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OPT Eligibility

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OPT overview

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of valid F-1 student status that allows eligible students to gain practical work experience in their field of study. OPT authorization is directly tied to the student’s current degree level and must be recommended by ISO before applying to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Key points

  • A job offer is not required to apply for OPT.

  • You may work for multiple employers, as long as each position is directly related to your major.

  • OPT may be used before or after graduation, depending on your academic progress and eligibility.

OPT application eligibility

OPT eligibility
  • Maintain valid F-1 status and make normal progress toward your degree.

  • Be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year (two semesters or three quarters).

  • Have not previously used 12 months of full-time OPT at the current or a higher degree level.

  • Have not exceeded 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

  • Be physically present in the United States at the time your OPT application is submitted.

Important note

If you change your immigration status (e.g., from F-1 to H-1B or another visa category) or begin a new degree program before or during your approved OPT period:

  • Any unused portion of your OPT is forfeited.

  • OPT cannot be deferred, transferred, or saved for later use.

  • OPT is only valid while you remain in F-1 status at the degree level for which it was approved.

Authorization types

OPT is a type of temporary employment authorization that allows eligible F-1 students to gain practical experience directly related to their field of study. Students may be authorized for up to 12 months of OPT per academic level (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s, PhD), provided they maintain valid F-1 status throughout their program and any authorized training period.

Eligibility and duration

  • Students may apply for OPT at different stages of their academic program—before or after completing their degree.

  • A total of 12 months of OPT is available per higher degree level. For example, if a student uses 12 months of OPT after completing a bachelor’s degree and later pursues a master’s degree, they are eligible for another 12 months of OPT at the master’s level.

  • Time used for OPT at a lower degree level does not carry over or reduce eligibility at a higher degree level.

Types of OPT authorization

Pre-Completion OPT

Pre-Completion OPT refers to work authorization before completing all degree requirements. It is most commonly used while a student is still enrolled in coursework. Pre-Completion OPT may be used:

  • During the academic year, while enrolled full-time in classes, only part-time OPT (up to 20 hours per week) is permitted.

  • During the annual vacation period or official school breaks, students may work either part-time or full-time.

Important notes:

  • Time spent on Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from the total 12-month OPT allowance, with part-time OPT counting at half the rate. For example, four months of part-time OPT is equivalent to two months of full-time OPT.

  • Students must maintain full-time enrollment while on Pre-Completion OPT during the academic year.

Post-Completion OPT

Post-Completion OPT is work authorization granted after completing all degree requirements, and it must be full-time (more than 20 hours per week). Post-Completion OPT may be used:

  • Full-time OPT is allowed after completing all coursework, even if you are still working on your thesis or dissertation.

  • Students may begin full-time OPT employment after completing their entire degree program, including any required thesis or dissertation.

Important notes:

  • Students must apply for Post-Completion OPT before the end of their 60-day grace period following program completion.

  • Post-Completion OPT must be related to the student’s field of study and may not begin until the authorization is approved by USCIS.

OPT employment options

You may only begin working once you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the start date on the card has arrived. Employment can only occur within the dates printed on your EAD. Your job must be directly related to your field of study, and after your program completion date, you may only work on- or off-campus if the employment aligns with your academic field and falls within your authorized OPT period.

During your Post-Completion OPT period, you are allowed a maximum of 90 days of unemployment time starting from the EAD start date if you are not employed. You must report all employment to pause the unemployment time accrual in SEVIS. It is the F-1 student’s responsibility to track unemployment time and plan accordingly.

To meet OPT requirements, your job must be directly related to your field of study, and you must work at least 20 hours per week. An employment offer is not required to apply for OPT, and you may hold multiple jobs at once, or change employers during your authorized OPT period. SEVIS defines employment as either:

  • Full-time: More than 20 hours per week

  • Part-time: 20 hours or less per week
    Note: If you work exactly 20 hours per week, SEVP requires you to report it as part-time employment.

Eligible OPT employment

Types of Acceptable Employment on OPT
  • One or more employers: You may work for multiple employers at one time.
  • Multiple short-term employers (common for ESM students): If you are a musician or performing artist, you may accept various gigs or project-based work. Be sure to maintain a detailed record of each engagement, including dates, locations, and duration.
  • Temporary or part-time jobs: Allowed if directly related to your field of study and total at least 20 hours per week.

  • Volunteer or unpaid internships: You may work as a volunteer or as an unpaid intern, where this practice does not violate any labor laws.

  • Self-employment or entrepreneurial activities: You may start your own business and work as a self-employed individual, as long as the business is directly related to your degree field. You must be able to demonstrate that you have the appropriate business licenses and are actively managing and operating the business in a manner consistent with your area of study.

  • Independent contractor roles (1099 employment): You may provide services based on a contractual agreement rather than a traditional employee-employer relationship. If you engage in freelance or “work-for-hire” projects, be sure to keep documentation that includes the contract dates, the nature of the work, and the name and address of the contracting organization.

  • Employment through an agency or consulting firm: You may secure work through a staffing agency or consulting firm. To maintain OPT compliance, you must be able to provide documentation showing that you averaged at least 20 hours of work per week while employed through the agency.

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