Janice Lozano
International students who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain work experience in their field of study. OPT is an important pathway for international students who want to stay and work in the U.S. after graduation, especially those pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees. The process of obtaining OPT involves several steps, including maintaining F-1 student status, obtaining recommendations, and applying for work authorization through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students can work part-time or full-time during their OPT period, and they may change jobs or pursue unpaid internships or volunteer work that complies with labor laws. The availability of OPT has significant economic benefits, contributing billions of dollars to the U.S. economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Full form | Optional Practical Training |
| Who can apply | International students in F-1 immigration status enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States |
| Work authorization | 12 months |
| Work hours | 20 hours or less per week while school is in session; full time when school is not in session |
| Eligibility | Must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students |
| Post-completion OPT | Must work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full time |
| STEM OPT Extension | 24 months |
| Unemployment days allowed | 90 days |
| Application | Form I-765 |
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What You'll Learn
OPT eligibility requirements for international students
OPT, or Optional Practical Training, is a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States. OPT allows students to gain real-world work experience in their field of study.
To be eligible for OPT, students must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students.
- Maintain their student status, including not working on a terminated EAD, as termination means the student is no longer authorized to work in the United States.
- Be physically present in the United States at the time of application to USCIS.
- Not have used more than one year of full-time CPT during their current degree level (part-time does not count).
- Be seeking employment in the major field of study listed on their current I-20 form.
- Be completing their program of study.
Additionally, students must apply for OPT by submitting Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to USCIS, along with the required fee and supporting documentation. Students should also request a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) at their academic institution, who will endorse their Form I-20, Certification of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
It is important to note that OPT is not a path to permanent residency in the United States, and the F-1 student visa does not allow for "dual intent." Graduates seeking to live and work permanently in the U.S. will need to explore other options, such as employer sponsorship for a green card or a temporary skilled work visa like an H-1B visa.
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Pre-completion OPT
The application process for pre-completion OPT can take 3 to 5 months, so it is important to apply well in advance of the desired start date. Students must submit Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization," to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of the IS Advisor signature on Form I-20. They must also have their designated school official (DSO) recommend the OPT by endorsing their Form I-20 and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
It is important to note that students cannot begin working on OPT until they have received their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. Working without authorization can have serious consequences, including removal from the country and re-entry bars. Additionally, students must maintain their F-1 student status and cannot work on a terminated EAD.
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Post-completion OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States. OPT provides temporary employment directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. Students can apply for up to 12 months of post-completion OPT employment authorization, which can be extended to 24 months for certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
To be eligible for post-completion OPT, students must have completed their academic studies and have an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). They must also be employed within 90 days of the start date on their EAD card, as accruing more than 90 days of unemployment during the OPT period may result in the automatic termination of their SEVIS record. Students must not begin working before the start date on their EAD and must work at least part-time (a minimum of 20 hours per week).
The process of applying for post-completion OPT typically involves the following steps:
- Students must request a start date within the 60-day grace period after completing their program. They can select their own start and end dates, even if they do not yet have a job offer.
- Students must apply for a work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and submit Form I-765, along with other required documents.
- USCIS will review the application and issue an EAD if the OPT is approved.
- Students can begin their OPT employment after receiving their EAD and ensuring that the validity period has begun.
It is important to note that any OPT requests must comply with federal regulations, and students should be mindful of the complex rules and guidance surrounding the OPT process. Additionally, students transitioning from an F-1 visa to permanent residency in the United States may face challenges due to the lack of "dual intent" recognition in the F-1 visa category.
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STEM OPT extension
The Optional Practical Training (OPT) program allows international students in F-1 immigration status, enrolled in or completing a degree program in the United States, to work in their field of study. OPT is an important pathway for international students seeking to gain practical work experience and build relationships with potential employers in the United States.
For students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, the STEM OPT Extension provides an opportunity to extend their OPT period and continue working in the United States. Here are the key details about the STEM OPT Extension:
Eligibility:
To be eligible for the STEM OPT Extension, students must meet certain requirements:
- Have earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree from an accredited U.S. institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Be employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program, which confirms their eligibility to hire STEM OPT students.
- Have received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on their STEM degree.
- Apply for the extension no earlier than 90 days before the expiration of their current OPT authorization.
Application Process:
The STEM OPT Extension application process involves several steps:
- Students must request a STEM OPT I-20 recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) and ensure they maintain their F-1 status.
- Complete Form I-983 with their employer, which outlines the training opportunity and ensures compliance with STEM OPT regulations.
- Submit the completed Form I-983 to the appropriate office at their institution, along with other required documents, to receive the final STEM OPT recommendation on their Form I-20.
- File the STEM OPT Extension application with USCIS within 60 days of the recommendation date and before the expiration of their current OPT authorization.
Validity and Restrictions:
The STEM OPT Extension provides a 24-month extension of the student's OPT period. During this time, students:
- May work for multiple employers, provided they work at least 20 hours per week for each employer and comply with all STEM OPT regulations.
- Cannot accrue more than 150 days of unemployment during their entire OPT period, including the STEM OPT Extension.
- Must be compensated for their work and cannot engage in volunteer positions or unpaid internships as part of their STEM OPT training.
The STEM OPT Extension is a valuable opportunity for international students in STEM fields to gain extended work experience in the United States, contributing to their professional development and enhancing their career prospects.
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OPT employment rules
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing, a degree program in the United States. OPT allows students to gain practical work experience in their field of study.
Pre-completion OPT
To be eligible for pre-completion OPT, students must have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year at a college or university certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students. Students can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session.
Post-completion OPT
To be eligible for post-completion OPT, students must have completed their studies. Students are required to work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time. The initial post-completion OPT period is 12 months, less any OPT time used pre-completion. Students must request an employment start date within 60 days of completing their program.
STEM OPT Extension
Students who have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT if they meet certain requirements, including being employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify government program.
Employment Rules
During the OPT period, students must be working or actively seeking employment. Students are limited to 90 days of unemployment, after which they are considered to be in violation of their F-1 status and must leave the U.S. or change their visa status. All employment must be directly related to the student's major field of study and may be anywhere in the United States. Students must report all employment and address changes within 10 days. Students may change jobs during their OPT period.
Termination of OPT Employment
Transferring to another school or beginning studies at a higher level will result in the automatic termination of OPT employment authorization. Termination of the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) means that the student is no longer authorized to work in the United States using that OPT EAD. Maintaining student status includes not working on a terminated EAD.
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Frequently asked questions
OPT stands for Optional Practical Training, a benefit available to international students in F-1 immigration status who are enrolled in, or completing, a degree program in the United States.
You must apply for a work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). You will need to fill out Form I-765, which must be retrieved from the USCIS website.
You must be enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year in the U.S. and have been a full-time student for at least two consecutive semesters. You must also plan to seek employment in the United States in your field of study.
Yes, you can work during your OPT period, but you must not begin working before the start date on your Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You can work full-time or part-time, but you should be actively seeking employment and not remain unemployed for more than 90 days.
