Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students in the U.S. on F-1 visas to gain hands-on work experience directly related to their field of study. This temporary work authorization is designed to help students apply their academic knowledge in real-world professional environments. Whether you’ve just completed your degree or have been studying for at least nine months, you may qualify for OPT and take advantage of valuable employment opportunities in the United States.
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys help F-1 students navigate the complex OPT process—from understanding eligibility to preparing Form I-765 and ensuring compliance with USCIS regulations. Below, you’ll find a complete guide to OPT types, eligibility criteria, and how STEM graduates can extend their training period.
Who Is Eligible for OPT?
OPT is available in two main categories:
1. Pre-Completion OPT
If you have completed at least one full academic year at an accredited U.S. institution—such as a university, college, seminary, or conservatory certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)—you can apply for pre-completion OPT. This option allows F-1 students to gain work experience while still enrolled in school.
- Work Hours: During academic sessions, you may work up to 20 hours per week.
- Full-Time Work: Full-time employment is permitted during official breaks or when school is not in session.
2. Post-Completion OPT
Post-completion OPT becomes available after graduation. Students can work part-time (20 hours or less) or full-time, depending on their employment circumstances.
If you used pre-completion OPT, the time you worked will be deducted from your total 12-month post-completion OPT authorization. For instance, if you used nine months of pre-completion OPT, you’ll have three months remaining for post-completion OPT—unless you qualify for a STEM extension.
OPT Grace Period and STEM Advantage
One of the most significant benefits for international students earning a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree from a U.S. institution is the 24-month OPT extension. This extension allows eligible graduates to continue working in the United States beyond the standard 12-month OPT period.
Requirements for the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension
To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, students must meet the following requirements:
- Current OPT Status: You must already be approved for post-completion OPT and be within your valid authorization period.
- Accredited STEM Degree: You must hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a U.S. institution accredited by the Department of Education and certified by SEVP at the time of application.
- Eligible Prior Degree: If your current OPT is not for a STEM degree, but you previously earned a qualifying STEM degree from an accredited U.S. institution, you may still be eligible to apply for the STEM extension, provided the job relates to that earlier STEM field.
- Employer Compliance: Your employer must meet all STEM OPT participation requirements, including maintaining an E-Verify status and submitting a formal training plan (Form I-983).
- Timely Application: You must file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) up to 90 days before your current OPT authorization expires, and within 60 days of your Designated School Official (DSO) recommending the extension in SEVIS.
Future STEM Degrees and Additional OPT Opportunities
If you pursue an advanced STEM degree in the future, you may be eligible for another 24-month STEM OPT extension. For example, if you received an extension based on a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and later earn a master’s degree in information technology, you can apply for a new STEM OPT period tied to your latest degree.
Reporting Requirements During STEM OPT
Students granted a STEM OPT extension must report any changes in employment or personal information to their Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days of the change. This includes updates to:
- Legal name
- Mailing or residential address
- Email address
- Employer’s name or address
Additionally, USCIS recommends checking in with your DSO every six months to confirm that your information remains accurate and up to date.
Understanding STEM OPT Unemployment Rules
Under current Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations, STEM OPT students are allowed an additional 60 days of unemployment during their 24-month extension, in addition to the 90-day maximum unemployment period permitted during the initial post-completion OPT. This means you can have a total of 150 days of allowable unemployment during your combined OPT periods.
Exceeding this limit can lead to unlawful presence, which may jeopardize your immigration status and eligibility for future U.S. immigration benefits. If you are concerned about your status or nearing your unemployment limit, it’s crucial to consult with a qualified immigration attorney at Green Card Link for personalized legal guidance.
How to Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Applying for OPT (Optional Practical Training) involves several important steps for F-1 students seeking U.S. work authorization. You must first contact your Designated School Official (DSO) to request an OPT recommendation. The DSO will endorse your Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, and record the recommendation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Once this is completed, you will file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pay the required filing fee.
Who Is a Designated School Official (DSO)?
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), a DSO is “a regularly employed member of a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)–certified school designated by the head of the institution to advise F-1 or M-1 students regarding the maintenance of their nonimmigrant status and to ensure accurate and timely recordkeeping and reporting to DHS.”
In other words, your DSO acts as your school’s primary liaison with federal authorities, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration regulations.
OPT Eligibility Rules
To qualify for OPT, you must meet the following key requirements:
- Your OPT employment must be directly related to your field of study.
- You must have completed at least one full academic year as a full-time F-1 student before the start of your OPT.
