Optional Practical Training (OPT)

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION MATERIAL ***NEW RULES effective April 8, 2008***

"New regulations pertaining to Optional Practical Training (OPT) were instituted by the US Department of Homeland Security on April 8th, 2008. These new rules effect the following areas of the OPT employment benefit:

1. Deadlines for applying for OPT
2. Beginning and Ending Dates of OPT
3. Limits on periods of Unemployment during OPT.
4. 17th month OPT extensions for some OPT students.
5. Cap Gap Automatic Extensions for students that are the subject of an H1B petition.
6. Reporting requirements for students on OPT.

Comprehensive information from the Department of Homeland Security's policy guidance is available at: http://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/opt_policy_guidance_pdf.pdf

You may also contact IA with any questions or concerns about the new OPT changes via email: intl@uoregon.edu

Optional Practical Training allows you to accept up to one year of employment directly related to your academic major. Many students like to use twelve consecutive months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after they complete their studies, although you can use some OPT before completion. While practical training restricts the kind of work you do, it does not restrict you to a particular job or location - you can go anywhere in the country.

Understanding OPT can be important as you make plans for the end of your studies. All students should plan to attend an OPT workshop, prior to submitting their documents to an adviser in the IA. The OPT workshops schedule is listed below.

Spring 2008 Workshop Schedule

Sign up for an OPT workshop in International Affairs, Room 330, Oregon Hall.

Questions?
Please contact an International Student Adviser.