🇺🇸 US F-1 OPT Guide
Your complete guide to F-1 Optional Practical Training and gaining US work experience
What is F-1 OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a program that allows F-1 international students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM graduates) after completing their degree program. OPT provides valuable US work experience and serves as a bridge to longer-term US employment through programs like H-1B.
Perfect For:
- • F-1 students completing their degree
- • Those wanting US work experience
- • STEM graduates seeking 3-year extension
- • Students planning H-1B applications
Key Benefits:
- • Up to 36 months of work authorization
- • No employer sponsorship required initially
- • Full-time work permission
- • Pathway to H-1B and permanent residency
⏰ OPT Timeline & Deadlines
Critical Deadlines
OPT applications must be submitted within specific timeframes. Missing deadlines can result in program termination and departure from the US.
Pre-Completion OPT
- • Apply 90 days before completion
- • Up to 12 months authorization
- • Must have job offer
- • Limited to one employer
Post-Completion OPT
- • Apply within 60-day grace period
- • 12 months of work authorization
- • Can change employers
- • Self-employment allowed
STEM Extension
- • Apply within 60 days of OPT end
- • Requires Form I-983 training plan
- • Employer must be E-Verify enrolled
- • Can change employers once
Note: The 60-day grace period after degree completion is critical. F-1 status ends immediately after this period if OPT is not approved.
📋 Eligibility Requirements
Academic & Program Requirements
- ✓F-1 Student StatusValid F-1 visa and SEVIS record
- ✓Degree CompletionCompleted degree program at SEVIS-approved institution
- ✓Program DurationAt least 1 academic year of full-time study
- ✓Good Academic StandingMaintained satisfactory academic progress
Training & Employment Requirements
- ℹ️Training PlanTraining directly related to field of study
- ℹ️Employer EligibilityE-Verify enrolled for STEM extension
- ℹ️Work AuthorizationCannot work more than 20% off-site
- ℹ️Reporting RequirementsUpdate SEVIS record for employment changes
📝 Step-by-Step OPT Application Process
Complete Degree Requirements
Ensure all academic requirements are met:
- Complete all coursework and thesis/project requirements
- Maintain F-1 status throughout program
- Obtain degree completion confirmation from DSO
- Prepare OPT application materials
Submit Form I-765
Apply through the USCIS online portal:
- Access USCIS online account
- Complete Form I-765 application
- Pay $410 application fee
- Upload supporting documents
- Submit within required timeframe
Receive Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
Process your approval and EAD card:
- Processing time: 90 days (expedited: 15 days)
- Receive EAD card via mail
- Present EAD to employer
- Begin employment on start date
Start Working & Maintain Status
Begin your OPT employment:
- Report employment to DSO within 10 days
- Complete required training hours
- Update SEVIS record for any changes
- Maintain health insurance coverage
Consider STEM Extension (if applicable)
Apply for additional 24 months:
- Find E-Verify enrolled employer
- Complete Form I-983 training plan
- Apply within 60 days of OPT end
- Receive additional 24 months
🔬 STEM OPT Extension
STEM graduates can apply for an additional 24 months of OPT, extending total work authorization to 36 months. This extension requires a specific training plan and an E-Verify enrolled employer.
Form I-983 Training Plan
- ✓Employer Commitment: 2-year training commitment
- ✓Structured Training: Specific training objectives
- ✓Supervisor Involvement: Direct supervisor participation
- ✓Progress Evaluation: Regular training assessments
STEM-Designated Degree Programs
- ℹ️Computer Science: CIP codes 11.01-11.09
- ℹ️Engineering: CIP codes 14.01-14.47
- ℹ️Mathematics: CIP codes 27.01-27.06
- ℹ️Physical Sciences: CIP codes 40.01-40.08
🎯 What You Can Do on OPT
Full-Time Employment
Work full-time (up to 40 hours/week) in your field
Change Employers
Switch jobs during OPT period (with reporting)
Start a Business
Launch your own company or freelance
Continue Studies
Bridge to F-1 for further education
Travel
Travel freely while maintaining F-1 status
Apply for H-1B
Use OPT experience for H-1B applications
🌉 Bridge to F-1 Status
What is Bridge to F-1?
Bridge to F-1 allows OPT students to return to F-1 student status without leaving the US. This is useful for those who want to pursue further education or extend their stay.
- • Return to F-1 status without leaving US
- • Apply for new F-1 visa at US embassy
- • Maintain continuous presence in US
- • Useful for further education or status extension
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓Valid OPT EAD card
- ✓Acceptance to new degree program
- ✓New Form I-20 from DSO
- ✓Maintain health insurance
What's Your Next Step?
⚠️ Important Considerations
- • Grace Period: Must apply for OPT within 60 days of degree completion
- • Employment Reporting: Report new employment to DSO within 10 days
- • STEM Extension: Requires Form I-983 training plan and E-Verify employer
- • Health Insurance: Must maintain health insurance throughout OPT period
- • Taxes: OPT employment is taxable; understand US tax obligations
- • Travel: Can travel while on OPT but must return on valid EAD
- • Status Maintenance: Any violation can lead to F-1 status termination
- • Official Sources: Always check uscis.gov and ice.gov for latest information