Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period during which undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine months are permitted by the USCIS to work towards getting practical training to complement their field of studies.
You can find latest jobs for OPT Candidates in USA at
Although there are several visa categories for international students in the United States (including J and M categories), the majority of international students enrolled in US colleges or graduate schools are under the F1 visa program. Under the F1 Visa, students are allowed to work under OPT.
Students studying with an F1 visa are eligible to work in the USA under the OPT visa program, which affords the student the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge obtained in an academic program to a practical work experience. Any employment opportunity that the student encounters must be directly related to his or her major field of study in order to qualify as OPT. OPT may be full or part time, depending on the circumstances and may take place anywhere in the country.
An F1 student may apply to use OPT during vacation periods, during the academic year or after completion of his or her studies. Students involved in graduate programs, i.e., those pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D. which may include a thesis or dissertation requirement can apply for OPT upon completion of all coursework.
Types of OPT
All OPT must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. Students may participate in
All OPT must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. Students may participate in
OPT in two different ways:
Pre-completion OPT: F-1 students may apply to participate in pre-completion OPT after they have been enrolled in school for one full academic year. Students authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT must work part-time while school is in session. They may work full time when school is not in session.
Post-completion OPT: F-1 students may apply to participate in post-completion OPT after completing their studies. Students authorized for post-completion OPT may work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time.
Please Note: Practical training may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students. The “one full academic year” requirement may be satisfied while in another non-immigrant category, not just while in F-1 status. Students may participate in OPT both before and after completing their studies. However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
OPT Twist with STEM Fields
One twist to OPT is that students who have graduated from a US college or university with a specific degree in the STEM fields - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - can apply to extend their OPT for an additional 17 months, bringing their total post-graduation OPT available time up to 29 months.
The specific degrees that qualify for the extension are:
F1 students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at a USCIS/DHS approved school for one full academic year before being eligible for OPT. Students in English language training are not eligible for OPT.
Where can I use OPT?
Students may engage in OPT for any employer for the duration of OPT authorized, as long as the employment qualifies under OPT standards. Training/work can be completed anywhere in the U.S. after the OPT EAD card is issued.
How long does OPT last?
Standard OPT is available for a cumulative maximum of 12 months per educational level. A one-time extension of 17 months (for a total of 29 months) is available to certain STEM degree recipients.
How many hours per week can I work?
Pre-completion OPT is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session and the student still has coursework to complete. Full-time employment can be requested for pre-completion OPT done during official school breaks.
For post-completion OPT, a student must be employed for at least 20 hours per week. Students requesting post-completion OPT may work 40 + hours per week.
Can I work anywhere?
The job must be directly related to and commensurate with the level of the student’s course of study. Please see your academic adviser/professors for questions about which jobs will apply. It is very important that you can document that the job you accept is directly related to your field of study.
Applying for OPT
Generally, if you are an F-1 student who wants to apply for OPT, you must:
Please Note: Practical training may be authorized to an F-1 student who has been lawfully enrolled on a full time basis for one full academic year at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary that has been certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to enroll F-1 students. The “one full academic year” requirement may be satisfied while in another non-immigrant category, not just while in F-1 status. Students may participate in OPT both before and after completing their studies. However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.
OPT Twist with STEM Fields
One twist to OPT is that students who have graduated from a US college or university with a specific degree in the STEM fields - science, technology, engineering and mathematics - can apply to extend their OPT for an additional 17 months, bringing their total post-graduation OPT available time up to 29 months.
The specific degrees that qualify for the extension are:
- Actuarial Sciences
- Computer Science Applications
- Engineering
- Engineering Technologies
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics
- Military Technologies
- Physical Sciences
F1 students must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at a USCIS/DHS approved school for one full academic year before being eligible for OPT. Students in English language training are not eligible for OPT.
Where can I use OPT?
Students may engage in OPT for any employer for the duration of OPT authorized, as long as the employment qualifies under OPT standards. Training/work can be completed anywhere in the U.S. after the OPT EAD card is issued.
