What is Optional Practical Training?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that gives F-1 students an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical work experience off campus. Authorization for optional practical training is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and can take 2-4 months to obtain.
OPT Eligibility
- must be in full time student status for at least one full academic year preceding the submission of your OPT application
- be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application, and
- intend to work in a position directly related to your major field of study.
How to Apply for OPT
For detailed instructions please see the ISS OPT Application Form.
Requirements During OPT
- Continue to check your UMD email
- When you receive your EAD (Employment Authorization Document), you must submit a copy to ISS - MyISSS - EAD Card Upload Form
- Continue to update your current address through your MyU within 10 days each time there is a change
- Report your OPT employment or changes to employment by updating the information in your SEVP Portal Account - or - by completing the MyISSS - OPT Employer Report Form. Your employment must be directly related to your major at UMD and should be more than 20 hours per week.
- You may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during your 12-months of OPT
STEM OPT
For information on the 24-month STEM OPT Extension, please see our STEM OPT website