{"id":276,"date":"2014-10-04T22:51:45","date_gmt":"2014-10-05T02:51:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/?page_id=276"},"modified":"2026-01-07T07:39:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T12:39:08","slug":"optional-practical-training-opt","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/international-students\/optional-practical-training-opt\/","title":{"rendered":"Optional Practical Training (OPT)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>Overview<\/h3>\n<p>Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study. Students can apply for OPT before completing their academic program (Pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (Post-completion OPT). OPT provides up to 12 months of employment authorization and is designed to enhance academic learning with real-world experience.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pre-completion OPT allows students to work part-time while still enrolled in their academic program. Full-time Pre-completion OPT can be authorized during the summer break.<\/li>\n<li>Post-completion OPT provides full-time employment authorization after graduation to gain hands-on experience in a job directly related to their field of study for up to 12 months.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Processing Timelines<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Request for OPT Recommendation:<\/strong> The CGL processing time is 14 business days from the date we receive a complete application<\/li>\n<li><strong>Application Submission<\/strong>: You can submit your OPT application to the USCIS up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after completion.<\/li>\n<li><strong>USCIS Processing Time<\/strong>: USCIS typically processes OPT applications within 60 to 90 days. Delays can occur during peak times, so early submission is recommended.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Application Fees<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>SPU Maintenance of Status fee<\/strong>: $115 (Required). You will be charged this fee only after you submit the OPT request through the International Student Portal<\/li>\n<li><strong>USCIS I-765 OPT fee<\/strong>: $470. Payments can be made online through the USCIS portal during the submission process. (Required)<\/li>\n<li><strong>USCIS Premium Processing<\/strong>: $1,685 (Optional)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Eligibility Requirements<\/h3>\n<p>To be eligible for Post-Completion OPT, students must:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Be in lawful F-1 status<\/li>\n<li>Be physically present in the U.S.<\/li>\n<li>Have been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year. At SPU, one academic year is 2 semesters for undergraduate students and 3 trimesters for graduate students.<\/li>\n<li>Have completed all requirements for their academic program by the anticipated OPT start date.<\/li>\n<li>Not have used more than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same educational level.<\/li>\n<li>Not have previously used OPT at the same educational level.<\/li>\n<li>You do not need to have a job offer when submitting your application.<\/li>\n<li><span>If summer is your final term, you must enroll in at least one in-person course.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>NOTE: The one academic year of full-time enrollment clock resets under the following circumstances:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The student returned to F-1 status after spending time in a different immigration status in the U.S. while not enrolled full-time.<\/li>\n<li>The student returned after being outside the U.S. for 5 months or more.<\/li>\n<li>The student regained F-1 status through \u201ctravel and re-entry\u201d after their SEVIS record was terminated for any reason, including Authorized Early Withdrawal (AEW).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If any of those situations apply, you must complete another academic year of full-time enrollment in order to qualify for Optional Practical Training.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Application Process<\/h3>\n<div id=\"accordions-1193\" class=\"accordions-1193 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:true,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;1193&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;true&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}>\r\n                <div id=\"accordions-lazy-1193\" class=\"accordions-lazy\" accordionsId=\"1193\">\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"items\"  style=\"display:none\" >\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1193\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-17375694640\" id=\"header-17375694640\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head17375694640 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Step 1: Attend a CGL OPT Workshop\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-17375694640\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-17375694640\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Step 1: Attend a CGL OPT Workshop<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content17375694640 \">\r\n                <p>Begin by attending a mandatory OPT workshop hosted by the Center for Global Learning (CGL). The workshop provides critical information about eligibility, timelines, and the application process. For a list of upcoming workshops, take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/news-and-events\/\">CGL Calendar of Events<\/a>.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1193\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-17375694641\" id=\"header-17375694641\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head17375694641 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Step 2: Submit a Request via the International Student Portal\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-17375694641\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-17375694641\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Step 2: Submit a Request via the International Student Portal<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content17375694641 \">\r\n                <p>After attending the workshop, log into the <a href=\"https:\/\/isss.saintpeters.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Student Portal<\/a> and complete the OPT Request Form. To successfully submit your request through the ISP, you will need the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A completed <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-765\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) PDF version<\/a>. <strong>Do not complete payment for the online I-765 until after you receive an I-20 with the OPT recommendation from a DSO at the Center for Global Learning. If you do, the USCIS will deny your application.