International Student & Scholars Office

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• An F-1 student is permitted a total of 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) per higher educational level. 
• An F-1 student can start using OPT after having completed one academic year of full-time study and while still actively working on degree. 
  • This is categorized as pre-completion optional practical training (Pre-OPT). 
  • Any time used prior to the completion of a degree is deducted from the 12-month total for that academic level.
• An F-1 student may apply for post-completion optional practical training (Post-OPT). 
  • The application can be submitted within 90 days of the student’s anticipated completion date or within the 60-day period beyond their completion date.  
  • Be very careful that you understand the definition of completion date as listed above.  
• Post-completion optional practical training work authorization permits an F-1  student to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after the completion of their degree requirements.
  • Any pre-completion optional practical training time already used by the student will be deducted from the 12-month allotment.  
• F-1 Students from STEM fields are also eligible for an additional 17 months of Post-OPT time (29 months in total work time) if they are employed by an e-verify employer. 
• Student is limited to unemployment of 90 days during the 12 month-period of Post OPT and 30 days during 17-month STEM extension.  
• F-1 students can only apply for STEM employment once they are within 90-120 days from the expiration of their Post-OPT work authorization.
  • All STEM employment must be for a minimum of 20 hours per week in a job that is within the student’s field of study. 
  • The job may be paid or unpaid. 
  • All STEM jobs must be with an E-Verify Employer. 
• The 17 month STEM extension is a one time benefit.