Students will apply to OPT through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) directly. Before submitting an OPT application to USCIS, students must receive the OPT recommendation from ISS on their Form I-20.
Understanding the application process is vital to ensuring approval of your application. Below are full details on applying for OPT.
OPT Application Window Dates
USCIS must receive your OPT application as early as 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after your program end date.
|
Graduation Term |
I-20 Program End Date |
Range of Requested OPT Start Date (60-Day Grace Period) |
USCIS Application Window |
|
Fall 2023 |
12/31/2023 |
01/01/2024 - 02/29/2024 |
10/02/2023 - 02/29/2024 |
|
Spring 2024 |
05/18/2024 |
05/19/2024 - 07/17/2024 |
02/18/2024 - 07/17/2024 |
|
Summer 2024 |
08/17/2024 |
8/18/2024 - 10/16/2024 |
05/19/2024 - 10/16/2024 |
|
Fall 2024 |
12/14/2024 |
12/15/2024 - 02/12/2025 |
09/15/2024 - 02/12/2025 |
(This calendar applies to all programs except the Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and the Fowler School of Law.)
|
Graduation Term |
I-20 Program End Date |
Range of Requested OPT Start Date (60-Day Grace Period) |
USCIS Application Window |
|
Fall 2023 |
12/31/2023 |
01/01/2024 - 02/29/2024 |
10/02/2023 - 02/29/2024 |
|
Spring 2024 |
04/13/2024 |
04/14/2024 - 06/12/2024 |
01/14/2024 - 06/12/2024 |
|
Summer 2024 |
08/10/2024 |
08/11/2024 - 10/09/2024 |
05/12/2024 - 10/09/2024 |
|
Fall 2024 |
12/14/2024 |
12/15/2024 - 02/12/2025 |
09/15/2024 - 02/12/2025 |
(This calendar applies to the Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies, Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders programs.)
Additional resources
ISS has prepared the following resources for you to successfully submit your application to USCIS.
