Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study before or after completing their academic program. For STEM graduates, a 24-month extension provides even more time to gain experience and potentially transition to employment-based immigration. Understanding OPT rules helps you maximize work opportunities and plan your career path.

OPT is one of the most valuable benefits of F-1 status—it bridges the gap between student status and employment-based visas.

OPT Basics

OPT provides 12 months of work authorization in your field of study. You can use this time before completing your program (pre-completion OPT) or after (post-completion OPT). Most students save their OPT for post-graduation to work while exploring longer-term visa options.

Work must be directly related to your major field of study. The connection should be clear—an engineering major should work in engineering, not retail.

OPT requires USCIS approval. You apply through your school's international student office, which recommends you in SEVIS before USCIS processes your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) application.

Applying for Post-Completion OPT

You can apply for post-completion OPT up to 90 days before completing your program. Apply as early as possible—processing can take several months, and you can't work until you have your EAD.

Your school must recommend you in SEVIS. Then file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS, including the filing fee, photos, and required documentation.

Your 12-month OPT period begins either on the date you request or the day after program completion, whichever is later. Plan your start date strategically.

OPT Employment Requirements

During OPT, you must work in a position directly related to your degree. You cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during 12-month OPT (150 days for STEM OPT). Excessive unemployment ends your OPT.

"Employment" for OPT includes paid work, unpaid internships (under certain conditions), self-employment, and work through employment agencies. Part-time work (at least 20 hours/week) counts as employment.

Report employment and unemployment through your school's international student office. They update SEVIS with your employer information.

STEM OPT Extension

Students with degrees in designated STEM fields can apply for a 24-month extension, providing up to 36 months total of work authorization. STEM OPT is valuable because it provides time to pursue H-1B sponsorship.

Requirements include a degree on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, employment with an E-Verify employer, and a formal training plan (Form I-983) documenting the practical training.

Apply for STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your initial OPT expires. USCIS must receive the application before expiration.

STEM OPT Additional Requirements

STEM OPT has stricter rules than standard OPT. You can only accumulate 150 days of unemployment total during the combined 36-month period.

Employers must complete Form I-983 (Training Plan), which outlines training goals and supervision. The plan must be updated when employment changes.

You must report changes in employment, employer information, and address within 10 days. STEM OPT requires more employer engagement than regular OPT.

The H-1B Cap Gap

If you're on OPT and your employer files an H-1B petition for the October 1 start date, the cap-gap provision extends your OPT and work authorization automatically until October 1 (or until the H-1B is denied/withdrawn).

This prevents gaps between OPT ending and H-1B beginning. However, if the H-1B isn't selected in the lottery or is denied, your OPT ends and you must depart or change status.

Traveling During OPT

Travel during OPT requires careful planning. You need a valid F-1 visa (or be a Canadian citizen), valid passport, valid EAD, I-20 with travel signature, and evidence of employment.

Traveling while unemployed during OPT is risky—re-entry may be denied. Having a job offer or confirmed employment makes re-entry smoother.

After OPT

When OPT ends, you must change to another status, leave the country, or have an H-1B (or other visa) petition pending. There's a 60-day grace period after OPT ends to prepare departure, during which you cannot work.

Plan your next steps before OPT expires. Employment-based visa petitions, graduate school, or returning home all require advance planning.

Getting Legal Help

OPT and STEM OPT have detailed rules with serious consequences for violations. Your school's international student office handles routine OPT questions, but an immigration attorney helps with complex situations: transitioning to H-1B, handling denials, or addressing status problems. Plan ahead—immigration processes take time, and waiting until the last minute creates unnecessary risk.