Optional Curricular Training (OPT or Post-graduate employment)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is meant to give F-1 students practical experience in their major field of study, and students can apply for it either during their program of study or after graduation. OPT generally lasts up to 12 months.

Before you can participate in OPT, you'll need to get approval from US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which usually takes around 90-100 days, but processing times may vary. Students should plan ahead, attend a workshop in a timely manner, and apply as early as possible.

You do not need to have a job offer when you apply, but you are required to begin working on post-completion OPT within 90 days of the start date on your OPT EAD card in order to maintain valid F-1 status.

When classes are in session, pre-completion OPT can only be part-time (up to 20 hours per week). It can be full-time during the summer and other breaks.

During Post-completion OPT, you must work 20 hours or more per week. You can work with multiple organizations, as long as each position is directly related to your major field of study and cumulatively add up to at least 20 hours per week.

If you are considering an unpaid internship or position, you may do so during the regular post-completion OPT period, but you should get written verification that your position does not violate any local, state, and federal labor laws from an HR representative at your organization. Financial compensation is not the only indicator of employment.  

You can apply for OPT if: 

• You currently hold F-1 status.

• You have finished at least one academic year as a full-time student at a US institution.

• You have not participated in full-time CPT for 12 months or more at your degree level.

If you re-enter the US using a new SEVIS record after your previous record was terminated, you need to complete another academic year of full-time study before you can apply for OPT.

Below is an overview of the steps for applying for OPT. See OPT Frequently Asked Questions for additional details about these steps.

1. Sign up and participate in a virtual OPT workshop.

2. Prepare documents for the I-765. You can access a draft form here.

3. Address in the US. 

*The local US Postal Service will not deliver US government mail if they are not completely certain that the individual lives at the address. The address you supply must be a valid address that you will have for at least four months and your name must be on the mailbox. Also note, the USPS will not forward US government mail. If you move subsequent to your filing the application and do not notify the SErvice Center, the card will be returned to the Center by the post office. It is your responsibility to notify the USPS in the event of an address change. 

4. Schedule an OPT Review Appointment.

During your meeting, you will be issued a NEW I-20 with OPT requested, which you must have BEFORE filing USCIS petition for work authorization. If you file for OPT without your new I-20 with OPT requested, you will be denied. 

Click To Open The OPT Calculator