Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary US work authorization available to F-1 students. It allows you to gain hands-on experience in a job directly related to your major — before or after graduation. Getting the timing right is critical: miss the window, and you may lose the ability to work legally in the US after your studies.

Key Points

  • What: Temporary employment authorization for F-1 students in work directly related to their field of study
  • Who: F-1 students who have been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year at a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)-certified school
  • When: Can be used before graduation (pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (post-completion OPT); applications must be filed within a specific window
  • Why it matters: OPT is often the primary bridge between graduating and starting a career in the US — and a prerequisite for the STEM OPT extension

Who Is Eligible

According to USCIS, you must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one full academic year at an SEVP-certified college, university, conservatory, or seminary. Time spent in a study abroad program can count toward that year, provided you completed at least one full academic term in the US before going abroad.

All OPT work must be directly related to your major area of study. You cannot use OPT for general employment.

Pre-Completion vs. Post-Completion OPT

There are two types of OPT:

  • Pre-completion OPT is used while you are still enrolled. It is part-time (20 hours or fewer per week) during the academic year, and may be full-time during official school breaks.
  • Post-completion OPT is used after you finish your degree. It is full-time and is what most students pursue.

Important: any pre-completion OPT you use is subtracted from your 12-month post-completion OPT allowance. The total authorized period across both types cannot exceed 12 months (for non-STEM fields).

How to Apply: The Key Steps

  1. Request a recommendation from your DSO. Your Designated School Official (DSO) at your international student office must recommend OPT in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) before you can file with USCIS.
  2. File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS, along with supporting documents and the filing fee. Check the USCIS website for the current fee before you file.
  3. Wait for your EAD. Your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is the physical card that proves you can work. You cannot begin post-completion OPT before the start date on your EAD.

Timing Rules You Cannot Afford to Miss

For post-completion OPT, USCIS allows you to file up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after it. Your requested OPT start date must fall within 60 days of your graduation.

Because USCIS processing takes time, apply as early as the 90-day window allows. A late application or a late start date request can result in a gap in work authorization or a denial.

The STEM OPT Extension

If you earned a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a qualifying STEM field, you may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT. That means up to 36 months of total work authorization after graduation.

To qualify, you must be in a valid period of post-completion OPT, be working for an employer enrolled in E-Verify, and meet additional training plan requirements. See the USCIS STEM OPT page for the full eligibility list.

Unemployment Limits

During post-completion OPT, you are only allowed a limited number of days without qualifying employment. Exceeding the unemployment limit can jeopardize your F-1 status. Confirm the current limit with your DSO, as this is a detail worth getting exactly right.

What You Should Know

  • Apply early — USCIS processing times vary, and you cannot work until your EAD arrives with the correct start date.
  • Pre-completion OPT reduces your post-completion OPT; most students save the full 12 months for after graduation.
  • STEM graduates should explore the 24-month extension before their standard OPT expires.
  • Verify all current fees, deadlines, and form requirements directly with USCIS at uscis.gov/opt before filing. Rules and processing times change, and your DSO is your first point of contact for school-specific guidance. For complex situations, consult a licensed immigration attorney.