Optional Practical Training (OPT)
What Is Optional Practical Training?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of work authorization that permits F-1 students to gain work experience in their field of study while in the United States. OPT is an optional employment benefit offered to F-1 students who maintain their visa statuses — it is not a separate visa category.
Students must first obtain an OPT recommendation I-20 from OIS before submitting their OPT application and supporting documents to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for adjudication.
There are three types of OPT. Please review the eligibility requirements for each type of OPT.
Pre-Completion OPT
Pre-Completion OPT is a type of employment authorization that allows students to gain practical work experience during their academic program (i.e., before the program end date listed on the Form I-20). Time used for Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from a student’s available 12 months of Post-Completion OPT eligibility after graduation. Students interested in Pre-Completion OPT must consult with an OIS advisor to discuss their eligibility.
Post-Completion OPT
Post-Completion OPT is a type of employment authorization that occurs after the student’s academic program ends. Please visit the Post-Completion OPT page for additional information.
STEM OPT Extension
The STEM OPT Extension is an additional 24 months of work authorization for students who are in an approved period of Post-Completion OPT and have a degree in one of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) majors on the STEM Designated Degree Program list provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Please visit our STEM OPT Extension page for additional information.