{"id":8353,"date":"2020-12-15T15:58:17","date_gmt":"2020-12-16T01:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/issmanoa\/?page_id=8353"},"modified":"2026-06-01T15:30:19","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T01:30:19","slug":"optional-practical-training-frequently-asked-questions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hawaii.edu\/issmanoa\/?page_id=8353","title":{"rendered":"OPT Frequently Asked Questions"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Last Updated: August 19, 2024<\/strong><\/p>\n

A compilation of questions commonly asked about Optional Practical Training and STEM Optional Practical Training.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOptional Practical Training (OPT) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf I do not apply for OPT and complete my studies, how long do I have to legally remain in the US? \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Students may remain in the U.S. for 60 days from the actual date of completion of studies. This may be earlier than the originally projected date of completion noted in section #5 of your I-20.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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OPT Application Process<\/h2>
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIf I am considering applying for OPT what do I need to do? \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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All instructions are provided online from the links on the OPT page<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow long does it take to get OPT authorization and when can I apply?\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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USCIS posts on their website the average processing time for applications<\/a>, including OPT. To get the current time, select the following in the fields on the webpage:<\/span><\/p>\n