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Introduction to OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program offered by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows eligible international students on F-1 visas to gain temporary employment experience in their field of study. OPT provides a valuable opportunity for students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, either before or after completing their academic programs.

There are three main categories of OPT:

Pre-Completion OPT (Pre-OPT)

Pre-OPT allows F-1 students to work before completing their degree program. Students may engage in:

• Part-time employment (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session
• Full-time employment during school breaks or summer vacation

Time used for Pre-OPT counts against the total 12 months of regular OPT eligibility. Pre-OPT is less commonly used than Post-OPT.

Post-Completion OPT (Post-OPT)

Post-OPT begins after a student completes their degree program. It is the most commonly used form of OPT, allowing:

• Full-time employment (more than 20 hours per week)
• Up to 12 months of authorized employment for most degree programs

Students must apply for Post-OPT before graduation and must begin work within 60 days of completing their degree.

STEM OPT Extension

Students who complete a degree in an eligible STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field may apply for a 24-month extension of their Post-OPT. To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, students must:

• Have earned a degree in an approved STEM field
• Be employed by an E-Verify registered employer
• Be working in a job directly related to their major

With the STEM extension, students can work for up to 36 months on OPT.