OPT planning guides
OPT help, one clear step at a time.
Understand the records behind your timeline, prepare better questions for your DSO, and turn the answers into an organized plan. These guides are free to read without an account.
Start with the task in front of you
OPT timeline
Build an OPT planning checklist around your I-20, DSO recommendation and EAD. Learn which dates to gather and how to use a free OPT timeline planner.
Read the guideSTEM OPT extension
Organize your STEM OPT extension around EAD expiry, DSO review, Form I-983 and reporting milestones. Keep the application and reporting work in one plan.
Read the guideEmployment and unemployment
Learn how to organize OPT employment periods, review gaps and keep records for your DSO. Use OPT Buddy's free employment and unemployment planning tools.
Read the guideOPT documents
Prepare an organized OPT document checklist, check source records and understand what document scanning can and cannot verify before you file Form I-765.
Read the guideChoose the right kind of help
For school records and reporting, start with your designated school official (DSO). For case-specific legal advice, speak with a qualified immigration attorney. Use official USCIS and DHS instructions to check application requirements. OPT Buddy is an independent planning app from Schedia.ai, with no government or university affiliation.
For help using OPT Buddy, contact product support. Support handles app, account, privacy and billing questions. It cannot decide eligibility or resolve a status problem.
Try a timeline before creating your plan
The sample uses fictional dates to show how milestones fit together. Create a Free account when you are ready to organize your own timeline, employment history and manual preparation. Pro adds AI drafting, document scans and urgent help; the guides remain available to everyone.
These are preparation guides, not legal advice. Read the current official instructions and confirm how they apply to you. Published 2026 transition dates do not, by themselves, establish the current legal position.