Overview
Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in the United States for up to 12 months after completing their degree. If you have a degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics), you may be eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you a total of 36 months of work authorization.
š” Two Types of OPT
Pre-completion OPT: Work while still in school (part-time during classes, full-time during breaks)Post-completion OPT: Work after graduating (most common, up to 12 months)
OPT Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for OPT, you must:
- Have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year
- Currently be in valid F-1 status
- Not have used 12 months or more of full-time CPT
- Plan to work in a job directly related to your major field of study
OPT Application Timeline
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Request OPT I-20 from DSO | Up to 90 days before graduation |
| File Form I-765 with USCIS | Up to 90 days before and 60 days after graduation |
| USCIS processing time | 3-5 months (varies) |
| OPT start date | Must be within 60 days of graduation |
| OPT end date | 12 months after start date |
ā ļø Apply Early!
USCIS must RECEIVE your application within 30 days of your DSO recommending OPT in SEVIS. Apply as early as possible due to long processing times.
How to Apply for Post-Completion OPT
- Meet with your DSO: Request an OPT recommendation and updated I-20
- Receive OPT I-20: Your DSO will update SEVIS and issue a new I-20
- Create USCIS account: Go to uscis.gov and create an online account
- File Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization (apply online recommended)
- Pay the fee: $470 (online) or $520 (paper)
- Upload documents: Passport, I-20, I-94, photo, previous EADs (if any)
- Wait for EAD card: You’ll receive your Employment Authorization Document by mail
Required Documents for OPT
- Form I-765 (completed online or paper)
- OPT-recommended I-20 (signed by you and DSO)
- Passport copy (biographical page)
- F-1 visa stamp copy
- Form I-94 (print from i94.cbp.dhs.gov)
- Passport-style photo (2×2 inches)
- Previous EAD cards (if you had any)
- Filing fee: $470 (online) / $520 (paper)
While Waiting for Your EAD
- DO NOT work until you receive your EAD card AND your OPT start date has begun
- You may remain in the U.S. while your application is pending
- Check your case status online at uscis.gov/casestatus
- Avoid international travel until you have your EAD in hand
OPT Rules and Requirements
- You have 90 days of unemployment allowed during your 12-month OPT period
- Employment must be related to your major field of study
- You can work for multiple employers
- You can work part-time (but part-time counts toward unemployment)
- Self-employment is allowed if you have proper business registration
- Report employer information to your DSO within 10 days of starting a job
ā ļø Unemployment Limit
If you exceed 90 days of unemployment, your OPT and F-1 status will automatically terminate. Track your unemployment days carefully!
STEM OPT Extension (24 Additional Months)
If your degree is in an eligible STEM field, you can apply for a 24-month extension of your OPT, giving you 36 total months of work authorization.
STEM OPT Eligibility
- Your degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List
- You’re currently on post-completion OPT
- Your employer is enrolled in E-Verify
- Your employer will provide structured training (Form I-983)
- You’re working at least 20 hours per week
STEM OPT Application Timeline
| Step | When |
|---|---|
| Complete Form I-983 with employer | Before applying |
| Request STEM OPT I-20 from DSO | Up to 90 days before OPT expires |
| File Form I-765 with USCIS | Up to 90 days before OPT expires |
| USCIS must receive application | Before your current OPT expires |
Form I-983: Training Plan
The I-983 is a training plan that must be completed by you and your employer. It includes:
- Your learning objectives
- How your employer will provide training
- How your work relates to your STEM degree
- Employer’s E-Verify company ID number
Required Documents for STEM OPT
- Form I-765 (mark as STEM OPT extension)
- New I-20 recommending STEM OPT
- Form I-983 (Training Plan) signed by you and employer
- Passport copy
- Current EAD card copy
- Form I-94
- Passport-style photo
- Filing fee: $470 (online) / $520 (paper)
STEM OPT Rules
- 150 days of unemployment allowed (total for OPT + STEM OPT combined)
- Must report to DSO every 6 months (validation)
- Must report any employer changes within 10 days
- Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
- Must work at least 20 hours per week
- Self-employment is NOT allowed on STEM OPT
š” Cap-Gap Extension
If you’re on OPT and your employer files an H-1B petition for you, your OPT and F-1 status may be automatically extended until October 1 (the H-1B start date). This is called the “cap-gap” extension.
Common OPT Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying too late (USCIS processing times are long)
- Not tracking unemployment days
- Forgetting to report employer changes to DSO
- Working before receiving EAD card
- Taking a job unrelated to your major
- Traveling internationally without valid documents
OPT Running Out? Explore Your Options.
If your OPT is ending and you need more time, Otips can help you find Day-1 CPT programs or other pathways to continue working in the U.S.
Explore Your Options