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OPT allows you to pursue employment in your field of study, usually after completion of your degree program. To apply, you must complete an application with ISSS, receive an I-20 with an OPT recommendation, and submit your application to USCIS for review. If your application is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that will allow you to work during the period authorized on the document. While you are on OPT, you must continue to update your residential address and employment information and must not exceed the unemployment limit allowed during OPT.
Note: Students do not need an employment offer to qualify for OPT.
Post-completion OPT is normally authorized for twelve months, and students are eligible for one year of OPT per degree level. If you are eligible for the STEM extension, you will apply for the STEM OPT extension close to the end of your post-completion OPT.
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