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li>Copy of most recent <a href=\"https:\/\/i94.cbp.dhs.gov\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Form I-94<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Your academic advisor\u2019s name, email address, and phone number<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your requested start and end date of Post-Completion OPT.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1193\" itemcount=\"2\"  header_id=\"header-17375694642\" id=\"header-17375694642\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head17375694642 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Step 3: Pay Maintenance of Status Fee\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-17375694642\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-17375694642\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Step 3: Pay Maintenance of Status Fee<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content17375694642 \">\r\n                <p><strong>NOTE:<\/strong> In October 2024, Saint Peter\u2019s University instituted a Maintenance of Status fee of $115 for students applying for Post-Completion OPT. <strong>You will be asked to pay the fee after you submit the OPT request through the International Student Portal<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>A copy of your payment receipt is required for your application to move forward. To submit a copy of the receipt complete the <a href=\"https:\/\/isss.saintpeters.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maintenance of Status Payment Receipt <\/a>through the International Student Portal.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1193\" itemcount=\"3\"  header_id=\"header-17375694643\" id=\"header-17375694643\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head17375694643 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Step 4: Receive OPT Recommendation I-20\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-17375694643\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-17375694643\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Step 4: Receive OPT Recommendation I-20<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content17375694643 \">\r\n                <p>Once your OPT request is approved, the CGL will issue a new I-20 with an OPT recommendation and you will receive an email with instructions. The I-20 will be available for you to download from the International Student Portal. Ensure the information on your I-20 is accurate and notify the CGL immediately, if any changes are needed.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1193\" itemcount=\"4\"  header_id=\"header-17375694644\" id=\"header-17375694644\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head17375694644 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Step 5: Submit Your Application to the USCIS\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-17375694644\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-17375694644\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Step 5: Submit Your Application to the USCIS<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content17375694644 \">\r\n                <p>File your OPT application online through the USCIS website. If you do not already have one, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/file-online\/how-to-create-a-uscis-online-account\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">create a myUSCIS account<\/a>. You will need a myUSCIS account to submit your OPT application online to the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).<\/p>\n<p>Applications must be submitted within 30 days of the OPT I-20 issuance date. Otherwise, you must request a new I-20 with OPT recommendation. Failure to submit the application to the USCIS within 30 days of receiving the recommendation will result in denial of your application.<\/p>\n<p>Premium processing is expedited processing offered by the USCIS and is available for optional practical training. Premium processing is available for optional practical training by filing the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/i-907\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service<\/a> and guarantees processing within thirty days.\u00a0 This is optional and not necessary for most students.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Submitting the Application through USCIS<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Create a USCIS Account<\/strong>: Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Visit the USCIS website<\/a> and create an account. Select \u2018File a Form Online\u2019. Select I-765, Application for Employment Authorization.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Complete the Form I-765<\/strong>: Fill out the online application for Employment Authorization. Be sure to enter the correct code for the type of authorization you are requesting:\n<ul>\n<li>Pre-completion OPT: (c) (3) (A)<\/li>\n<li>Post-completion OPT: (c) (3) (B)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Upload Supporting Documents<\/strong>:\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Two recent passport-sized photos (2\u201d x 2\u201d) on a white background.<\/li>\n<li>Copy of your new OPT I-20 signed by a DSO.<\/li>\n<li>Copy of your passport biographical page and copy of F-1 visa.<\/li>\n<li>Copy of your I-94 record (available online).<\/li>\n<li>Copies of any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EAD), if applicable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pay the USCIS <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uscis.gov\/g-1055?form=i-765\"><strong>I-765 Application Fee<\/strong><\/a>: Use the secure payment portal.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Submit the Application<\/strong>: Review and confirm your submission. Save the receipt notice (Form I-797) for your records.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1193\" itemcount=\"5\"  header_id=\"header-17375694645\" id=\"header-17375694645\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head17375694645 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 6:  Upload Copy of Employment Authorization Document (Optional)\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-17375694645\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-17375694645\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 6:  Upload Copy of Employment Authorization Document (Optional)<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content17375694645 \">\r\n                <p>Providing a copy of the EAD to the CGL via the<a href=\"https:\/\/isss.saintpeters.