Last Updated: November 9, 2025.
While living and studying in the United States, some international students may want to gain work experience and earn money to put towards tuition and other school fees, the cost of living, personal purchases, and/or savings.
However, it’s important to know that F-1 status does not grant legal work authorization. In order to legally work in the U.S., F-1 students can apply to enter an Optional Practical Training (OPT) program.
In this article, we’ll examine what F-1 OPT is, the different types, eligibility requirements, how to apply, and several other key factors that are essential to OPT.
What is F-1 OPT?
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization that allows international students holding an F-1 visa to work in the United States for a period of up to 12 months before or after completing their degree. STEM OPT allows for additional 24-month extension.3
The OPT must be directly related to the student’s major area of study.
The primary goal of OPT is to provide students with the opportunity to gain professional experience in a real-world environment outside of the classroom.
It is an excellent networking opportunity for students looking to build connections in their industry that could lead to career advancement.
While some OPT programs offer paid work, others function similarly to an unpaid internship. If you are looking to earn money while you study, be mindful of this when applying.
Types of F-1 OPT
There are two main types of F-1 OPT:
Pre-Completion OPT
Pre-completion OPT is available to students who want to work in the U.S. while still completing their academic program.
Post-Completion OPT
Students may apply for post-completion OPT once they have completed all academic requirements for their degree.
F-1 OPT General Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for F-1 OPT, all applicants must meet the general criteria:
- Maintain F-1 Visa Status
You must be in the U.S. on an F-1 student visa and enrolled full-time at an educational institution that is certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). Full-time enrollment at a college or university means you must take at least 12 credit hours per semester as an undergraduate. Graduate, conservatory, and seminary students must take the full course of study as certified by the institution. Other students, such as those in English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, must train for 18 hours per week if the majority of the instruction takes place in a classroom or for 22 hours per week if the majority of the instruction takes place outside of a classroom (i.e., Zoom).
- Job Related to Studies
The job you plan to take during OPT must directly relate to your current or recently completed major area of study.
- No Previous Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or OPT That Exceeds Time Limit
If the student has previously engaged in a full-time CPT program—which is training integrated directly into the student’s curriculum for course credit—for one year or more, they are not eligible for OPT. The same rule applies to students who have previously engaged in OPT. If you have not engaged in CPT or OPT for a full year, you still have time remaining for OPT. However, the total maximum time allowed for OPT is still one year.
- No Unemployment for an Extended Period
To remain eligible for OPT, the student cannot be unemployed for more than a 90-day period.
F-1 Pre-Completion OPT Eligibility Criteria
In addition to the general eligibility criteria, the two types of OPT each have unique additional criteria to meet. Pre-completion OPT students may:
- Apply after their designated school official (DSO)—an administrator who works with international students to ensure they maintain legal status—enters their recommendation for the student’s OPT into the student’s Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record.
- Apply after they’ve been enrolled full-time for one academic year at an accredited U.S. educational institution (college, university, conservatory, or seminary) that is certified by SEVP. Students can apply up to 90 days before they complete the academic year but cannot start employment until after the academic year is finished.
- Only work on a part-time basis (maximum of 20 hours per week) during times when they are enrolled in courses. During breaks when the student is not enrolled in courses, pre-completion OPT students can work full-time (typically 40 hours per week).
Post-Completion OPT Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for post-completion OPT, students are required to:
- Apply within 30 days after their DSO enters the OPT recommendation into their SEVIS record.
- Apply no later than 60 days after completing their degree program. However, students may apply up to 90 days before completion.
- Work at least 20 hours per week.
- Report changes of employment within 10 days and report changes of address.
- Leave the U.S. within 60 days of completing the OPT program unless they are extending their stay by applying for a change of status to another nonimmigrant visa, an adjustment of status (AOS) to lawful permanent resident (Green Card), or a STEM OPT extension.
STEM OPT Extension
One of the most notable benefits of the F-1 OPT program is the option for STEM OPT extension.
This is an extension of the standard 12-month OPT period for students who graduate with a degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field.
The STEM OPT extension allows students to work for an additional 24 months beyond the initial 12-month period, for a total of 36 months.
To qualify for a STEM OPT extension, the following criteria must be met:
- The student must have earned a degree in a STEM field from a SEVP-certified U.S. educational institution.
- The employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program.
- The student must apply for the extension before their initial OPT period expires.
- The student’s post-completion OPT must have been related to their STEM degree.
File these documents to apply:
- Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with:
- Application fee via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, credit card, or debit card;
- Employer’s name as listed in E-Verify; and
- Employer’s E-Verify Company Identification Number or valid E-Verify Client Company Identification Number
- Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, endorsed by your DSO within the last 60 days
- A copy of your STEM degree
How to Apply for F-1 OPT
The F-1 OPT application can be broken down into two fairly simple steps:
- Request recommendation from DSO. This is done when the DSO endorses your Form I-20 and enters the recommendation into your SEVIS record with the appropriate notation; and
- File Form I-765 completely and accurately. To do so, file the form online using your USCIS online account. Alternatively, download the most current version of the form and follow the USCIS instructions carefully to mail it to the appropriate filing address.
