1. What is Optional Practical Training?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status that allows students to work off-campus in a field related to their area of study. Students do not need a job offer to apply for OPT.

2. Who is eligible for OPT?

To be eligible for this category you must have been in F-1 student status for one academic year. You are eligible for a total of twelve months of full-time OPT. You may apply for periods of practical training before completion of studies, save the total twelve-month period to be used after completion of studies, or use a combination of both. Such employment may be full-time or part-time, and it may take place at any location in the United States, but it must be directly related to your major field of studies.

Any periods of OPT used before completion of studies will be deducted from the total twelve-month period available. For example, if you worked full-time for two months during a summer vacation, you would only have ten months of OPT available after graduation. You may become eligible for another twelve months of OPT when you change to a higher educational level.

To be eligible to apply for F-1 OPT before completion of studies you must:

• have been in lawful full-time student status for one academic year
• have OPT time remaining

You may use OPT before completion of studies during any of the following periods:

• full-time during annual summer vacation periods
• part-time (up to 20 hours per week) while school is in session
• full-time after completion of all courses, but prior to thesis or equivalent

To be eligible to apply for F-1 OPT after completion of studies you must:

• have been in lawful full-time student status for one academic year prior to completion of studies
• apply for OPT no later than your date of completion of studies
• have OPT time remaining

3. When do I apply?

The LATEST DATE to submit materials to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is two days before your completion date. Please be aware that USCIS MUST RECEIVE your application by the completion date or it will not be considered. Also remember that you have to receive the HIO recommendation in time to mail the application to USCIS and have it received by USCIS by your completion date. Please plan accordingly.

FIRST YEAR STUDENTS OR ONE-YEAR PROGRAMS: Students in their first year of F-1 visa status, in addition to the restriction above, may submit their applications no earlier than 90 days prior to having being enrolled for one full academic year.