Optional Practical Training Overview

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an F-1 student benefit granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Optional Practical Training is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study.  It is meant to supplement your academic experience with practical experience.

The OPT employment benefit is a total of 12 months per degree level. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (Pre-Completion OPT) and/or after completing their academic studies (Post-Completion OPT).

Students who choose to break up their OPT into more than one period of pre-completion work authorization, or who choose to split their OPT period between pre- and post-completion OPT, must file separate applications for each period of OPT and pay the associated application fee.

Types of Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Pre-Completion OPT

Post-Completion OPT

STEM-OPT 24-Month Extension