Refer to the timeline below to find out when you must apply.
F-1 OPT EAD
Once your OPT application is approved, you will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is the official work permit.
The EAD is a physical card that grants you authorization to work legally in the U.S. during your OPT period.
The card reads “United States of America Employment Authorization” in the top left corner, has two pink strips at the top and bottom, and a design in the center that is unique to the current version of the EAD.
USCIS regularly updates the design of the EAD to avoid counterfeit and fraud. The EAD contains:
- A picture of you
- Full name
- USCIS number
- Category code
- Card number
- Terms and conditions (i.e., Stu: Post Completion OPT)
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Validity period
- Fingerprint
It’s important to wait for the EAD card to be in your possession before starting employment; working without an EAD is a serious violation of your F-1 status that could result in immigration consequences.
Cap-Gap Extension for F-1 Students with Approved H-1B Petitions
The cap-gap extension is a provision that helps F-1 students transition to an H-1B visa.
If an F-1 student has a pending or approved H-1B petition (Form I-129) but their F-1 status period expires before the H-1B status begins, the cap-gap extension allows the student to remain in the U.S. and continue working until the H-1B petition is processed.
The cap-gap extension is automatic and applies only if the student’s H-1B cap-subject petition is filed between April 1 and September 30, and the H-1B petition is approved for a start date of October 1.
You may file the petition at any time during your academic studies, post-completion OPT, or the 60-day grace period after completion of your F-1 program.
But note that if you have entered the 60-day grace period, you are not authorized to work.
If your petition is properly filed, you will receive an automatic extension of your F-1 status without work authorization since you were not authorized to work at the time of filing the petition. Students must notify their DSO of the H-1B petition and meet all other criteria to be eligible for the extension.
F-1 OPT Status
During your OPT period, you are still considered to be in F-1 status, as long as you adhere to the regulations governing F-1 students.
Maintaining F-1 status involves:
- Possession of a valid passport with validity for at least six months after you enter the U.S.
- Possession of a valid Form I-20
- Working only when authorized
- Full-time enrollment in an academic program
F-1 OPT Timeline
The timeline for your OPT application may differ based on individual circumstances; however, here’s a general look at what you might expect:
On day 1, notify your DSO of your desire to engage in OPT. They will enter your recommendation into your SEVIS record.
30 days after your DSO enters the recommendation is the deadline to apply for STEM initial post-completion OPT or non-STEM post-completion OPT.
60 days after your DSO enters the recommendation is the deadline to apply for STEM OPT extension.
90 days before completing one academic year, you may apply for pre-completion OPT.
90 days before completing your degree program, but no later than 60 days after the completion date, you may apply for STEM initial post-completion OPT or non-STEM post-completion OPT.
Wait about 3-5 months for USCIS to process your application and notify you of approval or denial. USCIS might issue a request for evidence (RFE) if your application is missing required details.
Spend 12 months or less engaging in OPT.
90 days before your current OPT employment expires, you may apply for a STEM OPT extension (only if you majored in a STEM field and were engaged in an initial post-completion OPT related to your major).
Continue studies, apply for change of status or adjustment of status, or depart the U.S. within the 60-day grace period after the completion of OPT.
F-1 STEM OPT Extension Automatic 180 Days
A key feature of the STEM OPT extension is the automatic 180-day work authorization that applies while a student’s application for the STEM OPT extension is pending.
This automatic extension allows the student to continue working during the processing period, preventing any gaps in employment authorization.
The extension either lasts 180 days or until a decision is made on their application, whichever date comes first.
F-1 OPT to Green Card
F-1 OPT does not provide a direct pathway to a Green Card. However, building a strong relationship with your employer and being a quality employee could lead them to sponsor you for an extended stay in the U.S.
Many international students stay in the U.S. after their studies through immigration pathways like the H-1B visa, family preference visas, or employment-based Green Cards.
The transition from F-1 OPT to a Green Card typically involves multiple steps and is not automatic.
Students must meet specific requirements and work with their employers to navigate the process. It can also be beneficial to work with an immigration attorney as the Green Card application process can be tedious and complex.
F-1 OPT FAQs
What is F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a work authorization program that allows international students in the U.S. on an F-1 visa to work in their field of study for up to 12 months before or after completing their degree.
What is the difference between F-1 OPT and F-1 STEM OPT?
F-1 OPT is available to all students in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, while F-1 STEM OPT is specifically available only to students in a STEM degree program. STEM OPT also offers the option to extend the OPT period by an additional 24 months, providing a total of 36 months of work authorization.
Am I doing CPT or OPT?
CPT is a work authorization for students to gain practical experience that is integrated directly into their coursework and confers course credit. OPT grants work authorization that is directly related to the student’s major area of study but is not integrated into coursework for course credit. If you are receiving course credit, you are likely doing CPT. If you are not receiving course credit, you are likely doing OPT.
Is OPT still in F-1 status?
Yes, students engaging in OPT are still considered to be in F-1 status as long as they adhere to the rules and regulations, such as full-time enrollment at a SEVP-certified U.S. educational institution.
See Also:
I-765 Form – How to Get a Work Permit and Social Security Number (SSN)