Applying for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
A Note on Current Federal Guidance — CPT Paused for Fall 2026
Effective August 24, 2026, Hamilton College has paused all new Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations for the Fall 2026 semester. This pause is in response to new guidance from the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) — BCM 2608-01 (August 12, 2026) and BCM 2608-02 (August 24, 2026) — which significantly tightens the federal standard for CPT eligibility.
This pause covers all off-campus work, training, internships, and cooperative education (co-op) placements connected to your academic program — paid and unpaid alike. Do not accept an offer, sign an agreement, or begin any off-campus placement, whether paid or unpaid, until ISS has confirmed that CPT is available again or that another pathway applies.
Please contact your ISS advisor with questions, and before making any commitments to an employer.
A comprehensive review of the online application takes place before its submission during the student and director meeting to finalize things.
Students on post-completion OPT may have up to 90 days of unemployment. The 90 days start counting from your approved OPT/EAD start date (not the recommended start date nor the program end date on your I-20) and are cumulative. If you accumulate 90 days or more of unemployment, you are in violation of your F-1 status.
Steps to Applying for Post-Completion OPT:
Complete the following forms and submit to the international student director:
Notes
- For the I-765 form, check “Initial permission to accept employment” after “I am applying for”
- For Your Mailing Address, we recommend that you enter Dean of Students Office, Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323. This will allow us to track your application, make copies as appropriate, and avoid problems with mail being returned to USCIS if you are not approved before you leave campus!
- I-94 Number: Retrieve your I-94 Enter your I-94 number to answer the appropriate question online, unless USCIS has previously issued you an alien registration number.
- Your Certification: Electronically sign, include your telephone number, personal email address and the date.
- Enter the correct code for Post-Completion OPT: (c)(3)(B)
The following should be included in the online application:
- Any previous employment EAD card(s), if applicable.
- I-765 Form
- Copies of all prior CPT I-20s
- OPT-authorization I-20 (issued by the international student director)
- copy of the passport information page
- copy of the applicant’s most recent I-94
- Upload a passport-style/sized photo (taken within 30-days of filing your application. Photos must be 2'' by 2'' with white to off-white background. They can be taken and purchased at CVS or the Clinton Post Office.
- Payment of the $470 fee with a credit or debit card
Follow Up
International Student Services receives updates about students’ applications and notifies them as to where things stand throughout the process. This includes the receipt and distribution of applicants’ EAD cards.
Contact
Office / Department Name
International Student Services
Contact Name
Omobonike Odegbami
Director of International Student Services
