Optional Practical Training (OPT) is, “temporary employment for optional practical training related to the students major area of study.”
Students can apply for pre-completion OPT, during the student’s annual vacation and at other times when school is not in session if the student is currently enrolled and eligible, and intends to register for the next session. While the school is in session, provided that it does not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session.
After completion of all course requirements for the degree, excluding thesis or equivalent, if the student is in a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree program.
Student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at ۿ۴ý University for one full academic year before being eligible for OPT. OPT is available both before and after completion of the education objective, but different rules apply to pre- and post- completion programs.
The OPT work must be directly related to and equal to the level of your course study. You may engage in OPT for any employer for the duration of OPT authorization, as long as the employment qualifies under OPT standards.
Cumulative maximum of 12 months per educational level. Part time OPT is deducted from the 12 month limit at 50 percent. Students with STEM fields that appear on the list may apply for an additional two years while on OPT.
There is a 20 hours/week limit for pre-completion OPT done while school is in session and student has course work to complete. Over 20 hours/week can be requested for pre-completion OPT done during official school breaks or after student has completed all coursework required for the degree while you are completing a thesis or dissertation.
For post-completion OPT, only full-time (21 hours or more) OPT can be requested.
No offer of employment is required, but you are expected to work or be actively seeking employment after the OPT Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued.
Prior use of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for one year or more eliminates eligibility for OPT.
Certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT).
To qualify, you must:
- Have been granted OPT and currently be in a valid periodof post-completion OPT
- Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from ۿ۴ý or another qualifying school in at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application.
- Work for an employer who meets all the requirements for
- Submit the, up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires, and within 60 days of the date your designated school official (DSO) enters the recommendation for OPT into your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record.
For more information on the STEM Extension,