Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization for eligible F-1 students to work in a role directly related to their major area of study. It is not a guaranteed job, a permanent work visa or automatic eligibility for every F-1 student.[1]
For prospective students, OPT should be understood from the time they choose a programme: the work-to-major connection, F-1 status, Designated School Official (DSO) recommendation and USCIS approval can determine whether and when practical work experience is permitted.
What is the difference between pre-completion and post-completion OPT?
USCIS distinguishes two types of OPT. Pre-completion OPT takes place before academic study is completed; eligible students may work up to 20 hours a week while school is in session and full-time when school is not in session. Post-completion OPT is requested after study is completed, with work that is part-time for at least 20 hours a week or full-time.[1]
All OPT must be directly related to the major. Time used for pre-completion OPT also reduces the remaining post-completion OPT period at the same educational level.[1]
How long is OPT available?
Eligible F-1 students may receive up to 12 months of OPT at each educational level. ICE gives the example that someone may have 12 months at bachelor’s level and another 12 months at master’s level, if they meet the conditions for each.[2]
This is not an automatic duration. A DSO needs to provide a recommendation on Form I-20, and USCIS must approve Form I-765 and issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before work begins.[2]
What about the STEM OPT extension?
Graduates of certain science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after receiving post-completion OPT, if they meet the requirements.[1][3]
Key USCIS requirements include a qualifying STEM degree, employment related to that degree, and an employer enrolled in and using E-Verify. The student and employer also have relevant documentation and training-plan obligations.[1][3]
Do not reduce STEM eligibility to a popular major name alone. Eligibility follows the applicable degree and programme list, so it should be checked with the DSO and official sources at application time.
Why do the DSO and EAD matter?
The DSO helps ensure that the practical-training recommendation is entered in the SEVIS record and issues a Form I-20 showing that recommendation.[2] For work authorization, the student files Form I-765 with USCIS; USCIS issues an EAD if the application is approved.[2]
Students must not start working simply because they have received an offer or filed an application. ICE explicitly advises waiting for the EAD before beginning employment.[2]
Checklist before planning OPT
- Confirm that the work or training is directly related to your major area of study.
- Discuss eligibility, timing and Form I-20 with your school’s DSO.
- Check how pre-completion OPT could reduce post-completion OPT.
- For STEM OPT, check the degree, employer E-Verify status and current training-plan requirements.
- Do not begin work before holding the appropriate work authorization.
This is educational context, not immigration or employment advice and not a guarantee of approval. For help choosing a US programme and preparing admission documents, contact RIM Education.
Sources
[1] https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training-opt-for-f-1-students — USCIS: Optional Practical Training for F-1 Students
[2] https://www.ice.gov/sevis/practical-training — ICE SEVP: Practical Training
[3] https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training-extension-for-stem-students-stem-opt — USCIS: STEM OPT Extension