Optional Practical Training (OPT) is designed to complement academic work by providing F-1 visa students with an opportunity to obtain full-time employment experience in their selected discipline or profession for a maximum of one year upon completion of their degree program.

OPT Workshops

The International Student Office conducts OPT workshops each semester for F-1 students who are interested in employment in the United States upon completion of their degree program. The dates, times, and locale of the workshops are communicated on Argos (university daily events calendar) and via e-mail to all international students.

Students must attend one of these workshops to obtain instructions and application material. All workshops are typically held in the International Center, Building 71.

You may sign up for the next scheduled OPT workshop on our online calendar.

OPT Eligibility Requirements

A student who is applying for Optional Practical Training after completion of studies must meet all of the following requirements:

1. Be in valid F-1 visa status and have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one year;
2. Have completed ALL degree requirements in the academic program and be eligible to receive degree (this does not mean that you must have applied for graduation);
3. Possess a valid foreign passport and;
4. Possess an un-expired and valid UWF I-20 which indicates the student’s correct major and level of study.