Pre-Completion OPT

Eligibility for Pre-Completion OPT

To be eligible for Pre-Completion OPT, you must:

• Maintain valid F-1 student status at the time of application.
• Be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the U.S. (consecutive Fall and Spring semesters).
• Be physically present in the U.S. when you submit your application.
• Intend to work or volunteer in a position directly related to your major field of study.
• Have not used OPT from a previous degree at the same degree level.
• Have not engaged in 12 months of full-time CPT at the same degree level.

If applying for Pre-Completion OPT during the academic semester (Fall/Spring) you must be enrolled full-time. You are not eligible for Pre-Completion OPT during the semester in which you are approved for a Reduced Course Load unless it is your final semester.

Work hours during Pre-Completion OPT

• While school is in session you may work 20 hours per week or less.
• During Summer and Winter term or during school breaks when school is not in session, you may work 20 hours or more per week.
• Any Pre-Completion OPT time used will be deducted from the OPT time a student can use Post-Completion. Full-time Pre-Completion OPT is deducted at a rate of 100%. Part‑time Pre-Completion OPT (20 hours per week or less) is deducted at a rate of 50%. The time for which you are authorized will be deducted from your 12-month allowance, whether you work or not.
• There is no limit to the number of unemployment days while in your authorized period of Pre-Completion OPT. 
• Employment can be paid, unpaid, self-employment, or be multiple jobs. 

Applying for Pre-Completion OPT

• You choose the start and end date. The start and end dates must coincide with a semester and/or your weekly hour commitment.
• The earliest you can apply is 90 days before your chosen work start date.
• You may submit your application up to 90 days prior to completing one academic year of study, provided that the period of employment will not begin until the completion of the full academic year.
• Your OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the OPT recommendation in SEVIS.

Online application instructions

Starting work while on Pre-Completion OPT

• USCIS will determine if you are eligible for OPT. If denied, the decision cannot be appealed. 
• You cannot begin working until your OPT EAD card is issued and received, AND your program start date has occurred.
• You will need a Social Security number to work in the U.S.  If you do not have a SSN, you can apply for your SSN along with your OPT application.  

Reporting requirement while on Pre-Completion OPT

You are not required to report your employment to the International office or through the SEVP portal for Pre-Completion OPT. This is only a Post-Completion OPT requirement.