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Everything you need to know about OPT and TrackMyOPT
What is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 visa students to work in the United States for up to 12 months after completing their academic program. OPT must be directly related to your major area of study.
Pre-Completion OPT
Work authorization while still enrolled in school. Limited to 20 hours/week during classes, full-time during breaks. Time used reduces post-completion OPT.
Post-Completion OPT
12-month work authorization after graduation. Must apply within 60 days of program end date. Most common type of OPT that TrackMyOPT helps you manage.
OPT Timeline & Key Dates
Apply for OPT
90 days before to 60 days after program end
Submit Form I-765 with required documents to USCIS. File as early as possible within this window.
Program End Date
Your graduation/completion date
This is your official program end date as indicated on your I-20. Grace period and OPT timing are calculated from this date.
60-Day Grace Period
Starts after program end
You have 60 days to either start OPT, transfer schools, change status, or depart the US. This is NOT additional OPT time.
OPT Start Date
Within 60 days after program end
Your chosen OPT start date. Once OPT starts, your 12-month clock and unemployment clock begin.
OPT End Date
12 months after OPT start
Your EAD card expires. You must stop working unless you have filed for STEM extension or have another valid work authorization.
The Unemployment Clock
Critical: Understanding Your Limits
You are limited to 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT period. STEM OPT has a separate 60-day limit. Exceeding these limits can result in loss of F-1 status.
Initial OPT (12 months)
- • Maximum 90 days of unemployment
- • Clock starts on your OPT start date
- • Any day without employment counts
- • Volunteer work does NOT stop the clock
STEM OPT (24 months)
- • Separate 60-day unemployment limit
- • Does NOT carry over from initial OPT
- • Must have qualifying STEM degree
- • Must work for E-Verify employer
What Stops the Unemployment Clock?
- ✓ Paid employment related to your field of study
- ✓ Self-employment (must be properly documented)
- ✓ Working at least 20 hours per week
- ✓ Multiple part-time jobs totaling 20+ hours
STEM OPT Extension (24 Months)
Students with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) degrees can apply for an additional 24-month extension, giving you a total of 36 months of OPT.
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ STEM degree from SEVP-certified school
- ✓ Currently employed on post-completion OPT
- ✓ Employer enrolled in E-Verify
- ✓ Job related to STEM degree field
- ✓ Apply up to 90 days before OPT expires
Application Timeline
- • Apply up to 90 days before OPT ends
- • Must be received by USCIS before OPT expires
- • Can continue working up to 180 days while pending
- • New I-20 required from DSO
- • Submit Form I-765 with fee
Important Note
You can apply for STEM OPT up to 2 times in your lifetime if you earn multiple qualifying STEM degrees at different education levels (e.g., Bachelor's then Master's).
Cap Gap Extension
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf that is selected in the lottery, you may be eligible for a "cap gap" extension of your OPT and F-1 status.
How Cap Gap Works
- • Automatically extends OPT through October 1
- • Only if H-1B petition is timely filed and selected
- • EAD card will show expired date but you can still work
- • Carry cap-gap approval notice when traveling domestically
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help! Reach out to our support team.
Useful External Resources
Disclaimer: TrackMyOPT provides general information and tools to help manage your OPT. This is not legal advice. Immigration rules can change. Always consult with your DSO or an immigration attorney for specific guidance on your situation.