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> International Student Portal<\/a> is optional, but highly recommended. To upload a copy of the EAD follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Log into the International Student Portal<\/li>\n<li>Go to the Student Request Center<\/li>\n<li>Select the Employment Authorization Document form<\/li>\n<li>Upload file<\/li>\n<li>Click \u201cSubmit\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1193\" itemcount=\"6\"  header_id=\"header-17375694646\" id=\"header-17375694646\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head17375694646 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"STEP 7: Reporting Requirements While on OPT\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-17375694646\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-17375694646\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">STEP 7: Reporting Requirements While on OPT<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content17375694646 \">\r\n                <p>Students on Post completion OPT are required by the U.S. government to report their employment status and employer information. <strong>While you are on post-completion OPT, you cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment<\/strong>. If you fail to report your job information or if you are unemployed for an aggregate of 90 days or more while on OPT, the government could end your F-1 status and terminate your SEVIS record. You can report your employment in one of two ways:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Submit information directly through your SEVIS Portal Account.<\/li>\n<li>Submit information through the <a href=\"https:\/\/isss.saintpeters.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SPU International Student Portal<\/a> by completing the OPT Employer Update request. A DSO at the CGL will then update your information in SEVIS.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><strong>NOTE: It is not necessary to update your employment through the SEVIS portal and the SPU International Student Portal. You should do one or the other, not both. If you update your employment information directly through the SEVIS portal and you would like to receive an updated form I-20, simply submit an I-20 Reprint Request through the International Student Portal and choose \u201cUpdated\u201d as the reason for the request.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In addition, you must continue to report any changes to your U.S. residential address by using the <a href=\"http:\/\/isss.saintpeters.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CGL's International Student Portal<\/a> within ten days of any change. To update your address follow these steps:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Log into the ISP.<\/li>\n<li>Go to the Student Request Center.<\/li>\n<li>Click on the Contact Information Update form.<\/li>\n<li>Click \u201cSubmit\u201d.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n            <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Dos and Don&#8217;ts of OPT<\/h3>\n<p><strong>Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Apply early to avoid processing delays. You can submit your application to the USCIS up to 90 days prior to completion of your program<\/li>\n<li>Maintain accurate records of your employment and report updates through your SEVIS portal account or through the International Student Portal.<\/li>\n<li>Ensure employment is directly related to your major field of study.<\/li>\n<li>Monitor your unemployment days (maximum of 90 days during post-completion OPT).<\/li>\n<li>Create the SEVIS Portal Account immediately after receiving the link from USCIS<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Don&#8217;t:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Don\u2019t start working until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t exceed the 90-day unemployment limit.<\/li>\n<li>Don\u2019t forget to update your address and employer information in SEVIS.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Don\u2019t complete the online I-765 until you receive an I-20 with the OPT recommendation from a DSO at the Center for Global Learning. If you do, the USCIS will deny your application.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/h3>\n<div id=\"accordions-1196\" class=\"accordions-1196 accordions\" data-accordions={&quot;lazyLoad&quot;:true,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;1196&quot;,&quot;event&quot;:&quot;click&quot;,&quot;collapsible&quot;:&quot;true&quot;,&quot;heightStyle&quot;:&quot;content&quot;,&quot;animateStyle&quot;:&quot;swing&quot;,&quot;animateDelay&quot;:1000,&quot;navigation&quot;:true,&quot;active&quot;:999,&quot;expandedOther&quot;:&quot;no&quot;}>\r\n                <div id=\"accordions-lazy-1196\" class=\"accordions-lazy\" accordionsId=\"1196\">\r\n                    <\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"items\"  style=\"display:none\" >\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"0\"  header_id=\"header-1737569491736\" id=\"header-1737569491736\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569491736 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"How early can I submit my OPT recommendation request to the CGL?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569491736\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569491736\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">How early can I submit my OPT recommendation request to the CGL?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569491736 \">\r\n                <p>You can submit your request through the ISP as early as 100 days prior to completion of your program.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"1\"  header_id=\"header-1737569507571\" id=\"header-1737569507571\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569507571 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"How early can I submit my OPT application to the USCIS?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569507571\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569507571\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">How early can I submit my OPT application to the USCIS?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569507571 \">\r\n                <p>You can submit your application for OPT to the USCIS as early as 90 days prior to completion of your program.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"2\"  header_id=\"header-1737569528405\" id=\"header-1737569528405\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569528405 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"What is my program completion date?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569528405\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569528405\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">What is my program completion date?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569528405 \">\r\n                <p>Your program completion date is the last day of finals if you are an undergraduate student. If you are a graduate student, your program completion date is the last day of classes. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/academic-calendar\/\">Please consult the Academic Calendar<\/a> for specific dates.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"3\"  header_id=\"header-1737569559828\" id=\"header-1737569559828\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569559828 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"I cannot access my saintpeters.edu email. What do I do?