Post-completion is for students that wish to be employed in the US after the completion of their degree in a position that is related to their degree program. On Form I-765, section 27 should be completed as follows: (C)(3)(A). In order to begin working, the student must have the EAD card and have reached the start date on the card. Students applying for pre-completion OPT can mail their applications to USCIS up to 90 days before their requested OPT start date. Be sure to reach out to OIS to speak with an advisor to see if you qualify. When to Apply for OPT Pre-completion OPTĭuring your degree program, if you are interested in a practical experience that does not qualify for Curricular Practical Training, you may able to pursue that opportunity using pre-completion OPT. Please be aware, however, if an F-1 student has engaged in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT), he/she is ineligible for OPT. For example, if a student engages in 6 months of part- time OPT prior to degree completion, 3 months of eligibility will be deducted from their total of 12 months of eligibility and they will have 9 months of full-time OPT remaining.Īll post-completion OPT is considered full-time. Part-time OPT is deducted at half the rate of full-time OPT towards the 12 month total. You are a graduate student and have completed all degree requirements with the exception of the thesis/dissertation. You have completed all degree requirements ORĢ. Students may apply for full-time pre-completion OPT provided all coursework has been completed and they are working full-time on a thesis or dissertation otherwise, students may only apply for part- time OPT (20 hours or less) during their degree program (except during normal schools breaks when pre-completion OPT may be authorized for full-time).Ī student is eligible for post-completion OPT once:ġ. OPT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Pre-completion vs. Some students may be eligible for an additional 24 months of OPT, see OPT STEM Extension for details.Īs a result of a recent court order, USCIS has extended certain filing flexibilities to OPT applicants. You do not need a job offer in order to apply for OPT and having a job opportunity does not expedite the process. A student is allowed a maximum of 12 months of full-time OPT for each increasing degree level. OPT may be granted before or after completion of their program, however limitations apply. Optional Practical Training is defined as 'temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study.' An F-1 student who has maintained lawful F-1 visa status for at least one academic year may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). Optional Practical Training (OPT) Application Basics