Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Student Visa
- Deepak B
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 international students to gain practical work experience in their field of study.
1. What Is OPT?
Purpose: To provide F-1 students with real-world work experience that is directly related to their major area of study.
Status: You remain in F-1 status while on OPT. Your school's International Student Office continues to have oversight of your SEVIS record.
Duration: Standard OPT is for a maximum of 12 months for each higher education level (e.g., 12 months for a Bachelor's, another 12 months for a Master's).
Unemployment: You are allowed a limited period of unemployment while on OPT (90 days for standard OPT, 150 days for STEM OPT).
2. Types of OPT
There are two main types of OPT, and you get a total of 12 months of authorization per education level (e.g., 12 months for a Bachelor's, 12 months for a Master's).
Pre-Completion OPT: This is done before you complete your program of study.
You can work part-time (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session.
You can work full-time (more than 20 hours per week) during official school breaks (like summer).
Any time used for Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from your 12-month total. For example, if you use 4 months of full-time Pre-Completion OPT, you only have 8 months of Post-Completion OPT left.
Post-Completion OPT: This is the most common type, used after you graduate or complete your program.
This authorization is typically for full-time employment.
You must work at least 20 hours per week to be considered "employed."
3. Eligibility
To qualify for OPT, you must:
✅ Hold valid F-1 student status.
✅ Have completed one full academic year of study in the U.S.
✅ Work must be directly related to your major field.
✅ Have not used 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
4. Application Process
The application is a two-part process:
Request from your School: You first request an OPT recommendation from your DSO. They will verify your eligibility and issue you a new Form I-20 with the OPT recommendation printed on it.
File with USCIS: After you receive your new I-20, you must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS. This application includes the new I-20, a filing fee, passport photos, and other supporting documents.
If approved, USCIS will mail you the EAD card. You cannot legally begin working until you have the EAD card in your hand and the start date printed on the card has arrived
5. When to Apply
Timing is critical. You can apply for Post-Completion OPT:
Earliest: 90 days before your program end date.
Latest: 60 days after your program end date.
USCIS Must Receive your application within 30 days of your DSO entering the OPT recommendation into SEVIS.
The ideal time to apply is early in the 90-day window before you graduate.
6. STEM OPT Extension
Students who earn a degree in a designated Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) field may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their Post-Completion OPT. This gives them a total of 36 months (12 + 24) of work authorization.
Key requirements for the STEM extension include:
You must be on valid Post-Completion OPT.
Your degree must be on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List.
Your employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program.
You and your employer must complete and sign Form I-983 (Training Plan), which outlines your learning objectives and how the job relates to your STEM degree.
6. STEM OPT Extension
For eligible STEM majors, you can apply for a 24-month extension after your initial 12-month OPT. ✅ Requirements:
Your employer must be E-Verify registered.
You must file Form I-765 for extension before your current OPT expires.
The job must be related to your STEM field. Total possible work time: up to 36 months (12 + 24).
7. Important Rules
⚠️ Remember:
You cannot begin working until you receive your EAD card.
You are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment during Post-Completion OPT.
Report your employer information to your DSO within 10 days of any change.
Work must be directly related to your field of study.
You can change employers, but must update your DSO each time.
8. After OPT
60-Day Grace Period: After your OPT EAD expires, you have a 60-day grace period to:
Prepare to depart the U.S.
Transfer your SEVIS record to a new school (e.g., for a higher degree).
Change your status to a different visa (e.g., H-1B, F-2, etc.).
Change of Status: If you are a beneficiary of a successful H-1B petition, you may be eligible for a "Cap-Gap" extension that protects your status and work authorization until the H-1B starts on October 1.
Tips
Talk to your DSO. Then talk to them again. Your DSO is your most important resource. Do not rely on advice from friends; rules change. Attend your school's OPT workshop and meet with your DSO one-on-one.
Apply Early! USCIS processing times are long and unpredictable. Filing your I-765 as soon as you are eligible (90 days before graduation) is the best way to ensure you get your EAD card in time for your job's start date.
Double-check Form I-765. A tiny mistake on this form (like a wrong address or an unchecked box) can lead to a rejection and long delays. Have your DSO or a trusted advisor review it.
Keep Meticulous Records. Save copies of every document you submit to USCIS, all your I-20s, your EAD card, and all job offer letters. You will need these for any future visa or green card applications.
Don't Lose Your EAD Card. Treat it like your passport.
Understand the Unemployment Clock. The 90-day unemployment rule is strict. Make sure you report your employment to your DSO as soon as you start a job to stop the clock.
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