What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
FAQ.
Answered by Robin Catmur-Smith, Managing Director of the International Student Resource Center
Last updated: July, 2026
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
OPT is an employment/training benefit under the F-1 regulations that lets F-1 students gain up to 12 months of work or training experience in their major field, available before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) graduation. It requires a USCIS-issued work card or "EAD" (Employment Authorization Document) before you start the OPT position. No job offer is needed in order to apply for the first 12 months of OPT.
Requirements
The work must relate directly to your major field of study
You must complete one full academic year before OPT authorization
Available pre-completion or post-completion (most students save the full year for after graduation)
No job offer needed for the first 12 months (a qualifying offer is required for the STEM extension)
For post-completion OPT, you are limited to 90 days of unemployment. You must report your employer to your DSO within 90 days of your OPT employment card start date, or you will lose your lawful status.
How to apply
Meet your DSO to plan timing; complete any OPT informational workshops.
Your DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS and issues an updated I-20.
Submit Form I-765 to USCIS within 30 days of the DSOs recommendation.
Wait for your EAD to arrive before beginning work.
Key rules
Up to 12 months per degree level; must be completed within 14 months of your I-20 end date.
You must have your EAD before starting work.
No more than 90 days of unemployment during the OPT period.
A 24-month STEM OPT extension may be available for DHS-designated STEM degrees
References: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)
