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Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Overview

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization for eligible F-1 students to gain practical work experience directly related to your major field of study before completing your program. OPT is a benefit of valid F-1 status and must be recommended by the International Services Office before filing Form I-765 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

A job offer is not required to apply. However, employment may not begin until USCIS approves the application, you have received the Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and the start date printed on the EAD has arrived.

Topics on this page:

Eligibility

To be eligible for Pre-Completion OPT, a student should meet the following requirements:

  • Maintain valid F-1 status and make normal progress toward the degree.
  • Have completed, or be eligible to complete before employment begins, one full academic year of full-time study in the United States.
  • Be physically present in the United States when the OPT application is submitted.
  • Be pursuing the degree level for which the Pre-Completion OPT is requested.
  • Have not previously used 12 months of full-time OPT at the current or a higher degree level.
  • Have not accumulated 12 months (365 days) or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at that degree level.
  • Use OPT only for employment directly related to the student’s major field of study.

When pre-completion OPT may be used

There are three primary situations in which Pre-Completion OPT may be used.

While school is in session

Students must continue to meet their F-1 enrollment requirements while participating in Pre-Completion OPT. Pre-Completion OPT is limited to part-time employment of 20 hours per week or less. Pre-Completion OPT does not replace the requirement to maintain a full course of study unless an appropriate Reduced Course Load (RCL) has been authorized.

During an annual vacation period or official school breaks

Students may request either part-time or full-time Pre-Completion OPT. Part-time employment is 20 hours per week or less, while full-time employment is more than 20 hours per week. Students must continue their academic program following the vacation period.

After completing all coursework while a thesis or dissertation remains

Students who have completed all course requirements except a thesis or dissertation may be eligible for part-time or full-time Pre-Completion OPT while completing their degree. Part-time employment is 20 hours per week or less, while full-time employment is more than 20 hours per week. If you work exactly 20 hours per week, your employment is considered part-time.

Maintaining status

Pre-Completion OPT does not change your responsibilities as an F-1 student. You must continue to maintain lawful F-1 status, meet applicable enrollment requirements, and make normal progress toward completing your degree.

During an academic term, Pre-Completion OPT is generally limited to 20 hours per week or less. Employment authorization does not replace any required enrollment or other F-1 status requirements. Changing your immigration status or beginning a new degree program may end your Pre-Completion OPT authorization at your current degree level.

How pre-completion OPT affects future OPT

F-1 students generally have 12 months of OPT available at each eligible higher degree level. Time used for Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from the 12-month Post-Completion OPT period available after completing your degree.

  • Full-time Pre-Completion OPT: Time is deducted at the full rate. For example, five months of full-time Pre-Completion OPT will deduct five months of Post-Completion OPT at that degree level.
  • Part-time Pre-Completion OPT: Time has historically been deducted at one-half the full-time rate. For example, six months of part-time Pre-Completion OPT generally uses three months of the 12-month Post-Completion OPT allowance, leaving approximately nine months.
  • OPT time is counted based on the authorized period, even if you do not work for the entire authorized period. Unused Pre-Completion OPT time generally cannot be restored.
  • If you use your entire 12-month OPT allowance before completing your degree, you will not have Post-Completion OPT remaining at that degree level.
  • You cannot move directly from Pre-Completion OPT to the 24-month STEM OPT extension. STEM OPT requires qualifying Post-Completion OPT first.

If you are considering STEM OPT after graduation, carefully consider how much Pre-Completion OPT you use so that you have sufficient Post-Completion OPT remaining to qualify for the STEM OPT extension.

When to apply

If you have already completed one full academic year, you may generally apply for Pre-Completion OPT up to 90 days before your requested OPT start date. If you have not yet completed one full academic year, you may generally apply up to 90 days before completing the academic-year requirement. However, you cannot begin employment until you have completed the required academic year.

USCIS must receive your OPT application within the filing period associated with your OPT recommendation in SEVIS. Follow the filing deadline listed on your OPT-recommended Form I-20 and the current USCIS instructions.

