Apply Online for Post-Completion OPT
F-1 students who are nearing the end of their degree program may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) through the online portal. The school issues an OPT I-20; you then file Form I-765 with USCIS to receive an EAD card before beginning work.
Please review the eligibility, required documents, and instructions below before submitting.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a U.S. Department of Homeland Security benefit that allows F-1 students to gain up to 12 months of full-time, degree-related work authorization after completing their program. The school cannot authorize OPT directly — the PDSO recommends OPT in SEVIS and issues a new I-20, and you must file Form I-765 with USCIS to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before you may begin work.
Who applies
F-1 students who have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year and who have not previously used 12 months of OPT at the same degree level.
Domestic students — OPT is an F-1 benefit and does not apply to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. No application is required.
Have ready before you open the portal
01
Current Form I-20
Most recent I-20 (PDF). Must reflect your current program and end date.
02
Passport & visa
Passport biographic page; F-1 visa stamp (or I-797 if changed status inside the U.S.).
04
Passport-style photo
2×2 inches, white background, taken within the last 30 days. JPEG or PNG.
Optional — upload if applicable: prior EAD card (if you have used OPT before), Social Security card.
Rules the portal will enforce
- Application window: you may apply at the school 90 days before through 60 days after your program end date on the I-20.
- Requested OPT start date: must be between your program end date and your program end date + 60 days.
- One academic year: you must have been a full-time F-1 student for at least one full academic year before OPT can begin.
- Prior full-time CPT: if you have used 12 months or more of full-time CPT at the same degree level, you are not eligible for OPT.
- File I-765 within 30 days of the date the PDSO recommends OPT in SEVIS (the date printed on your new OPT I-20). Filing late voids the recommendation.
What happens after you apply
- The Office of Student Services reviews your application, and the PDSO verifies your eligibility.
- The PDSO recommends OPT in SEVIS and issues a new I-20 with the OPT recommendation. You will be notified by email when the new I-20 is ready.
- You file Form I-765 with USCIS (online or by mail) within 30 days, along with the filing fee and required supporting documents.
- USCIS reviews your application. If approved, you receive an EAD card in the mail. Processing typically takes 3–5 months.
- You may begin OPT employment only on or after the start date printed on the EAD card, not before.
Important: Do not begin OPT employment until the EAD card is physically in your hand and the start date printed on the card has been reached. A new I-20 with the OPT recommendation is not work authorization. Working before the EAD start date is unauthorized employment under F-1 status.
Reporting obligations during OPT
- Report any change of name, address, employer, or employment status to the Office of Student Services within 10 days.
- OPT employment must be in your field of study and at least 20 hours per week.
- You may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month OPT period. Exceeding this voids your F-1 status.
Fees
Nobel University does not charge a separate OPT processing fee at this time. The I-765 filing fee is paid directly to USCIS and is set by federal regulation; current amounts are listed at uscis.gov/i-765. School fee policies are listed in the current Los Angeles / Buena Park Student Catalogs and your Enrollment Agreement.
Frequently asked questions
When should I apply for OPT?
Submit your school portal application as early as 90 days before your program end date. The earlier the PDSO can recommend OPT in SEVIS, the sooner you can file Form I-765 with USCIS. USCIS processing typically takes 3–5 months, so applying early is strongly recommended.
Can I begin work before receiving my EAD card?
No. The OPT I-20 issued by the school is only a recommendation. You must wait until USCIS approves your Form I-765, mails you the EAD card, and the start date printed on the card has been reached. Working before that date is unauthorized employment.
How does prior CPT affect my OPT?
If you have used 12 months or more of full-time CPT at the same degree level (counted cumulatively across every SEVP-certified school you have attended), you lose your OPT eligibility entirely. Part-time CPT (20 hours per week or less) does not count against OPT. (8 CFR 214.2(f)(10))
Do I need a job offer to apply?
No. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT or to receive an EAD card. However, once OPT begins, your employment must be directly related to your field of study, and you may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month period.
Can I travel during OPT?
Travel is possible but carries risk. You must carry your valid passport, valid F-1 visa, EAD card, OPT I-20 with a recent (within 6 months) DSO travel signature, and proof of employment. Travel after the OPT end date is not permitted on F-1 status.
What happens after my 12 months of OPT end?
You receive a 60-day grace period after the EAD end date during which you may prepare to depart the U.S., transfer to another SEVP-certified school, or change to a different visa status. STEM extension is not currently available for Nobel University programs.
I forgot my Student ID. What do I do?
Use the “Don’t know your Student ID?” link on the OPT portal — enter your last name, date of birth, and the email address on file. We will email your Student ID to that address.
Questions? Contact the Office of Student Services.
Last reviewed: May 17, 2026