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569559828\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569559828\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">I cannot access my saintpeters.edu email. What do I do?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569559828 \">\r\n                <p>Contact Information Technology at<a href=\"mailto:servicedesk@saintpeters.edu\"> servicedesk@saintpeters.edu<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"4\"  header_id=\"header-1737569581528\" id=\"header-1737569581528\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569581528 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"I do not know my saintpeters.edu password. What do I do?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569581528\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569581528\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">I do not know my saintpeters.edu password. What do I do?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569581528 \">\r\n                <p>Contact Information Technology at <a href=\"mailto:servicedesk@saintpeters.edu\">servicedesk@saintpeters.edu<\/a> for assistance.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"5\"  header_id=\"header-1737569601374\" id=\"header-1737569601374\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569601374 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"When can I start working?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569601374\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569601374\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">When can I start working?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569601374 \">\r\n                <p>You can begin working only after receiving your EAD and on or after the start date listed on the card.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"6\"  header_id=\"header-1737569619375\" id=\"header-1737569619375\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569619375 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Can I travel while my OPT application is pending?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569619375\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569619375\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Can I travel while my OPT application is pending?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569619375 \">\r\n                <p>Travel is not recommended while your OPT application is pending. If you must travel, consult the CGL for guidance.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"7\"  header_id=\"header-1737569634741\" id=\"header-1737569634741\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569634741 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"What if my OPT application is denied?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569634741\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569634741\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">What if my OPT application is denied?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569634741 \">\r\n                <p>If your application is denied, be sure to notify the CGL immediately and provide a copy of the denial notice. Remember that you cannot work unless you have received the necessary authorization from the USCIS. If the denial is issued while you are still within 60 days of completion of your program, we can guide you through the process of re-submitting your application to the USCIS. If the denial is issued outside of the 60 days of completion of your program, the USCIS will automatically complete your SEVIS record. In this case your options are to:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>leave the U.S., or<\/li>\n<li>Be admitted to a new program of studies and apply for Reinstatement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"8\"  header_id=\"header-1737569786299\" id=\"header-1737569786299\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569786299 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"How do I report changes to my employment or address?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569786299\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569786299\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">How do I report changes to my employment or address?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569786299 \">\r\n                <p>Use the SEVP Portal or the International Student Portal to report changes such as change in employer, end of employment, change of address.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    \r\n            <div post_id=\"1196\" itemcount=\"9\"  header_id=\"header-1737569808596\" id=\"header-1737569808596\" style=\"\" class=\"accordions-head head1737569808596 border-none\" toggle-text=\"\" main-text=\"Can I study while on Post-Completion OPT?\">\r\n                                    <span id=\"accordion-icons-1737569808596\" class=\"accordion-icons\">\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-active accordion-plus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-up\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                        <span class=\"accordion-icon-inactive accordion-minus\"><i class=\"fas fa-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/span>\r\n                    <\/span>\r\n                    <span id=\"header-text-1737569808596\" class=\"accordions-head-title\">Can I study while on Post-Completion OPT?<\/span>\r\n                            <\/div>\r\n            <div class=\"accordion-content content1737569808596 \">\r\n                <p>As per federal regulations, your Post-Completion OPT is automatically cancelled if you start a new program of study or if your SEVIS record is released to another college or university.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n            <\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h3>Contact Us<\/h3>\n<p>For more assistance, contact the Center for Global Learning at <a href=\"mailto:iss@saintpeters.edu\">iss@saintpeters.edu<\/a>. We\u2019re here to help you navigate the OPT process successfully!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience in their field of study. Students can apply for OPT before completing their academic program (Pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (Post-completion OPT). OPT provides up to 12 months of employment authorization and is designed to enhance academic [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"parent":258,"menu_order":-1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-276","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=276"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/276\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1333,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/276\/revisions\/1333"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/258"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saintpeters.edu\/global-learning\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}