5 key things to know about Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a valuable opportunity for those looking to study and work in a field related to their degree in the US. This temporary employment authorisation is available for F-1 student visa holders either during their programme of study (pre-completion OPT) or after they graduate (post-completion OPT). 

Here are five key things you need to know about Optional Practical Training: 

1. Eligibility and duration 

Optional Practical Training is temporary employment available to F-1 visa students. The employment must be in their major field of study and allows students to apply for up to 12 months of authorised employment. Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students can apply for an extension if they are employed in a qualifying field. 

2. Types of OPTs 

There are two types of Optional Practical Training available. The first is pre-completion. To be eligible for the pre-completion OPT, you must have been enrolled on a full-time basis for one full academic year at a certified college or university. If you are authorised for the pre-completion OPT, you can work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time when outside of term time. 

The second type of OPT is post-completion. This employment is carried out after you have graduated and allows you to work either part time or full time. 

The duration of OPT is 12 months. All pre-completion OPT periods are deducted from the amount of post-completion OPT you are authorised to complete. For example, if you receive approval for six months' pre-completion OPT during your final year of university studies, you are eligible for only six months' more of OPT post-completion of your degree. If you are graduating with a STEM-designated degree and working in a field related to that degree, you may apply for STEM-extension OPT of up to 24 additional months after you complete your original OPT.

3. STEM OPT extension 

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics can apply for a 24-month extension for their OPT. You may apply for the STEM OPT extension if you: 

• Are an F-1 student that has studied an eligible subject on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) STEM Designated Degree Programme list. 
• Are employed by an employer who is enrolled in and is using E-Verify; and 
• Received an initial grant of post-completion OPT employment authorization based on your STEM degree.

4. Application process 

You must apply through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorisation). The application process and timing can differ depending on whether you studied a STEM degree or not and if you are doing a pre-completion or post-completion OPT. Make sure to check out the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website to find everything you need to know about applying for your Optional Practical Training.  

5. Transitioning to H-1B work visa 

Many students use Optional Practical Training as a stepping stone to H-1B (work visa) sponsorship. If your employer files an H-1B petition, you may qualify for Cap-Gap Extension. This allows you to continue working until your H-1B starts. However, the Cap-Gap Extension only applies if the H-1B petition is filed while you are still in your OPT or STEM OPT period. If the OPT has already expired before the petition is filed, you will not be eligible for the Cap-Gap extension. 

It is imperative that you maintain your visa status while working and that you follow all guidelines as instructed by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Visit the website to learn more and talk to your university's Designated Services Officer (DSO) to ensure that you understand and follow all guidelines and do not fall out of status. 

Now that you understand the five key things to know about Optional Practical Training, you can make the most of your temporary employment. The OPT period offers you valuable work experience that can set you up for future success. 

Find out more about the programmes available to you, including STEM-related degrees.  

_{*The information in this blog is correct as of April 2025 and was adapted from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services guidance.}