Practical Guides
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary F-1 work authorization for off-campus training that is directly related to your field of study. Learn more here!
Graduation & Beyond: Student Options
When you complete your academic program you have a short window to act on several possible next steps. Here are the options, with links to the details.
Legally Working in the U.S. as an International Student
You can work while studying in the U.S., but the rules differ by visa type and most work requires authorization first. Here's the landscape, with links to detailed answers. Learn more in this overview of working in the U.S. as an international student.