The University of Toledo

Room 1020
Phone: 1.419.530.4229
Fax: 1.419.530.4244

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is defined as temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study.
A student must be enrolled full-time at UT for one full academic year before being eligible for OPT.
Can apply for OPT within 90 days of expected completion date.
OPT Report Form

OPT 17-Month STEM Extension

STEM= Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics fields.
Can apply for the STEM Extension 120 days prior to the current OPT end date.
Applications after the expiration of the OPT EAD card will not be accepted.
17-month extension is possible only once per lifetime, regardless of degree level.
- Form I-765 & Instructions
- OPT STEM Extension Checklist
Find out if your degree is on the OPT STEM-Designated Degree Program List
E-Verify Employers Search Tool

Health Insurance Information while on OPT

While The University of Toledo cannot evaluate, recommend, or endorse any specific health insurance company or policy, see list of health insurance providers prepared by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Travel?

Signed I-20 (signature on page 3 is valid for 6 months)
EAD (OPT) Card
Verification of Employment Letter: you are responsible for proving that you have a job to return to.
Valid F-1 Visa: if your F-1 visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new F-1 visa in order to reenter the U.S.

2. Can I go to School on OPT?

Yes! However, once you become a full-time student, you will need to update your I-20 and end your OPT.

3. Can I Work More Than One Job?

Yes! There are no regulations that state the number of jobs or how many hours of work you must meet. While you are on OPT, you must find employment in the area of your degree. Also, while you are on the OPT STEM Extension, you must work for an E-Verify company.

4. What Kind of Employment Can I Obtain? (does not apply to students on a STEM Extension)

Paid employment: students authorized for post-completion OPT may work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time.
Short-term multiple employers (performing artists): students who are musicians and other performing artists may work for multiple short-term employers. The student should maintain a list of all gigs, the dates, and duration.
Work for hire (Contractual jobs): students employed through a contractual relationship should maintain a list of the duration of the contract(s), and the name and address of the contracting company.
Self-employed business owner: students on OPT may start a business and be self-employed. Students must work full-time. The student must be able to prove that he/she has the proper business licenses and is actively engaged in a business related to the degree program.
Employment through an agency: students must be able to provide evidence showing they worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency.
Unpaid employment (volunteering): students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns. The work must be at least 20 hours per work. Students must be able to provide evidence from the employer that the employment time exceeds 20 hours per week.

5. What is my Status on OPT?

6. What is a Cap-Gap Extension?

A cap-gap extension is a regulatory provision which extends an eligible F-1 student's OPT time to bridge the gap between the end of the OPT period and the start of the H-1B status.
Student's whose OPT ends between April 2 and September 30 are eligible to receive this extension.
The student must have a pending or approved H-1B petition with the USCIS. This petition must be filed before the OPT ends or prior to the 60-day grace period.
The cap-gap extension only applies to those H-1B employers who are subject to the H-1B cap. Your employer will tell you if they are subject.
Contact OISSS with questions and to find out what is needed to complete a cap-gap extension.

Office of International Student Services