The Optional Practical Training is a US working program for F-1 visa-enrolled students. It enables learners to take a temporary position in an organization that is in their field of specialization. Its primary purpose is training and providing students with practical experience in their subject of study, which is very useful. OPIT may be completed within 12 months while the students may engage in it while pursuing the course or after they have completed their course. Should you engage in OPT before the completion of your degree, the time utilized in OPT reduces the twelve months granted. This guide explains more in detail.
Types of OPT:
There are three main types of OPT for international students which Includes:
Pre-Completion OPT:
- Eligible F-1 students can work part-time (20 hours or less per week) during their studies and full-time during breaks or when school is not in session.
- You must have completed one academic year at a certified U.S. institution before applying for pre-completion OPT.
- Time spent on pre-completion OPT is counted as part of your total 12-month OPT allowance.
Post-Completion OPT:
- This OPT is for students who have completed their degree program and want to work full-time in their field of study.
- If you used OPT during your studies, that time will be subtracted from your total post-completion OPT duration.
STEM OPT Extension:
- Students who graduate with a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) can apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT.
- This extension allows STEM graduates to work for up to 36 months in the U.S. under OPT.
- The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the job must be related to the student’s STEM degree.
How to Apply for OPT:
To apply for OPT, follow these steps:
- Get a recommendation: Your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) must recommend you for OPT and update your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) record.
- File Form I-765: This is the official “Application for Employment Authorization.” You will need to include supporting documents and a fee when filing it with USCIS.
When to apply:
- Pre-completion OPT: You can apply up to 90 days before completing one full academic year, but you can’t start work until you finish that year.
- Post-completion OPT: Applications must be filed within 30 days of your DSO’s OPT recommendation in SEVIS. You can apply up to 90 days before graduation but no later than 60 days after graduation.
- STEM OPT Extension: Applications should be submitted 90 days before your initial OPT ends, and no later than 60 days after your current OPT authorization expires.
OPT Processing Time and Duration:
- Processing time: Once you apply, USCIS takes about 3 to 5 months to process your application and issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
- Start Date: You can choose your OPT start date within the 60 days following your program completion.
Duration:
- Standard OPT: Up to 12 months.
- STEM OPT Extension: An additional 24 months for a total of 36 months.
- Grace Period After OPT: After your OPT ends, you have a 60-day grace period to either prepare for departure, apply for a different visa, or start a new academic program.
Premium Processing: F-1 visa students applying for:
- Pre-completion OPT
- Post-completion OPT
- STEM OPT extension
Can request premium processing to expedite their application. To do this, submit Form I-907 along with your OPT application.
Common FAQs:
What is OPT?
OPT is a program that allows international students on an F-1 visa to work in the U.S. in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. STEM graduates can extend their OPT for an additional 24 months.
What are the requirements for OPT?
To be eligible, you must:
- Have an F-1 visa.
- Be enrolled full-time for at least one academic year.
- Apply for OPT using Form I-765.
How long can I stay on OPT?
You can stay for up to 12 months of OPT, with possible extensions for STEM graduates, giving you up to 36 months in total.
What are the restrictions on OPT?
- You must work in a job related to your field of study.
- You can’t work more than 20 hours per week during school terms and no more than 40 hours during breaks.
- You can’t work for more than one employer at the same time or be self-employed.
