*For more information, please visit the Campus Services website
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit for F-1 students to work off-campus in a field directly related to their major area of study.
- An offer of employment is not required to apply for OPT.
- Any employment undertaken while on OPT must be directly related to your field of study.
- To qualify for OPT, you must be in active F-1 status for two consecutive semesters preceding the start date of OPT.
- You also must be physically present in the U.S. and in active F-1 status at the time of application.
Please review the instructions under How to Apply carefully to understand and complete the OPT application process.
The HIO provides general guidance on your OPT/STEM OPT application based on information obtained from reliable sources and reflecting our years of experience in working with students. We make every attempt to ensure that we provide you with the most up to date information available. Any advice provided to you by our office (as well as the information in this packet) does not constitute legal advice, however. The OPT/STEM OPT application is a personal application for which you are responsible; the application preparation and USCIS case decision will vary depending on the facts at issue in your particular case. The HIO does its best to provide you with the most current guidance, but please be mindful that USCIS may change its interpretation of these policies, procedures, regulations, and eligibility requirements at any time. The HIO is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from USCIS.