Students who have been approved for OPT must bring in a copy of their Employment Authorization (EAD) card as soon as they have received it from the USCIS. The international advisor will make sure that their OPT record has been changed in SEVIS from “requested” to “approved.” This does not always automatically happen; therefore, for your protection, the advisor may have to request the change to approved status.

Students in Optional Practical Training status must now begin working within 90 days of being approved for OPT (the start date on the EAD card). The OIP is required to report this. As soon as you have accepted a job offer, please submit a copy of your job offer letter to the OIP. The offer letter should include the name and location of the company, the job title and duties and employment dates. This information will be entered in SEVIS.

After receiving your confirmation receipt number beginning with the letters "LIN", you can check the status of your OPT application online. Click here to check your status now.
(If you have not received your EAD card after 90 days, you should definitely contact the USCIS to find out the status of your OPT application.)