OPT Start Date

The date on which your OPT employment authorization begins, as shown on your EAD card. For post-completion OPT, the start date must be within 60 days after your program end date. You select a requested start date on your I-765 application, but the actual date is determined by USCIS and printed on your EAD. You cannot begin working before this date, even if your EAD card arrives early.