Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a work authorization option for F-1 students that permits up to 12 months of full-time employment in a field directly related to their major field of study immediately after program completion. OPT is not a visa but rather an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that allows the F-1 student to work for any employer in the United States without an employer-sponsored work visa (such as H-1B). The 12-month period begins when the student’s program ends (the “Program Completion Date” on the I-20) and must be applied for within 60 days of program completion. Students with degrees in STEM fields on the DHS Designated Degree Program List may extend OPT by an additional 24 months (STEM OPT extension), for a total of 36 months.

Key facts

Eligibility

• Current or recently completed F-1 student status (must apply within 60 days of Program Completion Date)
• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Ph.D., or equivalent (some non-degree programs may be eligible; consult USCIS)
• Job offer or confirmed employment lined up in a field directly related to major (requirement is for the job itself to be related to major; the employer does not need to sponsor the visa)
• Valid passport (or acceptable alternative travel document)
• No break in F-1 status (must maintain continuous enrollment through program completion or apply within 60 days of completion date)
• Employer’s agreement to verify worker eligibility through E-Verify system (mandatory requirement as of 2007)
• Valid Social Security Number or Application for Social Security Card number (for I-765 application)

Required documents

• Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization, completed and signed
• Form I-131: Application for Travel Document (optional, but recommended if student plans to travel outside U.S. during OPT; see “Travel and Re-entry” below)
• Copy of passport ID page: Photo page of valid passport
• Completed I-20: Most recent I-20 from school signed by DSO with “OPT authorized from [date] to [date]” notation
• Evidence of F-1 status: Proof of current or recent F-1 status (I-94, previous I-20, SEVIS record, etc.)
• Job letter or offer: Documentation that the job is in a field related to major (can be an offer letter, employment contract, or statement from employer describing the role and its relationship to the applicant’s field of study)
• 2×2 photograph: Passport-style photo meeting USCIS requirements (white background, taken within 6 months)
• Proof of payment: If applicable (filing fees vary by USCIS location; check current fee schedule)
• OSC Tracking Number (if applicable): If applying through Designated School Official, school provides Offer Sheet Certified (OSC) tracking number

Application steps

1. Complete your academic program or have your program end date confirmed by your Designated School Official (DSO). The “Program Completion Date” is the date your school certifies that all degree requirements are met or your visa end date, whichever is earlier.

2. Obtain OPT authorization from your DSO: Request that your DSO sign an updated I-20 noting “OPT authorized from [date] to [date]” (typically 12 months from Program Completion Date). The DSO annotates your SEVIS record to indicate OPT eligibility.

3. Secure employment or job offer in a field directly related to your major. The position does not require an H-1B or other employer sponsorship, but the employer must be willing to verify your work eligibility through E-Verify.

4. Obtain Social Security Number (if you don’t have one): Contact your nearest Social Security Administration office or apply online at ssa.gov. You will need your passport, I-20, and a completed Form SS-5 (Application for a Social Security Card). Processing time is 1–2 weeks.

5. Complete Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization):

   • Item #1: Your name (exactly as in passport)
   • Item #2–7: Biographical information (address, date of birth, passport number, etc.)
   • Item #13: Eligibility category. For post-completion OPT, use category (c)(3)(ii) “Student completing a course of study at an accredited school and seeking employment authorization in the field of study”
   • Item #14: Availability dates (typically Program Completion Date through 12 months later)
   • Item #16: Signature and date

6. Gather required supporting documents:

   • Updated I-20 with OPT authorization notation
   • Copy of passport ID page
   • Job offer letter or statement from employer describing the position and its relationship to your major
   • 2×2 passport-style photograph
   • Proof of Social Security Number or receipt for application

7. Submit I-765 application to USCIS:

   • Standard filing: Mail to the USCIS Service Center serving your state (address provided on I-765 instructions form)
   • Online filing (if available in your region): Through USCIS online portal (uscis.gov)
   • School-based filing: Some schools allow students to submit through the school’s DSO, who files on behalf of the student (confirm with your school)
   • Envelope contents: Completed I-765, supporting documents, passport copy, job letter, I-20, photo, and check or money order for filing fee (if applicable)

8. Receive receipt notice (Form I-797) from USCIS. This receipt serves as temporary work authorization while the I-765 is being processed. Keep a copy with you; some employers will accept it as proof of work eligibility (though not all).

9. Attend biometrics appointment (if required). USCIS may request fingerprinting for background check; appointment details are mailed to your address.

10. Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD) once approved. The EAD is a wallet-sized card (“green card” with USCIS logo) that serves as your official work permit. Process time typically 30–90 days.

11. Begin employment upon receiving the EAD. Employer must verify your work eligibility using Form I-9 and your EAD; this is mandatory for all U.S. employers.

Financial proof / maintenance funds

OPT is work-authorized status; no maintenance fund requirement applies. However, students transitioning to OPT should confirm they have adequate funds to cover initial living expenses and any gaps in pay before employment begins.

