Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F-1 Employment: Optional Practical Training

If you are an F-1 student, then Optional Practical Training, or OPT, allows you to work off-campus in your field of study for 12 months.

Eligibility for OPT:

  • Before applying for OPT, you must attend a virtual OPT workshop via Zoom.
  • You do not need a job offer to apply for post-completion OPT.
  • You need to be a full-time degree-seeking student who has had full-time student status for at least one academic year.
    • Exchange students do not qualify for OPT, as they will not obtain a degree from The Cooper Union.

How to Apply:

Review the OPT online workshop, for a complete overview of the process. This is required and very important. Failure to fully review the tutorial may result in application errors and cause OPT denials or violations of F-1 status.

As of April 2021, USCIS allows I-765 for OPT applications to be filed online. If you wish to learn about the online OPT application process, see this section of our website.

  • Step 1: Send electronic copies in PDF Format of the following documents to the International Students and Scholars Services Office (ISSO) at international@cooper.edu.

    • OPT I-20 Request Form (pages 1 and 2 of this document)
    • I-765 (optional): ISSO will check the I-765 for completion, but you are responsible for confirming the accuracy of all information and for ensuring that you are submitting the most current version of the I-765 from the USCIS website.
       

  • Step 2: Wait for the ISSO to send your new OPT I-20 to you via email.

    • This can take up to 5 business days.

  • Step 3: Prepare the following materials to send to USCIS OR file your application online.

    • Your Academic Advisor Form & OPT Statement of Responsibility should not be submitted to USCIS. These are internal ISSO forms.
    • Your OPT application must reach USCIS within 30 days after the ISSO officer makes the OPT recommendation in SEVIS.
    • The following checklist is a recommendation. But you should always check the official I-765 instructions on the USCIS website prior to mailing your application.
      • G-1145
      • I-765
        • Your signature must be a “wet signature” in black ink. A digital or scanned signature is not acceptable on the I-765.
          Make sure to use extremely clear handwriting or type your information other than the signature.
          Always make sure you’re using the most recent form available on the official USCIS website.
          Using the ISSO address as your mailing address is not recommended. It does not have an impact on your OPT application in any way and it is preferable for you to use your own personal address or an “ICO” (in care of) address to which you will have access.
        • Copy of new OPT I-20 (the ISSO officer will create the new I-20 and email it to you after reviewing the forms mentioned above)
          You should print 2 copies of the I-20 sent to you via email. Sign and date both. Keep one copy for yourself. Mail the other copy to USCIS.
        • Copy of Passport Photo Page
        • Copy of your F-1 visa
        • I-94
        • Check or money order made out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. For the filing fee amount, see the USCIS Form I-765 website and scroll to “Filing Fee” under “Form Details.”
          ISSO recommends that you do not utilize the Form G-1450, as we have seen students’ applications be denied due to issues with credit card numbers not being accepted.
        • 2 New Passport Photos
          • Taken within the last 30 days
            With name and I-94 number written on the back.
            For examples of acceptable passport photos, see the DOS website.
            You can get appropriate passport photos taken at a drugstore such as CVS or at a mailing store such as Fed-Ex. If you wish to take the photos yourself, review the Department of State’s tool for taking digital photos.

      • If you wish to file your OPT application online, see our OPT Guidelines page.

  • Step 4: Mail Your OPT Application to USCIS OR submit your OPT application online.

    • Mail your application to the address listed on USCIS’ Direct Filing address section.
      • You should navigate to the section for “Foreign Students,” then navigate to the first row for Optional Practical Training.
      • Choosing regular mailing vs. courier mailing does not have an impact on your application. P.O. Boxes cannot be used by courier mail services, which is why there is a separate address for courier services.
      • ISSO recommends that you always mail your application with a tracking number.
      • ISSO recommends that you keep a digital scan of all your application materials in your personal files.
    • If you wish to file your OPT application online, see our OPT Guidelines page.

While Your OPT Application is Pending:
Keep in mind that it typically takes 90 days for your OPT application to process.

If your OPT Application has been pending for more than 90 days, email ISSO at international@cooper.edu so the DSO can email USCIS after 90 days to check on the status of your case. This is not an expedite, but it at least will give you an update on the exact status of your case.

Even if you mailed your OPT application, ISSO recommends setting up an online account with USCIS once you get your receipt number. Doing this will provide you with tracking and communication benefits.

Employment Requirements While On OPT:

  1. You need to report updates of your physical location and of your employer within 10 days of any change. You can do this by logging into your SEVP Portal Account. You will receive an email from the Department of Homeland Security with information about logging into your SEVP Portal once your OPT has been approved. Failing to report employment can lead to an automatic termination of your status.
  2. You have 90 days of allowable unemployment (150 days for STEM Extension OPT).
  3. You need to work at least 20 hours per week.
  4. The following things are considered employment:
    1. Paid employment
    2. Unpaid/volunteer employment
    3. Contract hire (keep a list of the 1099's and the duration of your employment)
    4. Self-employment (if you have the proper business licenses)
    5. Multiple jobs (as long as all jobs are in your field of study)

Applying for STEM Extension OPT:
If you are applying for your STEM Extension OPT, please see the STEM OPT page.

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.