The OPT Essentials online course is required for any student wishing to apply for Post-Completion Optional Practical Training. The course is offered through the OISS “Homebase” platform (implemented in Fall 2024).
Follow the directions below to access and complete the course.
If you do not already have a Homebase account
Create your Homebase account & access the
OPT Essentials course
If you began study at WashU in Summer 2024 or EARLIER, you may not have a Homebase account. Use the button above to create your account.
Already have a Homebase account? Follow these steps
Log in to Homebase and add the OPT Essentials course
If you arrived to WashU in Fall 2024 or later, you have a Homebase account that you created. Use the button above.
If you forgot your password, click the “Forgot password” link on the sign in page.
This course is REQUIRED for all students applying for Post-Completion OPT
This required online course is designed to provide you with essential information about Post-Completion OPT, including eligibility criteria, application steps, required documents, rules and reporting requirements, EAD details and more. Completing this course will help you fully understand the application process and compliance requirements necessary to maintain your F-1 status.
The course includes knowledge check questions at the end of some sections, and concludes with a comprehensive quiz. To earn your “Certificate of Completion,” you must complete 100% of the course content and pass the quiz.
You must upload your Course Certificate of Completion when submitting your “OPT Recommendation” request in MyOISS in order to receive an I-20 with the OPT recommendation. You will need this new I-20 to apply for Post-Completion OPT with USCIS.