-20 Form (PDF)Listen
• Change of Academic Program Form (form will be provided by ISAC) 
• Financial Support Form (PDF)Listen and Bank Affidavit (PDF)Listen (not older than 6 months) 
• New Degree Audit 

Depart the U.S.

If you need help, please contact ISAC.

Updated February 26, 2026