Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Processing time by USCIS varies but usually takes up to 3 months (90 days). Students are strongly encouraged to apply up to 90 days prior to graduation.

Summer 2026 Grads:

• Summer 2026 graduates may submit their OPT I-20 ISSO Portal applications starting May 7th, 2026.
• The latest that a Summer 2026 graduate can apply for an OPT recommended I-20 from the ISSO is October 1st, 2026.
• Summer 2026 grads must choose an OPT start date between August 6th-October 4th, 2026.

Fall 2026 Grads:

• Fall 2026 graduates may submit their OPT I-20 ISSO Portal applications starting Wednesday, September 9th, 2026.
• The latest that a Fall 2026 graduate who has re-entered the U.S. after 9/15/2026 (with a fixed I-94 end date) can apply for an OPT recommended I-20 from the ISSO is January 5th, 2027*. Such a Fall 2026 grad must choose an OPT start date between December 12th, 2026 – January 10th, 2027*. This grad must also apply for an Extension of Stay (EOS) with USCIS at the time of submitting the Form I-765 (details forthcoming).
• The latest that a Fall 2026 graduate who has remained inside the U.S. or re-entered the U.S. prior to 9/15/2026 (and who retains a “Duration of Status” on the most recent I-94) can apply for an OPT-recommended I-20 from the ISSO is February 4th, 2027. Such a Fall 2026 grad may choose an OPT start date between December 12th, 2026 – February 9th, 2027. They will not need to file an Extension of Stay with USCIS at the time of submitting the Form I-765.

*These dates account for changes to OPT made by new regulations that go into effect on September 15th, 2026.

1. Attend an OPT Workshop.
2. Decide your OPT Start Date and apply for an OPT-recommended I-20:
   • Login to the ISSO Portal, open menu “F-1 Student Services”, and click app “Optional Practical Training (OPT) I-20 Request”
     • An Academic Advisor recommendation will be required; this will be submitted within the application.
   • You can return to your application at any time by logging into the ISSO Portal and finding your active application under the “Requests” heading
   • Once submitted, the processing time is 5 business days. Your E-signed OPT I-20 will be uploaded to your ISSO Portal account, under the Documents section in the upper right hand corner.
3. Attend an OPT Review session* and prepare your I-765 application:
   • OPT Review sessions on the online I-765 will be held on Wednesdays from 11am-12pm, and Fridays from 9am-10am* on Zoom.
   • *OPT Review sessions are not held during the summer, or winter breaks. Please reference the online filing guide linked in step four. If you have any questions or want to schedule an OPT Review, please email intlsso@charlotte.edu
4. Finalize and submit your I-765 application, and, if applicable, Form I-539 for an Extension of Stay*, to USCIS:
   • When submitting an online application, use the Online Filing Guide and USCIS website.
   • *Only students who have exited and re-entered the U.S. after 9/15/2026 and who have an “Admit Until Date” on their most recent I-94 will need also submit a Form I-539 for an Extension of Stay to USCIS, along with their Form I-765 for OPT.
5. Wait ~90-120 days for your OPT EAD card to arrive.
   • ​​The most accurate way to check your case status is through the USCIS Case Status tool.
   • If you wish to apply for Premium Processing, you can log into your USCIS account at any time, click file a form online, and choose I-907 form. ISSO recommends students give careful consideration prior to submitting a premium processing application to USCIS. We encourage students to consider current processing times, when their OPT application was received by USCIS, their requested OPT start date, and employment start dates.
6. Report your first OPT employment to the government.
   • Look out for a SEVP Portal Invitation email 1-14 days after your OPT Start Date per the EAD
   • Create a SEVP Portal Account
   • Report your employment details! Learn more about your reporting responsibilities (see “Student Reporting Requirements While on OPT” section below)

F-1 students engaging in Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) must report their employment status, including the start of a new job, and any changes to their address or phone number within 10 days of the change through a U.S. government tool called the SEVP Portal:

• Employment Status: Report your new job or current employer’s information, employment start date and previous employment end date (if applicable).

Check this page out if you work remotely and need to report your employers address.

• Address and Phone Number Change: Report your current U.S. residential address, email, and local phone number.

Students who do not report their employment within 10 days of starting work may be in violation of their visa status, and should report their employment immediately. Students in this situation must follow the instructions found in the FAQ titled “I didn’t report my employment on time. What now?” on this page.

Students on 12 month OPT should not email the ISSO regarding employment updates, as these updates can be made directly in the SEVP Portal. Students experiencing certain technical issues with the SEVP Portal, requesting a reset, or wishing to change the email associated with their Portal can complete the “Request an SEVP Portal Reset, Email Change or Other Fix” application in ISSO Portal. Additionally, students do not need to report any information in the ISSO Portal post-EAD approval.

Consult the following resources to help you throughout the process:

• Online OPT I-765 Filing Guide
• Recording of Spring 2026 Workshop – February 4th, 2026
• Spring 2026 OPT Workshop Presentation Slides
• 12 Month OPT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• How F-1 Students Can Avoid I-765 Delays
• USPS Find Missing Mail Form
• How to AVOID Job Scams + Spot Fake Job Offer Letters