Optional Practical Training (OPT) is when international students with an F-1 visa can work temporarily in a job that’s related to what they’re studying in college. They can apply to work for up to 12 months either before they finish their degree (pre-completion) or after they finish it (post-completion).
But, if they work before finishing their degree, that time gets taken out from the 12 months they have after finishing.
Types of Opt
All OPT must be directly related to your major area of study. If you are an F-1 student, you can participate in OPT in two ways:
Pre-completion OPT: You can apply for pre-completion OPT after you have been a full-time student for one academic year at a certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary. This one-year requirement can be met even if you were not in F-1 status for the entire time.
- While school is in session, you can work up to 20 hours per week.
- During school breaks, you can work full-time.
Post-completion OPT: You can apply for post-completion OPT after you finish your studies. If approved, you must work at least 20 hours per week, either part-time or full-time.
Impact of Pre-completion OPT on Post-completion OPT:
- If you complete 1 year of part-time (20 hours per week) pre-completion OPT, you will have 6 months less of full-time post-completion OPT.
- If you complete 1 year of full-time (40 hours per week) pre-completion OPT, you will not have any time left for post-completion OPT.
Stem Opt Extension
If you have a degree in certain science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields, you can apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT work permit if you:
- Are an F-1 student with a STEM degree from the approved list (PDF).
- Work for an employer who uses E-Verify.
- Have already received an initial post-completion OPT work permit based on your STEM degree.
For more details on applying for a STEM OPT extension, visit our Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT) page.
Applying for Opt
Usually, you need to:
- Ask the designated school official (DSO) at your school to recommend you for OPT. The DSO will do this by signing your Form I-20 and updating your information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documents as explained in the form instructions.
When to Apply
| Applying Based On | For | Then You… |
|---|---|---|
| STEM Degree | Pre-completion OPT | Must apply after DSO enters OPT recommendation in SEVIS, AND May apply up to 90 days before completing a full academic year (cannot start OPT until full year complete). |
| STEM Degree | Initial Post-completion OPT | Must apply after DSO enters OPT recommendation in SEVIS, AND Must apply within 30 days of DSO entering recommendation, AND May apply up to 90 days before completing your degree (but no later than 60 days after). |
| STEM Degree | STEM OPT Extension | Must apply after DSO enters OPT recommendation in SEVIS, AND Must apply within 60 days of DSO entering recommendation, AND May apply up to 90 days before current OPT authorization expires. |
| Non-STEM Degree | Pre-completion OPT | Must apply after DSO enters OPT recommendation in SEVIS, AND May apply up to 90 days before completing a full academic year (cannot start OPT until full year complete). |
| Non-STEM Degree | Post-completion OPT | Must apply after DSO enters OPT recommendation in SEVIS, AND Must apply within 30 days of DSO entering recommendation, AND May apply up to 90 days before completing your degree (but no later than 60 days after). |
You can start your pre- or post-completion OPT only after your Form I-765 is approved and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
If you apply for a STEM OPT extension on time and your OPT period ends while your extension is still being processed, your work authorization will be automatically extended for 180 days. This automatic extension ends when USCIS makes a decision on your STEM OPT extension application.
Transferring to a Different School or Beginning Study at Another Educational Level
If you transfer to another school or start a new level of education (like moving from a bachelor’s to a master’s program), your permission to work under OPT (Optional Practical Training) will automatically end. The SEVP will notify USCIS, and USCIS will stop your EAD (Employment Authorization Document).
Even though your OPT work authorization will end, your F-1 student status will not be affected as long as you follow all the rules for staying in student status.
This includes not working with a terminated EAD, as you are no longer allowed to work in the U.S. using that OPT EAD. Working without permission can lead to serious consequences, such as being removed from the country and banned from reentry.
Staying in the U.S. without legal status could also lead to “unlawful presence,” which has additional penalties. For more details, check USCIS’s policy on “Accrued Unlawful Presence.”
If you believe your EAD was wrongly terminated or have questions about it, contact your DSO (Designated School Official).
Cap-gap Extension for F-1 Students With Approved H-1b Petitions
If you are an F-1 student and you have filed an H-1B petition and change of status request on time, but your F-1 status and work authorization will end before the H-1B starts (usually on October 1), you might qualify for a cap-gap extension. Visit our Cap-Gap Extension page for more details.
FAQs
1. What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows international students in the United States on an F-1 visa to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after completing their degree. Students in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension.
2. Who is eligible for OPT?
To be eligible for OPT, you must be an F-1 student who has been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year at a U.S. institution. You must also be seeking work directly related to your major area of study.
3. How do I apply for OPT?
To apply for OPT, you need to request a recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO) and submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It’s essential to apply early, as the approval process can take several months.
4. When can I start working under OPT?
You can begin working once you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS and your chosen start date has arrived. For post-completion OPT, your start date must be within 60 days after your program end date.
5. What is the difference between pre-completion and post-completion OPT?
Pre-completion OPT allows you to work part-time while still enrolled in your academic program. Post-completion OPT begins after you’ve completed your degree and can be full-time.