Optional Practical Training
If you are an F-1 student, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to be employed within your major area of study for up to 12 months per educational level (e.g., bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, etc.). You may be employed on and/or off campus. This guide is to help you apply for OPT, which is a one-year work authorization for F-1 students after they complete their programs. If you are currently on OPT and you qualify for the STEM extension, please see information about applying for the STEM extension here.
When you can use post-completion OPT
After you complete your degree: Most students use their 12 months of OPT after graduation, known as post-completion OPT.
After you complete all graduate course requirements, but before completing your thesis or dissertation: This is called post-completion OPT for All But Dissertation (ABD) graduate students.
Is OPT for you?
You are eligible to apply for OPT if you have been in lawful F-1 status for one full academic year with the same SEVIS record. You must also have a valid I-20, passport, and be enrolled in a degree-seeking program of study.
If you plan to use post-completion OPT, you can start the application process up to 90 days before finishing your degree requirements, but not earlier. On average, it takes 90 days to get approval from U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your OPT application must be received by USCIS within 60 days of your program end date, or you will no longer be eligible to apply for OPT for that degree.
You do not need a job offer when applying for your initial 12 months of OPT. However, if you apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, you will need a job offer.
Once you get OPT authorization, you remain in F-1 visa status. You will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also called your OPT card. The OPT card does not replace other required documents. You will need your passport, visa, I-20, and OPT card to reenter the United States.
If your visa stamp expires while you are on OPT, you can still work legally. The F-1 visa only needs to be valid when entering the U.S. You can maintain your immigration status even with an expired visa.
OPT allows you to work in a job related to what you studied. Although immigration regulations do not define exactly what “related to major field of study” means, it is your responsibility to ensure your job fits your field. If you have multiple jobs during OPT, each one must be related to your major.