Work rights

OPT work authorization:

• Up to 12 months of full-time employment in a field directly related to major
• Work can begin on the Program Completion Date (marked on I-20) and continues for 12 months
• Student must maintain employment in a related field; significant career change requires OPT termination and return to F-1 status or change to another visa (H-1B, O-1, L-1, etc.)
• Employer does not need to sponsor visa; any U.S. employer can hire OPT worker
• Employer must use E-Verify to confirm work eligibility; this is mandatory

Restrictions:

• Must be employed in a field related to major. Employment in an unrelated field is a violation of OPT and can result in removal of authorization and deportation
• Can work part-time (OPT timer continues); but 12 months is typically intended for full-time work
• Can work for multiple employers simultaneously (with prior DSO notification)
• Cannot work while maintaining full-time student status in another program without applying for new I-20

Travel and re-entry:

• If student travels outside the U.S. during OPT, an unexpired I-20 and valid passport are required for re-entry (similar to F-1 travel)
• Form I-131 (Advance Parole) is optional but recommended if travel is planned; it provides explicit authorization to travel and re-enter without jeopardizing OPT status (there is no separate fee for I-131 filed concurrently with I-765 for OPT)
• Without I-131, re-entry is possible but depends on consular officer discretion; some recent DSO guidance recommends I-131 even for relatively safe destinations

STEM OPT extension:

• Additional 24 months beyond the initial 12 months (total 36 months) for students with STEM degrees on the DHS Designated Degree Program List
• STEM degree determination is based on the major/degree program, not the institution
• All STEM majors from STEM-designated institutions are eligible (e.g., any engineering degree, computer science, mathematics, chemistry, biology, etc.)
• Application process: Within 60 days of completing initial 12-month OPT, file Form I-765 again with category (c)(3)(ii) and a letter from employer or school confirming the student’s STEM major qualifies under the DHS list
• Processing time: Similar to initial OPT (30–90 days)

Common issues and refusal reasons

• Late application: Applying more than 60 days after Program Completion Date results in rejection; student loses eligibility unless DSO can document continuous F-1 status and grant a retroactive start date (rare)
• Job not in related field: Employer or position is deemed unrelated to major; USCIS may deny OPT or later terminate authorization if violation is discovered
• Employer not willing to use E-Verify: Some informal employers or small businesses refuse E-Verify; student cannot accept employment with such employers during OPT
• Lack of job offer: While not strictly required to apply, USCIS expects evidence of genuine job placement or clear job search plans; applications from students without documented employment may be more closely scrutinized
• Missing SEVIS I-20 authorization: DSO must annotate I-20 with OPT authorization; without this annotation, USCIS may reject the application
• Incomplete Form I-765: Missing required fields, missing required supporting documents, or unsigned form results in rejection
• Break in F-1 status: If student allowed their SEVIS record to terminate or violated status (e.g., enrolled part-time without authorization), OPT eligibility is lost
• Prior OPT termination: If student previously used 12 months of OPT and did not transition to another visa within the grace period, they cannot reapply for OPT

Recent changes

STEM OPT extension list updates (2026): DHS added cybersecurity and climate science to the STEM Designated Degree Program List, effective January 2026.

E-Verify mandate strengthened (2024): All employers hiring OPT workers must complete E-Verify within 3 days of hire; previously, compliance was less consistently enforced.

Faster OPT processing (2023 onwards): USCIS reduced average OPT processing time from 120+ days (2022) to 30–90 days through automation and expedited service center procedures.

Concurrent I-131 filing (2024): USCIS no longer charges separate fee for filing Form I-131 (Advance Parole) concurrently with I-765 for OPT; previously cost additional USD 585.

OPT grace period: 60 days post-Program Completion Date to file I-765 confirmed and standardized across all USCIS service centers (2023).

Related visas or statuses

• F-1 Visa: The nonimmigrant student visa; OPT is a benefit available to F-1 students
• CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Off-campus training during school that may count toward the 12-month OPT limit if full-time
• STEM OPT extension: 24-month extension of OPT for STEM degree holders
• H-1B Visa: Common transition for F-1/OPT workers; employer-sponsored specialty occupation visa
• L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa: If F-1/OPT worker is transferred to a company’s foreign office
• O-1 Visa: Individual ability visa; some F-1/OPT workers transition to O-1 if they demonstrate extraordinary ability
• Green Card (Adjustment of Status): Final immigration status after OPT; via employment sponsorship or family sponsorship
• Grace period (60 days): Period after Program Completion Date during which student remains in valid F-1 status and can apply for OPT

Primary sources

• USCIS: Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students
• USCIS: Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization
• USCIS: STEM OPT Extension
• DHS: STEM Designated Degree Program List
• Code of Federal Regulations: 8 CFR 214.2(f) (F-1 OPT provisions)
• Study in the States: Completing Your Studies and OPT

Last updated: 2026-04-18.