What is the earliest I can apply for Optional Practical Training?
You may apply as early as 120 days (4 months) before the date you request your OPT to begin. When must I apply for OPT? Post-completion OPT: You may apply up to 120 days before completion of studies and 30 days after completion of studies. If you intend to travel abroad around the time you will complete your studies, you must apply for post-completion OPT before you leave the United States. Consult with ISS if you intend to travel abroad during this time. Pre-completion OPT: You should apply 3-4 months before the date you wish to begin employment. What is my completion date? The “completion date” refers to the date that your degree requirements are completed (as verified by your academic advisor). This may not necessarily be the same as the “official” college graduation ceremony date. For most undergraduates and master’s students without a thesis requirement, the completion of studies date is the May, August or December graduation date that follows your last term of full-time enrollmen
