Module 1: Am I Eligible For OPT?

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Module 1: Am I Eligible For OPT?

Complete this module to help determine if you are eligible for our Optional Practical Training, which allows you to gain valuable work experience specifically related to the academic program you are studying.

Contact OISP

Contact Information

Phone: 614.797.4700
Email: oisp@franklin.edu

Address:
Franklin University
Office of International Students and Programs
201 S. Grant Ave.
Columbus, OH 43215
USA

Office Hours

Available virtually and by phone:
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Available in person by appointment only:
Monday - Wednesday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

All times listed are Eastern Time (ET).

Schedule An Appointment

Prospective Franklin students: click here to schedule an appointment with a member of the international admissions team.

Current Franklin students: click here to schedule an appointment with an international advising coordinator.

For in-person appointments, free parking is available in lot adjacent to the Paul J. Otte Center for Student Services. Notify the Welcome Center staff when you have arrived.

When scheduling a phone appointment, provide a U.S. phone number, and we will call you at the scheduled time. If you do not have a U.S. phone number, please schedule a virtual appointment.

When scheduling a virtual appointment, provide an email address you check regularly, and we will send you a link to a Microsoft Teams meeting. View Microsoft Teams instructions.

Step 1: Eligibility Checklist

General OPT Requirements

To be eligible for OPT, you must:

Have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time, face-to-face basis in a DHS-approved college, university, conservatory, or seminary for one full academic year
Be currently maintaining F-1 status
Plan to work in a field directly related to your major area of study
Not have previously completed 12 months or more of OPT at your current degree level

Pre-completion OPT Requirements

In addition, for pre-completion OPT, you must:

Continue to maintain your F-1 status by enrolling full-time unless you are on your approved break term
Plan to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session or full-time* (more than 20 hours per week) when school is not in session or during your approved break term
Have not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at your current education level

*Note: Use of pre-completion OPT impacts the availability of post-completion OPT.

Post-completion OPT Requirements

For post-completion OPT, there are different requirements than for pre-completion OPT. You must:

Apply no more than 90 days before the end of your program (your graduation date) and before the end of your grace period (60 days after you complete your program).
Plan to work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) in a job related to the program of study listed on your I-20.

Take the OPT Eligibility Quiz

Step 2: Application Timeline

Post-Completion OPT Application Timeline

Before applying for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization, you should verify your graduation timeline and the deadlines for applying for post-completion OPT. Your academic advisor can assist you with determining your graduation plans, and OISP can assist you with verifying the OPT application timelines.

Important Milestones

Registration start date: Registration usually opens several weeks before the term begins. Contact your Academic Advisor to discuss any questions or concerns you have about completing your requirements in your final term.

Start of term: Whether your classes start the first week of the term or not, it is important to be aware of when the term starts to meet registration, payment, and application deadlines. Remember, tuition is due at the start of the term, and failure to pay in full can prevent you from participating in graduation.

Graduation application deadline: Students must apply for graduation. The graduation application deadline is generally shortly after the start of the term. The application is available online in your self-service portal at http://my.franklin.edu. Contact your Academic Advisor or the Registrar's Office for more information about this important step.

First day to apply for OPT: You can submit an application to USCIS for post-completion OPT beginning 90 days before your program end date, but the application must include an I-20 updated with your request for OPT. Note: USCIS will deny applications submitted more than 90 days before the program end date or more than 30 days after your I-20 requesting OPT has been created.

Program end date: Your program end date is listed on your I-20 as the expected date you will meet all degree requirements; if you will complete your degree requirements before the program end date on your I-20, notify OISP to update your record.

Graduation date: Congratulations! This important milestone in your life is, also, an important milestone in your status as an F-1 student. You are allowed to remain in the country in F-1 status for 60 days after your program end date, which is called your “grace period.” During your grace period, you can still apply for OPT, transfer to another program or school, apply for a change of status, or depart the country.

Last day to apply for OPT: Applications for post-completion OPT must be received by USCIS less than 60 days after your program end date; USCIS will deny applications received after your grace period ends.

Helpful Resources

Registration Dates: Contact your Academic Advisor to learn when registration begins.

Start of Term: More Information >

Graduation Application Deadline: Contact your Academic Advisor or registrar@franklin.edu for deadline.

Graduation Dates: More Information >

Calculate OPT Dates: More Information >

USCIS Processing Times: More Information >

Module 1: Am I Eligible For OPT?

Contact OISP

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