- You must currently hold valid F-1 status.
- You must not have previously completed OPT for the same degree level.
- Your DSO must recommend your OPT by endorsing Form I-20.
- You are required to report any changes to your name, address, email, or employer information to your DSO within 10 days of the change.
- Post-completion OPT must be used in one continuous period, while pre-completion OPT can be used in segments (any time used before graduation will be deducted from your total 12-month allowance).
Frequently Asked Questions About OPT
What are the STEM fields that qualify for OPT extension?
Only degrees designated under the official STEM list qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You can find the current list on the DHS website.
Can I split my 12 months of OPT?
No. The standard 12-month post-completion OPT cannot be divided into smaller periods. However, you can use portions of it during pre-completion OPT, which will then reduce the total time available after graduation.
Can I have more than one employer during OPT?
Yes, but every employer must be E-Verify registered, meet the eligibility requirements, and comply with the reporting requirements in Form I-983 (Training Plan for STEM OPT Students).
What travel documents should I carry while returning to the U.S. during post-completion OPT?
Always carry:
- Your Form I-20 with a valid travel signature
- Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- A valid passport and F-1 visa stamp
- A letter from your employer confirming your job offer and salary details
- Proof of financial support
Can I change employers while my STEM extension is pending?
Changing employers while USCIS is reviewing your STEM OPT extension may delay your application. It is generally discouraged unless absolutely necessary.
Is OPT considered an immigration status?
No. OPT is not a separate immigration status; it is a temporary employment authorization granted to F-1 students.
Must I have valid F-1 status to apply?
Yes. You must maintain valid F-1 student status when applying for OPT.
Who is not eligible for OPT?
Students who have completed 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are not eligible. Part-time CPT, however, does not affect eligibility.
Do I need a job offer before applying?
No. You can apply for OPT without a job offer.
When will I receive my Social Security Number (SSN)?
You can apply for an SSN when filing your OPT application. Once your OPT is approved, you’ll receive your SSN card within approximately two weeks of receiving your EAD.
How can I track my OPT application?
Use the USCIS Case Status Online tool. Enter the receipt number on your Form I-797 Notice of Action to check your current case status.
Can I work without an EAD while waiting for approval?
No. You may not work—paid or unpaid—until you receive your Employment Authorization Document.
Does my OPT job need to relate to my major?
Yes. All OPT employment must be directly related to your academic field. For example, a math major cannot use OPT for an art history job.
What if I receive a Request for Evidence (RFE)?
Contact your DSO or international student office immediately for guidance.
Can I change my OPT start date after applying to USCIS?
No. Once you submit your application, your start date cannot be modified. If you have not yet submitted it, ask your DSO to update the recommendation before filing.
How do I cancel my OPT application?
If USCIS has not yet approved your case, you can request withdrawal through your DSO. Once approved, however, the application cannot be canceled.
Who is eligible for an OPT EAD card?
Only F-1 and M-1 visa holders may apply for an OPT EAD. Other visa categories must apply for a regular Employment Authorization Document.
How can I get OPT approval?
Meeting all program requirements and filing a complete, accurate application gives you the best chance of approval. For personalized guidance, consult immigration attorneys at Green Card Link.
How long does USCIS take to process OPT?
Processing times typically range from three to five months. It’s important to apply early and plan ahead, especially if you intend to start work soon after graduation.
Can I work on campus while waiting for my EAD?
No. Once your degree program ends, you may not work—on or off campus—until you receive your OPT EAD.
When can I begin working under OPT?
You may start employment only after receiving your EAD and the start date listed on the card has arrived.
What happens after I receive my EAD?
Congratulations! You can begin working once the start date listed on your EAD takes effect. You may also apply for your SSN if you have not already done so.
Can I travel internationally while on OPT?
Yes, but you must request a travel signature every six months and carry all required documentation when re-entering the U.S.
Can I apply for the STEM OPT extension if I have a cap-gap extension under H-1B?
Yes, but once your STEM OPT begins, it automatically replaces the cap-gap extension. You must then comply with all STEM OPT requirements.
How Green Card Link Can Help
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have over a decade of experience helping F-1 visa holders navigate the complex OPT process—from preparing Form I-765 to ensuring compliance with SEVIS and DHS requirements.
Our dedicated immigration professionals provide personalized support to ensure your application is accurate, timely, and optimized for success.
Get started today—schedule a consultation with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link and take the next step toward your career in the United States with confidence.