Getting a job or internship is an integral part of your student experience at UC San Diego, but it’s important to know the rules. This session will cover work authorization regulations for J-1 students.

See the recorded webinar here.

Getting a job or internship is an integral part of your student experience at UC San Diego, but it’s important to know the rules. This session will cover work authorization regulations for F-1 students.

See the recorded webinar here.

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization for F-1 students that allows the opportunity to pursue a 12-month period of work experience in your major field of study. The authorization can be used for a paid position located on-campus or off-campus.

How can I apply for OPT?

Review the four stages to OPT approval here.

Frequently asked questions:

• Can I still apply for OPT more than 30 days after my OPT I-20 is issued?
• How do I choose my OPT start date?
• What if I am approaching 90 days of unemployment on OPT?
• What do I have to include in my OPT application to USCIS?
• Can I travel while my OPT application is pending?
• If my OPT is pending after my 60-day grace period, can I remain in the U.S.?
• When do I have to report my employment to SEVP Portal?
• What counts as employment for OPT?

Do you need help with finding employment? Take a look at our How to Find Internationally Friendly Employers page to find information about the UCSD Career Center, Job Search Rsources, Employer Data from UCSD alumni on OPT, STEM OPT, and Academic Training, and more.