What Is OPT for International Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a popular work authorization option for international students studying in the United States on an F-1 visa. If you’re wondering what is OPT, how it works, and whether it could fit into your post-graduation plans, this guide will provide clear, practical information about OPT, including eligibility, application, limitations, and how it fits with your overall study and career goals in the USA.

Understanding OPT is important because it allows you to gain valuable work experience in your field of study, which can be a crucial step if you want to stay and work in the U.S. temporarily after completing your degree. However, OPT has specific rules, timelines, and application processes you need to follow carefully.

What Is OPT? A Basic Overview

OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. It is a type of temporary employment authorization granted by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows international students on an F-1 visa to work in the U.S. in a job related to their major field of study.

• Duration: Typically, OPT allows up to 12 months of work authorization.
• STEM Extension: Students in qualifying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields may be eligible for an additional 24 months extension, for a total of up to 36 months.
• When: OPT can be used either before completing your degree (pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (post-completion OPT), although most students choose post-completion OPT.

OPT is not a visa itself but a benefit of the F-1 visa status. It provides a legal way to work in the U.S. and gain practical experience related to your academic program.

Who Is Eligible for OPT?

To qualify for OPT, you must:

• Be an international student currently enrolled in a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution.
• Have maintained valid F-1 status.
• Have completed at least one full academic year of study before applying.
• Work must be directly related to your degree program.
• Apply for OPT authorization through your university’s international student office and then file Form I-765 with USCIS.

It’s important to start the OPT application process early because USCIS can take several months to process your request. Planning ahead is critical to avoid gaps in your work authorization.

How Does the OPT Application Process Work?

1. Talk to your Designated School Official (DSO): Your university’s international student office will guide you through the process and update your SEVIS record to recommend OPT.
2. Receive new I-20: After your DSO recommends OPT, you will get an updated Form I-20 indicating your OPT request.
3. File Form I-765: You submit the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application to USCIS, including the updated I-20 and filing fee.
4. Wait for approval: USCIS processing times vary, but it can take 3-5 months.
5. Receive EAD card: Once approved, you can start working on or after your OPT start date.
6. Report employment: You must report your employer and any changes to your DSO during your OPT period.

Your OPT start date can be up to 60 days after your program completion date, so timing your application carefully is essential.

Types of OPT

Pre-Completion OPT

• Available before you finish your degree.
• Work can be part-time (while school is in session) or full-time (during breaks).
• Time used during pre-completion OPT reduces the total available post-completion OPT time.

Post-Completion OPT

• Begins after you complete your degree.
• Usually full-time.
• Most commonly used by international students.

STEM OPT Extension

• For students in eligible STEM fields.
• Provides an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond the initial 12 months.
• Requires employment with an E-Verify employer and additional reporting.

Important Rules and Limitations

• Unemployment Limit: During post-completion OPT, you can be unemployed for a maximum of 90 days. For STEM OPT extension holders, the limit is 150 days total.
• Job Relevance: All work must be directly related to your field of study.
• Multiple OPT Periods: You can only receive one 12-month OPT period per higher education level (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate).
• Travel: Traveling outside the U.S. while your OPT application is pending or after approval can be risky and should be discussed with your DSO.
• Social Security Number (SSN): You need an SSN to work legally during OPT.

How OPT Fits into Your Study and Career Plans

OPT is a bridge between your academic studies and professional career in the U.S. It allows you to:

• Gain practical work experience in your field.
• Build professional networks.
• Potentially qualify for employer-sponsored work visas (like H-1B) later on.

However, OPT is temporary and does not guarantee long-term work or residency. It’s important to understand the limitations and plan ahead, especially if you wish to remain in the U.S. beyond your OPT period.

For a broader understanding of visa and work rights in the U.S., including H-1B and other visa options, see our detailed Visa and work rights section.

How OPT Affects University Transfers and Degree Changes

If you transfer universities or change your degree program, it can impact your OPT eligibility and timing. You must work closely with your new school’s DSO to ensure your SEVIS record is updated correctly and that your OPT application remains valid.

For students considering transfers or changing study plans, check out our Switch and transfer guide for advice on maintaining your F-1 status and OPT eligibility.

University Credibility and OPT

Only students enrolled in SEVP-certified universities are eligible for OPT. Before choosing a university, verify its certification status and reputation to ensure your degree and OPT eligibility will be recognized.

You can use our University check tool to research universities and confirm their credentials.

Costs and Fees Related to OPT

Applying for OPT involves certain fees:

• USCIS filing fee for Form I-765.
• Possible mailing and biometric fees.
• Costs associated with travel or reapplication if needed.

Universities may also charge administrative fees for processing your OPT recommendation. Review your institution’s policies and budget accordingly.

For more on managing costs related to studying in the U.S., see Costs and scholarships.

Common OPT Questions and Concerns

OPT can be complex, and many students have questions about timing, job searching, and maintaining status. Always consult your university’s international student office for personalized advice and keep updated with official USCIS guidelines.

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between OPT and CPT? A: OPT is work authorization after or during your degree related to your field, while CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is work authorization integral to your curriculum and usually requires enrollment in a course.

Q: Can I work anywhere during OPT? A: No, you must work in a job related to your major field of study.

Q: How long does it take to get OPT approval? A: USCIS processing times vary but typically take 3 to 5 months.

Q: Can I extend OPT beyond 12 months? A: Only if you qualify for the STEM OPT extension and meet all requirements.

Q: What happens if I don’t find a job during OPT? A: You have a limited unemployment period (90 days for post-completion OPT). Exceeding this can jeopardize your F-1 status.

For more detailed answers and updates, always check with your DSO and official USCIS resources.

Get help with your study decision

If you’re considering studying in the USA and want guidance on visas, work rights, university options, or OPT, contact UniversitySwitch for personalized support. We can help you navigate choices about your country, university, visa, costs, transfers, or applications. Reach out today at Contact UniversitySwitch.