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F-1 OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT
OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a work
authorization benefit allowing F-1 students to gain up to one
year of experience in their fields of study, generally after
completion of studies. Employment must be directly related to
the student’s area of study. OPT can also be used before
completion of studies during school breaks (40 hours/week) and
while school is in session (up to 20 hours/week). Some masters
and doctoral level students may choose to apply for full-time
OPT once all coursework has been completed and only thesis or
dissertation requirements remain.
No job offer is needed to apply. Students who have maintained
F-1 status for at least one academic year before applying are
eligible. OPT work authorization is granted by USCIS. Therefore,
students should plan ahead to allow for processing times of at
least two months. Processing times can vary throughout the year.
Attendance at an OPT workshop is required in order to apply.
International Programs offers workshops throughout the year.
Dates and times are announced through the INTLNEWS electronic
newsletter. Application materials are distributed at the
workshops.
Deadline to apply: Students may apply
for OPT up to 90 days before their program end date, and
up to 60 days after their program end date. Students writing a thesis or
dissertation are considered to have completed studies on the
last day of the semester in which they defend. Students with
only course requirements complete in the last term in which they
meet those requirements. Remember that Summer I and Summer II
terms are considered two separate terms for immigration
purposes.
There is no deadline for OPT used during school breaks or the
school year; however, one should allow for processing time. Any
OPT done before completion of studies is subtracted from the 12
month total available to you.
If you are on OPT and need to update
your information, please use the
OPT update form
View the
OPT PowerPoint Presentation
for
more information.
>>OPT
Extension to 29 months for STEM students
>>Reporting
Requirements while on OPT
>>H-1B
cap-gap extension |