Apply early. USCIS processing times vary and may take several months. Your requested OPT start date does not guarantee that your employment authorization will be approved by that date.

How to apply

Applying for Pre-Completion OPT involves two main steps: first, obtaining an OPT recommendation from the International Services Office, and then submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS.

Step 1: Obtain an OPT-recommendation I-20 from ISO

Before submitting your OPT application to USCIS, you must receive a new Form I-20 with an ISO recommendation for Pre-Completion OPT. Do not submit your Form I-765 to USCIS until you have received your OPT-recommended I-20. Please submit your Pre-Completion OPT I-20 recommendation using the appropriate e-form in URcompass.

Step 2: Prepare and submit your Form I-765

After receiving your OPT-recommended I-20, prepare your Form I-765 and supporting documents according to the current USCIS instructions. USCIS filing fees, forms, filing methods, and document requirements can change, so review the current requirements before submitting your application.

Your application will generally need to include:

  • Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
  • USCIS Eligibility Category: (c)(3)(A) – Pre-Completion OPT
  • Required USCIS filing fee
  • Copy of your OPT-recommended Form I-20, signed by you
  • Provide evidence of full-time enrollment for one full academic year
  • Copy of your current passport biographical page
  • Copy of your most recent Form I-94
  • Copy of your F-1 visa, if applicable
  • Passport-style photographs that meet current USCIS photo requirements
  • Copies of previous EAD cards and/or CPT or OPT documentation, if applicable

While your application is pending

A pending Form I-765 does not authorize you to work. You cannot begin employment based on a receipt notice, pending application, job offer, or requested OPT start date. You must wait until your OPT is approved and your employment authorization is valid.

While your application is pending:

  • Monitor your USCIS online account, case status, email, and physical mail for updates or notices.
  • Respond to any Request for Evidence (RFE) or biometrics appointment notice by the deadline provided by USCIS.
  • If your address changes, update it directly with USCIS.
  • Keep your employer informed that USCIS processing times can vary and that your employment start date cannot be guaranteed until your OPT is approved and valid.
  • Premium processing may be available for eligible Form I-765 OPT applications. Check the current USCIS requirements, fees, and processing times before requesting premium processing.

When your application is approved

If USCIS approves your application, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The EAD is evidence of your authorization to work during the dates listed on the card.

When you receive your EAD:

  • Review your name, dates, and other information to make sure everything is correct.
  • Do not begin working before receiving your EAD card and the “Valid From” date or continue working after the expiration date on your EAD.
  • Your employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
  • Keep your EAD and employment records with your immigration documents.

You can report your Pre-Completion OPT to ISO using the Pre-Completion OPT reporting form.

Employment rules

You do not need a job offer to apply for Pre-Completion OPT. Once authorized, your employment must follow these requirements:

  • Your employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
  • Employment may be paid or, when legally permissible, unpaid work that meets the requirements for OPT employment.
  • You may work only during the dates and at the part-time or full-time level authorized on your OPT.
  • Pre-Completion OPT is not subject to the 90-day unemployment limit that applies to Post-Completion OPT. However, your authorized OPT time is still used even if you are not working.
  • Keep documentation of your employment, such as offer letters, employment verification letters, contracts, pay statements, and documentation showing how the position relates to your major.
  • If you want to continue working after completing your program, you must obtain separate Post-Completion OPT authorization.

During final term

If you are considering Pre-Completion OPT during your final term, plan carefully. Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT require separate USCIS applications, and issues such as processing delays, Requests for Evidence, EAD errors, or SEVIS updates may affect the transition between the two.

  • If you want to continue working after your program end date, you must apply separately for Post-Completion OPT.
  • Each OPT application requires a separate USCIS filing and applicable filing fee.
  • If your Pre-Completion OPT application has not been decided when your Post-Completion OPT application is reviewed, USCIS will determine how much OPT time remains available.
  • If your employment will begin after you complete your program, consider whether Post-Completion OPT may be a more appropriate option than Pre-Completion OPT.