Optional Practical Training (OPT)

1. What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?


Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment benefit available to F-1 international students in the United States that allows them to work in the United States after completion of their course of study. This benefit is intended to give international students the opportunity to gain practical work experience in their field of study and is authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

2. How long is an OPT authorization valid?


OPT authorization is typically valid for 12 months.

3. What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining OPT?


To be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT):

1. You must be a nonimmigrant F-1 student in good standing.

2. You must have completed at least one academic year of full-time study in the United States.

3. You must have valid F-1 status at the time of application and for the duration of the OPT period.

4. You must be in a degree program which qualifies for OPT by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

5. You must have a job or job offer related to your major field of study that can be used for OPT.

6. Your employer must be an E-Verify participant or your OPT employment must be directly related to your degree program.

7. You must apply before your program end date listed on your I-20 form.

8. You must apply for OPT within the 60-day grace period after completion of your studies in the U.S.

4. What is the difference between pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT?


Pre-completion OPT is when a student is authorized to have off-campus work experience related to their field of study while still enrolled in school. This work experience can be part-time or full-time and can be up to 12 months in length.

Post-completion OPT is when a student is authorized to have off-campus work experience related to their field of study after they complete their program. This work experience can be part-time or full-time and can be up to 12 months in length, with potential for an additional 24 months if the student has completed a STEM degree.

5. What is the earliest that I can apply for pre-completion OPT?


You can apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days prior to the completion of your academic program.

6. How does my OPT application affect my visa status?


Your OPT application does not directly affect your visa status. However, your eligibility to apply for OPT is determined by your visa status. To be eligible for OPT, you must have a valid F-1 visa status; if you have an expired or invalid F-1 visa, you are not eligible to apply for OPT. Once you submit your OPT application, USCIS will review it and make a decision based on the merits of the application. The outcome of your OPT application can affect your visa status in certain circumstances. For example, if your OPT application is approved, you may be able to extend your F-1 visa status beyond the initial expiration date.

7. How does OPT affect my health insurance coverage?


OPT does not affect your health insurance coverage. You will still be able to have health insurance coverage, either through your school or through a private provider.

8. What kind of employment is allowed under OPT?


Under OPT, students are allowed to take on any type of employment related to their field of study. This includes paid internships, part-time jobs, and full-time jobs.

9. What if I want to change employers during the duration of my OPT?


A change of employer is permissible during your period of OPT. The Department of Homeland Security recommends that you notify both your former and new employer of the change. Be sure to provide a copy of your new employment verification letter to your International Student Advisor. Once you have found a new job, apply for a new Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

10. Are there any restrictions on how many hours I can work under OPT?


Yes. International students on F-1 OPT are subject to a maximum of 90 days of unemployment and must work a minimum of 20 hours per week.

11. Are there any restrictions on when I can start working while on OPT?


Yes. You must start working within the 90 days following the start date on your OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Your start date is printed on the EAD, and you must begin working on or after this start date. If you do not begin working within this 90 day period, your OPT authorization will be automatically terminated.

12. Can I transfer my authorized period of OPT to another school?


No, you are not allowed to transfer your OPT authorized period to another school.

13. What do I do if I want to apply for a permanent residency after completing OPT?


If you are interested in applying for permanent residency after completing OPT, you should contact an immigration attorney for assistance. An immigration attorney can help you determine your eligibility for permanent residency and provide information on the application process. They can also provide advice and guidance on other immigration matters.

14. Is it possible to obtain an extension of my OPT period if I am unable to find a job within the allotted time frame?


Yes, it is possible to obtain an extension of your OPT period. You can apply for a 17-month extension of OPT with USCIS if you have a job offer related to your field of study and have successfully completed at least one year of your initial OPT period.

15. What type of reporting do I have to do while on OPT?


The reporting requirements for F-1 students on OPT vary depending on the type of OPT you have. For pre-completion OPT, students must report any changes in their name, address, employer, or field of study. For post-completion OPT, students must report any changes in their name, address, employer, field of study, and degree level. Additionally, all students on OPT must report and work at least 20 hours per week in order to maintain their status.

16. How long can I remain in the US after my OPT period expires?


You have 60 days to depart the US after your OPT period expires.

17. Can I travel outside the US while on OPT?


Yes, you can travel outside the US while on OPT. However, you must have a valid F-1 visa and other required documents in order to re-enter the US. Additionally, if you leave the US while on OPT, your OPT begins again when you return.

18. Are there any additional forms or documents I need to submit for my OPT application?


No, all of the required forms and documents are included with the OPT application. However, you may need to submit additional forms and documents if you are applying for an extension of your OPT.

19. Do I need to pay taxes while on OPT?


Yes. International students on OPT must file an income tax return with the IRS and pay taxes on any income earned in the U.S. Students who are nonresident aliens for tax purposes may be eligible to pay taxes at a reduced rate. It is important to consult with a tax professional to ensure that you are filing and paying your taxes correctly.

20. Is it possible to get a Social Security number while on OPT?


No, it is not possible to get a Social Security number while on OPT.