Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT Workshop Presentation Spring 2026.pdf

Email opt@uah.edu for OPT related stuff don't email to regular isss email.

Tasks:

1. Get driving license DMV Requires 6 months on the I20 to issue the license. So, Feb 28 is my deadline.
2. Send OPT request to ISSS https://intlportal.uah.edu/
   • You get new I20 from ISSS
3. Apply with new I20 to USCIS
   • Choose a start date (May 4 - Jul 3) and schedule
     1. task to create SEVIS portal on EAD start date
     2. task to apply for OPT extension within 3 months of EAD expiry date
   • Choose a mailing address you will guranteed to be in
   • Don't use UAH email for USCIS account (because UAH email expires 12-15 months after graudation)
   • Note down the Receipt number
4. Create SEVIS portal account (link emailed to you by USCIS on EAD Start date. Link expires in few days)
5. Get a job and update you info in the SEVIS portal within 10 days
6. Within 3 months before the EAD End date, apply for OPT Extension

Notes:

• Make application 90 before, 60 days after graduation : Feb 3 – Jul 3
• Choose Start date to be in: May 4 - Jul 3
• Takes 45-120 days to get a card
• 90 days of unemployment start on the start date printed on OPT card (which I get to choose)
• On OPT start date, you get an email to create a SEVIS portal account where you update your records
  • Don't forget to update address, name and employement changes
  • You can't update the employement after 10 days. So don't forget
• You can apply before 90 days before expiration of OPT for extension
• If the OPT expires you can't apply for extension

• Make a remainder 120 before you OPT expiration

  Email UAH on how to apply for OPT extension to get the forms and links

• Switch jobs while on OPT extension?
• After end of OPT you have grace period of 60 days to get into another degree seeking program or exit the country