How long does OPT last?
Standard OPT is available for a cumulative maximum of 12 months per educational level. A one-time extension of 17 months (for a total of 29 months) is available to certain STEM degree recipients.
How many hours per week can I work?
Pre-completion OPT is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session and the student still has coursework to complete. Full-time employment can be requested for pre-completion OPT done during official school breaks.
For post-completion OPT, a student must be employed for at least 20 hours per week. Students requesting post-completion OPT may work 40 + hours per week.
Can I work anywhere?
The job must be directly related to and commensurate with the level of the student’s course of study. Please see your academic adviser/professors for questions about which jobs will apply. It is very important that you can document that the job you accept is directly related to your field of study.
Applying for OPT
Generally, if you are an F-1 student who wants to apply for OPT, you must:
Request that your designated school official (DSO) at your academic institution recommend the OPT. Your DSO will make the recommendation by endorsing your Form I-20 and making the appropriate notation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions.
Getting From F1 to OPT to H1B Visa Status
The goal of most International students after they graduate is to remain in the USA to gain work experience relevent to their degree studies. The H1B visa program is designed for and made available to F1 students to achieve this goal. The USCIS even introduced a separate H1B quota (allocation of H1B visas) for International students.
F1 students can transfer / change status directly from F1 to H1B by obtaining a suitable H1B sponsorship position with an H1B sponsor company. However, many students choose (or find themselves requiring) to use the OPT visa program as an interim measure in the overall process of getting to H1B visa status.
The H1B visa confers temporary worker status on the person who holds the visa. This visa is used to hire a foreign national who is a professional for a temporary period of time. H1B positions often appear at institutions of higher learning, but can be offered by any employer who needs the services of a person in a specialty occupation who holds at least a four-year degree or the equivalent in experience. Generally, three years of experience is equivalent to one year of education.
H1B status is initially granted for a maximum period of three years, but it can be extended for up to six years. This six-year maximum remains in effect no matter how many employers the foreign national has over this time period. An H1B visa holder may also work part time.
The important thing for the H1B applicant to show is that the employee will be earning the ‘prevailing wage’ for that position in that geographic location. Prevailing wage varies by geographic location and is determined by the county where the H1B worker will be working.
Properly file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions.
When to apply
applying based on a…
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Then you…
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STEM degree
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Pre-completion OPT
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Initial post-completion OPT
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Post-completion STEM OPT extension
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Non-STEM degree
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Pre-completion OPT
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Post-completion OPT
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You may begin your OPT only after USCIS approves your Form I-765 and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Getting From F1 to OPT to H1B Visa Status
The goal of most International students after they graduate is to remain in the USA to gain work experience relevent to their degree studies. The H1B visa program is designed for and made available to F1 students to achieve this goal. The USCIS even introduced a separate H1B quota (allocation of H1B visas) for International students.
F1 students can transfer / change status directly from F1 to H1B by obtaining a suitable H1B sponsorship position with an H1B sponsor company. However, many students choose (or find themselves requiring) to use the OPT visa program as an interim measure in the overall process of getting to H1B visa status.
You can find latest H1B visa jobs in USA at
The H1B visa confers temporary worker status on the person who holds the visa. This visa is used to hire a foreign national who is a professional for a temporary period of time. H1B positions often appear at institutions of higher learning, but can be offered by any employer who needs the services of a person in a specialty occupation who holds at least a four-year degree or the equivalent in experience. Generally, three years of experience is equivalent to one year of education.
H1B status is initially granted for a maximum period of three years, but it can be extended for up to six years. This six-year maximum remains in effect no matter how many employers the foreign national has over this time period. An H1B visa holder may also work part time.
The important thing for the H1B applicant to show is that the employee will be earning the ‘prevailing wage’ for that position in that geographic location. Prevailing wage varies by geographic location and is determined by the county where the H1B worker will be working.
You can also check latest updates, News, Changes in Visa policies and stay updated with all the latest information at
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