Important Dates for OPT

Semesters are displayed in chronological order, from newest to oldest. Please reference this information, our recorded info sessions, and general OPT guidance all available on our OPT | Optional Practical Training page. Always direct any questions to the ISS Team [email protected].

Summer 2026

Date

Location

Earliest date to apply to USCIS

May 13, 2026

-

OPT Info Session

May 15, 2026

Online

Earliest date ISS will process requests

May 18, 2026

Request Center

Graduation (any CPT authorizations will end on this day for graduating students)

August 11, 2026

Apply to Graduate

Earliest OPT Start Date

August 12, 2026

-

Latest date to apply to USCIS

September 26, 2025

OPT Application Guidance

Latest OPT Start Date

October 10, 2026

-

Spring 2026

Date

Location

Earliest date to apply to USCIS

March 26, 2026

-

OPT Info Session

March 27, 2026

Online

Earliest date ISS will process requests

March 30, 2026

Request Center

Graduation (any CPT authorizations will end on this day for graduating students)

June 24, 2026

Apply to Graduate

Earliest OPT Start Date

June 25, 2026

-

Latest date to apply to USCIS

August 9, 2026

OPT Application Guidance

Latest OPT Start Date

August 23, 2026

-

Winter 2026

Date

Location

OPT Info Session

February 6, 2026

Online

Earliest date to apply to USCIS

February 6, 2026

-

Graduation (any CPT authorizations will end on this day for graduating students)

May 2, 2026

Apply to Graduate

Earliest OPT Start Date

May 3, 2026

-

Latest date to apply to USCIS

June 17, 2026

OPT Application Guidance

Latest OPT Start Date

July 1, 2026

-

Fall 2025

Date

Location

OPT Info Session

October 3, 2025

Online

Earliest date to apply to your OPT I-20

September 14, 2025

-

Graduation (any CPT authorizations will end on this day for graduating students)

December 6, 2025

-

Earliest OPT Start Date

December 13, 2025

-

Latest date to apply to USCIS

February 11, 2026

-

Latest OPT Start Date

February 12 , 2026

-



Page last modified March 27, 2026