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 |
|
|
Graduation (any CPT authorizations will end on this day for graduating students) |
August 11, 2026 |
|
|
Earliest OPT Start Date |
August 12, 2026 |
- |
|
Latest date to apply to USCIS |
September 26, 2025 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Graduation (any CPT authorizations will end on this day for graduating students) |
June 24, 2026 |
|
|
Earliest OPT Start Date |
June 25, 2026 |
- |
|
Latest date to apply to USCIS |
August 9, 2026 |
|
|
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 |
|
|
Earliest OPT Start Date |
May 3, 2026 |
- |
|
Latest date to apply to USCIS |
June 17, 2026 |
|
|
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 |
- |