What Is OPT (Optional Practical Training)?
Quick Answer
OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a temporary work authorization that allows F-1 visa students in the United States to work in a field directly related to their major area of study for up to 12 months. It is granted by USCIS through an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and can be used before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) graduating from an accredited U.S. college or university.
Key Takeaway
OPT gives F-1 students up to 12 months of work authorization in their field of study. Apply early through your DSO and USCIS to avoid gaps in your work eligibility.
Understanding OPT and Who Qualifies
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit available to F-1 international students that permits temporary employment in the United States. The employment must be directly related to the student's major area of study as listed on their I-20 form. OPT is authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and is documented through the issuance of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD card).
To qualify for OPT, a student must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. The student must also be in valid F-1 status at the time of application. Students who have previously used 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same education level are ineligible for OPT at that level.
OPT is available at each higher level of education. For example, a student who used OPT after completing a bachelor's degree can apply for a new 12-month OPT period after completing a master's degree. This reset applies regardless of how much OPT was used at the prior education level.
Pre-Completion vs. Post-Completion OPT
There are two types of OPT: pre-completion and post-completion. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work while still enrolled in their academic program. During the academic year, students on pre-completion OPT may work only part-time (20 hours or fewer per week). During annual breaks and summer vacations, they may work full-time. Any time spent on pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12-month post-completion OPT allowance.
Post-completion OPT is the more common form and begins after the student's program end date. Students on post-completion OPT may work full-time or part-time, but the position must be related to their field of study. Most students apply for post-completion OPT in the final semester of their program to ensure they can begin working as soon as possible after graduation.
- Pre-completion OPT: Available while enrolled; part-time during school, full-time during breaks
- Post-completion OPT: Available after program completion; full-time or part-time work permitted
- Pre-completion OPT time is deducted from the 12-month post-completion OPT allowance
- Employment must always be directly related to the student's major area of study
The OPT Application Process
The OPT application process begins with the student's Designated School Official (DSO) at their university. The DSO must recommend OPT in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issue an updated I-20 with the OPT recommendation noted. Once the student receives the updated I-20, they must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS along with the required supporting documents and filing fee.
USCIS processing times for OPT applications vary but typically range from 2 to 5 months. Students should plan ahead and apply as early as possible within the allowable filing window. While waiting for the EAD card, students may not begin working unless they have another valid form of work authorization.
After receiving the EAD card, students must report their employment information—including employer name, address, and start date—to their DSO. The DSO updates this information in SEVIS. Failure to report employment or maintain valid status can result in the termination of the student's SEVIS record.
You cannot begin working on OPT until you have received your EAD card and your OPT start date has passed, even if you have already graduated.
Maintaining Status While on OPT
While on OPT, F-1 students must continue to maintain their immigration status. This includes working only in positions directly related to their field of study, reporting any changes in employment or personal information to their DSO within 10 days, and not exceeding the allowed unemployment period. For post-completion OPT, students are limited to 90 days of cumulative unemployment.
Students must also keep their SEVIS record active by ensuring their DSO has up-to-date employment information. If a student's SEVIS record is terminated due to a violation, they may lose their F-1 status and any remaining OPT authorization. Maintaining valid status is critical, especially for students who plan to transition to another visa category such as H-1B.