Optional Practical Training (OPT)

In This Section

*ALL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE THE OPT CANVAS COURSE BEFORE YOU APPLY*
https://rutgers.instructure.com/courses/209296/pages/welcome-and-intro?m...

USCIS Mailing Update: USCIS Changes I-765 Filing Addresses for F-1 Students | NAFSA

UPDATE from USCIS: On Sept. 29, 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in Immigration Legal Resource Center et al., v. Wolf, et al., 20-cv-05883-JWS, preliminarily enjoined DHS from implementing or enforcing any part of the USCIS Fee Schedule and Changes to Certain Other Immigration Benefit Request Requirements rule.

What this Means: Until further notice, USCIS is still accepting the I-765 form released on 8/25/2020. This is the form with the expiration date of 07/31/2022 in the upper right corner. Also, $410 will continue to be the filing fee. USCIS is accepting this fee until the court hearing has a final rule in California. The OISS will provide you with any updates as they become available.

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study and is commensurate with the level of education being sought. An F-1 student may be authorized 12 months of OPT for study at one education level and may become eligible for another 12 months of OPT after changing to a higher educational level. An F-1 student with a degree majoring in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) may apply for an extension of an additional 24-month OPT while in a valid period of post-completion OPT. Students in English language training programs are ineligible for practical training.

Pre-completion OPT

Post-completion OPT

24-month STEM OPT Extension

Reporting Requirements during Standard Post-completion OPT and STEM OPT

Key Contacts

Conklin HallRoom 216
175 University AvenueNewarkNJ07102

OISS In-Person Walk-In Hours:

* No appointment necessary. *
Monday - Thursday: 08:30am – 4:00pm

Friday, Saturday, Sunday: CLOSED

Virtual one-on-one appointments available at  Rutgers Newark - OISS (office365.com)