On a crisp morning at Governors State University, students filled classroom B2203, but this was no ordinary lecture. It was a defining moment for international students preparing to transition from academic life to professional careers. The OPT Workshop, led by the Office of International Services (OIS), was not just about paperwork, it was about unlocking career opportunities in the United States.
To navigate the complexities of Optional Practical Training (OPT), three dedicated professionals from OIS took center stage:
Andrew Pitts, associate director and principal designated school official , provided insights into the legal framework of OPT; Alexis Robinson, international student advisor, simplified the application process; and Theresa James, another international student advisor, answered pressing questions about eligibility, deadlines, and travel restrictions.
Their goal? To ensure every student left with a clear roadmap for successfully applying and securing OPT authorization.
The workshop broke down OPT into four crucial phases:
1. Understanding the Timeline
Graduating in Spring 2025 meant that students could apply for OPT as early as Feb.11, 90 days before their program end date of May 12. From there, a 60-day grace period allowed time for decision-making, whether securing a job, transferring to another program, or applying for a visa status change.
2. The Application Process
Students learned that securing OPT required more than just an application. The OIS Portal served as the first step in the process, followed by completing Form I-765, gathering documents, and submitting the application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Filing fees ranged from $470 (online) to $520 (paper submission), with a premium processing option at $1,685 for those needing expedited approval.
3. Employment Rules and Reporting
One of the most critical aspects of the workshop was understanding employment regulations:
• OPT employment must be directly related to a student’s field of study.
• Students have 90 days of unemployment before losing status.
• All job changes must be reported through the OIS Portal within 10 business days.
4. The Travel Conundrum
For students planning international travel, the message was clear think twice. Without a valid Employment Authorization Document and an official job offer, re-entry into the U.S. could be denied. Carrying the right documents, including a valid passport, visa, and job confirmation letter, was strongly advised.
The session wasn’t just about information; it was about empowerment. Students asked critical questions:
“What if I need more time to graduate?”
“Can I work remotely for a U.S. employer while on OPT?”
“What happens if my application gets delayed?”
The OIS team provided clear, direct answers, reinforcing that while the OPT process was structured and time-sensitive, students had resources and support to navigate it successfully.
As students left the session, they carried more than checklists and application forms. They carried confidence a clear understanding of the steps ahead, the deadlines to meet, and the responsibilities to uphold.
For the international students of Spring 2025, the OPT Workshop wasn’t just a requirement it was the first step toward turning their education into real-world experience.
GovState’s commitment to supporting its international community shone brightly in this workshop, proving once again that the university is not just about academic success but about shaping global careers.