OPT is program that allows F-1 students to gain experience working in their field after graduation. OPT is authorized for 1-3 years depending on your field of study. OPT is completed at the end of your program. It is important to begin planning for OPT before your graduation date.

OPT requires approval from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). However, students must obtain a recommendation from their immigration advisor on their form I-20 before submitting an application to USCIS. International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) cannot recommend OPT without confirming the expected degree programs and completion dates.

ISSS requests that academic advisors confirm the following before recommending OPT:

1. That students have met or are expected to meet degree program requirements

2. The final academic term of enrollment in courses or thesis/dissertation hours

3. The expected graduation date

Process:

International Students will submit the Post Completion Optional Practical Training Request in the iVols portal. Submission of this form will automatically generate the email below to their academic advisor, based on the name and email address provided by the student:

Open International Student and Scholar Services Post Completion Optional Practical Training Request Dear Academic Advisor: International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) requests that you review / comment on the following request submitted to our office.  If you have any questions please contact ISSS and ask to speak to an advisor.  Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Please follow the link below to respond to this request: Post Completion Optional Practical Training Request Client Name: Student Name Client ID Number: %universityid% Your Login ID: aadvisor Your Password: 11DEAF8-04 International Student and Scholar Services Tel: (865) 974-3177 Email: international@utk.edu Web: International Student and Scholar Services It Takes a Volunteer! International Student and Scholar Services 1620 Melrose Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996-3531 international@utk.edu (865) 974-3177

Once Academic Advisors receive this email he/she should click on the “Post Completion Optional Practical Training Request link”. This link will take the advisor to an E-form shown here:

Open

Advisors should answer the questions on the form. Also, advisors should check the confirmation box indicating that OPT is recommended.

Thank you for providing this information for the student’s OPT application!