Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an authorization for employment in the U.S. issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for temporary work directly related to your major area of study.

OPT is a temporary work authorization for F-1 Students.

OPT may be used before or after the completion of your studies.

You are permitted 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.

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)

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

Log on to iNorthTX to complete the OPT Quiz and I-20 request e-forms

Applicants must complete an OPT presentation and pass the quiz in iNorthTX in order to request an OPT I-20

Request your OPT I-20 from ISSS (via iNorthTX) before submitting your application with USCIS

Verify that the I-20 received from ISSS shows the OPT Employment Authorization on page 2 and verify your request 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.

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/.

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.