Division of Professional Practice
Work Abroad Program
Georgia Institute of Technology
237 Uncle Heinie Way
A. French Building
Suite 112
Atlanta, GA 30332-0740
(404) 894-3320
Fax: (404) 385-7541
workabroad@dopp.gatech.edu

Did you know? Georgia Tech students can work in companies around the world through the Work Abroad Program?

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives F-1 students an opportunity for work experience in the United States before and/or after completion of a degree.  OPT can be used for either a co-op or internship experience.  However, undergraduate students can use full-time OPT only for summer work terms.  OPT is limited to a total of 12 months for each degree level in a field directly related to one's major.  Students who use a portion of their OPT while co-oping but then decide to pursue a graduate degree will be eligible for the full 12 months of OPT at the new degree level.

Process for Using OPT:  Students do not need a letter from their co-op advisor to apply for OPT. To use OPT, students must attend an OPT session hosted by the Office of International Education (session info can be found on the OIE website) and then meet with an OIE advisor.  The OIE advisor will send the request for OPT to the USCIS. It currently takes approximately 3-4 months for approval of OPT. Once approved, the student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card, which includes the dates the student is authorized to work.  Students need to bring a copy of their EAD to their co-op advisor before being given authorization to register for the co-op course.

Student Profiles

Employer Profiles