Close
Close
Search this website

Optional Practical Training

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status are permitted by the USCIS to work towards getting practical training to complement their field of studies once they have completed their program of studies.

OPT AT A GLANCE:

  • Earliest to Apply:

    90 days before graduation

  • Latest to Apply:

    30 days after graduation

  • ISSS Maintenance Fee:

    $100 (non-refundable) 

  • USCIS Processing time:

    Approx. 2-3 months (varies)

     

Critical Immigration Rule

Do not submit Form I-765 to USCIS without an OPT-endorsed Form I-20 issued by ISSS.
USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of the DSO signature date on your I-20.
Your OPT Application Roadmap:
  • Prepare:
    • Apply for graduation on MyFIU Portal
    • Pay $100 fee
    • Get advisor form
  • Request OPT I-20:
  • USCIS Online:
    • Sign I-20 in ink 
    • Submit Form I-765 at USCIS
    • Pay filing fee
  • Report:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  • 1. Prepare your Documents (90 days Prior to Graduation)

    1-Apply for Graduation

    Please visit your MyFIU portal and apply for graduation before submitting your documents to ISSS. It is your responsibility to monitor your progress toward graduation and ensure you will graduate this semester.  If this requirement has not been met, your OPT I-20 request will not be processed.

    If you suspect that you may not graduate, you MUST contact ISSS immediately and take action to request an extension of stay before program end date. 

    2- PAY Post-Completion OPT Maintenance Fee in the amount of $100.00

    One-time non-refundable compulsory maintenance fee required to process your OPT Application and maintain your F1 student record at FIU while you are on OPT. Maintenance Fee can be paid online by visiting this website https://issscart.fiu.edu/. You must submit your confirmation email in order to process your OPT I-20 Request. (For Post-Completion OPT only)

    3-Obtain OPT Recommendation Form- Pre-Completion OPT or Post Completion OPT

    • This form must be completed and signed by an appropriate representative in your academic department (undergraduate major or graduate program) such as your Academic Advisor, Program Coordinator, Department Chair or Major Professor.  
    • Choose your OPT start date: The earliest start date you may request is a day after the end of the semester in which you graduate, and up to no later than 60 days after the semester end date.
      • For example:  You graduate fall 2025, the program end date is 12/13/2025.  You may select 12/14/2025 as the earliest start date or up to the latest start date of 02/11/2026.
  • 2. Request your OPT I-20 from ISSS
    1. Request your OPT-endorsed I-20: Submit your documents to ISSS via the FIU ISSS PORTAL.
    2. Once you’ve logged into the portal, please select: F-1 Practical Training Applications > Post-Completion OPT Endorsed I-20 Request and upload the following documents:
      1. OPT Recommendation Form
      2. Most Recent I-94
      3. Passport
      4. F-1 Visa
      5. Confirmation of maintenance fee payment
    3. Once you upload all your documents, a DSO will process your OPT I-20.
    4. A DSO will email your OPT-endorsed I-20. Emails are sent to your FIU email account (please check your spam folder). The OPT endorsement will appear on the second page of your I-20 - please double-check that the OPT endorsement is there before submitting to USCIS.

    5. Make sure to sign your OPT endorsed I-20 (sign in ink and date) scan it to submit in your USCIS online application. You must submit your OPT I-20 with your USCIS online OPT application within 30 days of the DSO issue date on the I-20.  FIU and ISSS are absolved of any outcomes related to violating the 30-day filing period.  Furthermore, FIU and ISSS are not responsible for any consequences incurred if you fail to file within the 30-day deadline to include extra filing fees, appeal fees or other expenses or hardships.

      Do not file the I765 beyond the USCIS 30-day filing deadline. The OPT will be denied.  Contact ISSS if you have had any personal issues that prevented you from filing on time.