Skip to main content

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Post-Completion OPT allows you to work in an off-campus job that is directly related to your major for an initial period of 12-months after you complete your academic program.  

  • OPT is a benefit of F-1 status and you will continue to be an F-1 student while on OPT.
  • You must be eligible and adhere to all OPT application processes and regulations.
  • UMass Amherst remains your visa sponsor. You do not need additional visa sponsorship while on OPT.  

You can find our OPT Workshops on our events page. Refer to our  OPT presentation that is available here, along with the information below.  

OPT I-20 Request Process

Per OPT application instructions, you must be physically in the U.S. at the time you submit your application to USCIS. If you choose to travel after this, please review our OPT Travel information.  

Follow the steps below if you are a student in one of the following scenarios: 

  • You need a new OPT I-20 to submit to USCIS 

  • Your current OPT I-20 is about to meet the 30-day expiration deadline because you have NOT submitted your OPT application to USCIS 

  • You want to request a new OPT start date and you have NOT submitted your OPT application to USCIS with your current OPT I-20 

  • You submitted your OPT application to USCIS, wish to withdraw it, and start over (this is rare and not recommended; contact your ISSS advisor)

ISSS must create a new OPT I-20 for your OPT application. You should NOT submit your application to USCIS until you have completed the OPT I-20 request steps below and received the new OPT I-20. 

Reporting Requirements

Students on Post-Completion OPT have specific reporting requirements. Failure to report these in a timely manner could impact your long-term immigration future in the U.S. 

ISSS will extend your access to UMass Amherst systems for 1-3 years after graduation. This will permit you to access SPIRE to update your address and UMass VIP to report your employment, apply for STEM OPT, etc. If you have issues or need to reset your NetID passport, please see the UMass IT website guides.

background_rect_icon.png

Need an I-20 Reprint?

Use the I-20 Reprint E-Form to request a reprint of your I-20. If you need to report updated employment information, use the appropriate reporting form, and request an I-20 there.