In Part 1, we talked about Curricular Practical Training (CPT). In this article, we focus on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and how it is commonly used to gain work experience after graduation.

What is OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of temporary work authorization for eligible F-1 students. It allows you to work in the United States in a job that is directly related to your major field of study.

Under current rules, students are typically eligible for up to 12 months of OPT at each higher education level (for example, up to 12 months after a bachelor’s degree and another 12 months after a master’s degree). It is important to note that you generally only receive one 12-month period of OPT per degree level, so how and when you use it can matter for your long-term plans.

There are two main types of OPT:

• Pre-completion OPT (before finishing your program)
  Post-completion OPT (after completing your program)

Pre-Completion OPT (before graduation)

Some students explore pre-completion OPT when CPT is not an option. In general:

• You must have completed one full academic year of full-time study at an SEVP-certified school before starting pre-completion OPT.
• While school is in session, work is usually limited to part-time (20 hours or less per week).
• During official breaks, full-time work may be possible if authorized.
  

A key detail: time used for pre-completion OPT is subtracted from your 12 months of total OPT for that same degree level. For example:

• 12 months of part-time pre-completion OPT is treated like 6 months of full-time OPT.
• 12 months of full-time pre-completion OPT generally uses up the entire 12-month limit, leaving no post-completion OPT at that level.

For this reason, it is important to discuss the potential impact of pre-completion OPT with your Designated School Official (DSO) before pursuing this option.

Post-Completion OPT (after graduation)

Post-completion OPT begins after you complete your degree requirements. It is often used as a way to gain full-time professional experience in your field.

In general:

• It starts after you finish your program.
• You can work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) or full-time, as long as the work is related to your major.
  You cannot start working until USCIS approves your Form I-765 and you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Post-completion OPT is commonly used to accept a first full-time role in the US or to continue with an employer you previously interned with.

STEM OPT Extension (extra 24 months)

If your degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and you work for an E-Verify employer, you may be able to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month post-completion OPT.

If approved, this can provide up to 36 months total of OPT at that degree level (12 months of post-completion OPT plus 24 months of STEM extension).

Because this extra time often overlaps with multiple H-1B cap seasons, STEM OPT is sometimes viewed as a way to have additional opportunities for an H-1B filing. Whether a company actually files an H-1B petition, however, always depends on the employer’s own policies and needs.

How the OPT Application Usually Works

There are two main parts to the process:

1. School side (DSO and SEVIS)

• You submit your school’s OPT request form and any required documents.
• Your DSO reviews your eligibility and, if you qualify, enters an OPT recommendation in SEVIS and issues an updated Form I-20 with the OPT request on page 2.
• For STEM OPT, you generally also complete Form I-983 together with your employer.

Your school’s international office usually provides detailed checklists and step-by-step instructions, so it is helpful to follow those school-specific guidelines closely.

2. USCIS side (Form I-765 and EAD)

• After the recommendation is in SEVIS, you file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the fee and supporting documents to USCIS.
  
• The most common eligibility categories on Form I-765 are:

• (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPT
• (c)(3)(C) for the STEM OPT extension
  

• If your application is approved, USCIS issues your EAD card, which you need before you can start working on OPT.

Timing Basics (high level)

Official timing rules may change, so always confirm with your DSO and the latest USCIS guidance. In general:

For post-completion OPT (both STEM and non-STEM degrees):

• Your DSO must enter the OPT recommendation in SEVIS first.
• USCIS must receive your I-765:

• Within 30 days of your DSO entering the OPT recommendation in SEVIS, and
• No earlier than 90 days before your program end date, and
• No later than 60 days after your program end date.

For the 24-month STEM OPT extension:

• Your DSO must enter the STEM OPT recommendation in SEVIS and issue a new I-20.
• USCIS must receive your I-765:

• Within 60 days of your DSO entering the STEM OPT recommendation in SEVIS, and
• No earlier than 90 days before your current post-completion OPT EAD expires, and
• While you are still in a valid post-completion OPT period.

Because these windows are strict and processing times can be long, it is usually helpful to plan ahead with your DSO.

EAD Card: What It Is and Why It Matters

If OPT is approved, USCIS sends you an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). This card:

• Shows your name, photo, and the OPT validity dates.
• Serves as proof that you are currently authorized to work under OPT.
  

You will also receive receipt notices and approval notices during the process. These are important to keep in a safe place, but they are not the EAD card and generally do not allow you to begin working or to reenter the United States as an OPT worker.

Travel Considerations (high level)

Travel while OPT or a STEM extension is pending can be complex. The risks can depend on your current status, your EAD dates, and whether you have a job or job offer.

Because of this, it can be helpful to:

• Speak with your DSO before booking international travel while your OPT or STEM OPT application is pending.
• Confirm which documents you should carry when traveling, such as an I-20 with a recent travel signature, your EAD, and a job offer or employment verification letter, based on the most up-to-date guidance.

For STEM OPT, you may also want to review your school’s recommendations and USCIS guidance carefully before making any travel decisions during transition periods between EAD cards.

Final Reminder and Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not legal advice. It does not cover every situation and may not reflect the most recent policy changes.

For your specific case:

• Review the latest information on OPT and STEM OPT directly on the USCIS website here: https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/optional-practical-training-opt-for-f-1-students
• Consult your Designated School Official (DSO) and, if needed, a qualified immigration attorney for advice that fits your situation.