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Cooper Union

OPT Application Process

The earliest date USCIS can receive your OPT application is 90 days before your date of program completion.

The latest date USCIS can receive your OPT application is 60 days after your date of program completion.

USCIS must receive your OPT application no later than 30 days from the date your new I-20 was issued to you by the ISSO.

OPT Eligibility

Who Can Apply for OPT

A degree-seeking F-1 student who:

  • Has been enrolled full-time for one full academic year = consecutive fall and spring semester
  • Is maintaining valid F-1 status
  • Is physically present in the U.S.
  • Intends to pursue a practical training or employment opportunity directly related to their major field of study
  • Has not been authorized for 365+ days of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same degree level
  • Has not been authorized for 12 months of OPT at the same or higher degree level
  • No job offer is required to apply for OPT
Types of OPT

There are three types of OPT:

  • (c)(3)(A): Pre-Completion OPT - Used for any OPT employment taken before the student's program end date
  • (c)(3)(B): Post-Completion OPT - Used for the standard 12-month OPT period after graduation
  • (c)(3)(C): STEM OPT Extension - Used for the additional 24-month OPT period available to students with STEM degrees 
How to Apply for Post-Completion OPT
  1. Attend an ISSO OPT workshop if possible. Scheduled workshops are listed on our ISSO events page
  2. Check USCIS processing times and plan accordingly
  3. Sign, date, and email the OPT application to the PDSO     
  4. Create your online USCIS account
  5. Gather the following documents:
  • Digital 2x2 color passport photo that meets USCIS specifications
  • A copy of your passport biographical page
  • A copy of the front and back of any previous EAD (Employment Authorization Document) cards, if applicable
  • A copy of any previous I-20s with CPT or OPT information, if available
  • A digital copy of your I-20 with OPT recommendation signed by you and your P/DSO (You MUST consult with the PDSO to receive a new I-20 before submitting your OPT application online)
  • A copy of your most recent form I-94
  • You do not need to start your I-765 form until you meet with your PDSO

Compile all of the documents required by USCIS, and schedule a virtual meet with the PDSO/ Director of the ISSO Hala Alkasm, to review your I-765 form. Do not submit your OPT application before you meet with your P/DSO.

Once you submit your application

After you submit your application package:

  • USCIS processing times are posted online
  • To check your status online, use your case number on your receipt notice. It is normal for your case status to say "initial review" for most of the 3-5 month processing period
  • Contact the USCIS National Customer Service Center immediately if your name is misspelled on the receipt notice (I-797 Notice of Action) confirming receipt of your OPT application
  • If you EAD card was mailed and you did not receive it you should file an e-request through USCIS
  • If you EAD card is lost, stolen or destroyed, you may request a replacement EAD by contacting the ISSO and filing a new Form I-765 and filing fee (if required)
Reporting Requirements
  • Email a copy of your EAD card to the ISSO at international@cooper.edu
  • You need to report any new employment, address, name, phone, email or employment start/end date changes within 10 days through the SEVP portal or to the ISSO.
  • While on OPT, you can only be unemployed for a maximum of 90 days
  • Failing to update your employment information promptly could result in the termination of your F-1 status
  • If you decide to stop your OPT or leave the country for longer than 5 months you must notify the ISSO 

The International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) provides general guidance on your OPT/STEM OPT application based on information obtained from reliable sources and reflecting our years of experience in working with students. Please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. Any advice provided to you by our office (as well as the information on our website) does not constitute legal advice. The OPT/STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible; the application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case.

  • 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.