When should I apply for OPT if I graduate in December?

After graduation (date on your transcript), a student has 60 days to take action on their status, this includes submitting the OPT application to USCIS. The 60 day deadline will be in the next semester if the student graduates in December.

What is the earliest date you can request as your post completion OPT start date?

What is the earliest date a student can file a request for post-completion OPT with USCIS? A student may file the request for post-completion OPT no more than 90 days prior to the student’s program end date.

Can I work before my OPT start date?

No! Once you complete your degree, you cannot work on campus or off campus until you have the EAD in your possession and your selected start date has arrived. Working before OPT has been authorized by USCIS constitutes illegal employment that will jeopardize your legal status in the United States.

When should I start OPT?

The latest OPT start date is 60 days from the graduation date. Since USCIS announced delays in processing times, the best practice is to apply as soon as possible (90 days before the program end date) and put the latest OPT start date (60 days after the program end date).

How long does it take to get opt After graduation?

Students may apply for Post-completion (post-graduation) OPT up to 90 days before completion of studies and up to 60 days after. USCIS must receive the application no later than 60 days after graduation or 60 days beyond the Form I-20 end date (whichever is earlier).

When can I select my Opt start date on my form?

Thus, if you have a job that starts more than 60 days after your program end date, you cannot select your job’s start date as your OPT start date; the latest OPT start date you could select is the 60th day after the program end date on your Form I-20.

When can I Choose my start date for the program?

Your start date must be within the 60 day grace period after the program end date on your Form I-20 (May to July for Spring graduates and December to February for Fall graduates). You cannot choose a date before this period starts or after this period ends.

How do I get my school to recommend opt?

Request that your designated school official (DSO) at your academic institution recommend the OPT. Your DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing your Form I‑20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).