How much OPT time can I apply for?
You are allowed a total of 12 months of full-time OPT per degree level.

I don’t have a job yet. Can I still apply for OPT?
Yes. You do not need a job to apply for OPT.

What start date should I use for my Post-Completion OPT application?
Your OPT start date must be within the 60 days following your I-20 program completion date. The HIO cannot pick your OPT start date for you, but we do have some tips for you to consider when deciding. Please watch this video before submitting your OPT I-20 request to the HIO.

How much does it cost to apply for OPT?
Pre-completion OPT: $470 application fee to USCIS.
Post-completion OPT: $150 to Harvard University and $470 application fee to USCIS. (Total combined cost is $620.)

I want to use OPT time before completing my degree. When can I apply?
You are eligible to apply for pre-completion OPT a maximum 90 days before your requested OPT start date. You may apply for periods of pre-completion OPT during school terms and summer vacation. You may apply for part-time (20 hours or less a week) pre-completion OPT while school is in session and full-time pre-completion OPT during official vacation periods such as summer or winter vacation.

Is there a way to expedite my OPT application with USCIS?
Yes. USCIS will accept requests to “Premium Process” an OPT application, which will obligate USCIS to adjudicate an OPT request within 30 days. To request Premium Processing, you must file an “I-907 Request for Premium Processing” form, along with an additional $1,685 fee, to USCIS. You may apply for Premium Processing at the time you submit your OPT applicaiton to USCIS, OR you may upgrade your application to Premium Processing while the OPT application is pending with USCIS. Instructions can be found here.

Please note “Premium Processing” does not mean that USCIS will approve the application within 30 days, only that they will adjudicate the application within 30 days (i.e., approve, deny, or issue a Request for Evidence).

Can I track my OPT application status with USCIS?
Yes. Upon submitting your I-765 OPT application with USCIS, you will be issued a receipt number.  You will be able to track all status updates related to your OPT application in your USCIS Online Account.  USCIS will also send email updates to alert of you on status updates, such as case pending, any requests for additional information or documents, case approved, and OPT EAD card being produced.

I’m graduating and will be applying for post-completion OPT. If I have used pre-completion OPT during my studies, how do I know how much OPT time I have remaining?
Any periods of OPT used before completion of studies will be deducted from the total 12 month period available.  For example: full-time employment for two months during a summer vacation would leave a student with only 10 months of OPT available after graduation. Your HIO advisor can assist in determining how much remaining OPT time you have available.

I graduated and left the U.S. Am I still eligible to apply for post-completion OPT?
No. If you depart the U.S. upon graduation without applying for OPT, you forfeit your OPT eligibility.

My family is here on F-2 visas, is there anything additional I need to do for them when I apply for OPT?
No. Your dependents will receive updated I-20s from the HIO to reflect your requested OPT employment dates. There is no additional cost or paperwork needed from you.

Will I be eligible for OPT again if I begin another degree program in the U.S?
Possibly. Students become eligible for another 12 months of OPT (and possibly another 2-year STEM extension) when they move to a higher educational level. However, simply beginning another degree program does not automatically confer this eligibility. For example, if a student has already used 12 months of OPT following a master’s degree, they would not be eligible for an additional OPT/STEM period upon completing a (lower) bachelors degree, or another masters degree: they would only become eligible for another OPT/STEM period following a (higher-level degree) doctoral program.