When does my Post-Completion OPT start?

Post-Completion OPT is for any type of work after completing 3 consecutive quarters with UCSB International Programs. Please note that if you do not apply for OPT and depart from the U.S. during the 60-day “grace period”, your eligibility for OPT ends when you leave the U.S. You must apply for OPT 90 days before your program completion date and no later than 60 days after your program end date as indicated on your I-20.

• Your OPT start date begins within 60 days of your program end and ends 12 months after this date.
• Your OPT start date is generally based on your employment start date (as long as it is within 60 days after your program ends).
• If your employment start date is longer than 60 days after your program ends, your OPT start date will still be 60 days after your program ends, as this is the latest date possible to select.
• If you are not sure when your employment will start, you should make your best estimate based on your desired time off. Your OPT start date must be within 60 days after your program ends, as this is the latest date possible to select.
• If you do not start work on your OPT start date, you have up to 90 days within the 12 months of the card you can be “unemployed” and still keep your status.
• You cannot change your start date after submitting your OPT application, so be sure to discuss the timing of this date with your adviser if you are unsure.
• You cannot start working until your OPT is approved by USCIS, even if the selected start date has passed.

Post-Completion OPT Diagram Timeline

Source: Yale Univesity Office of International Students & Scholars