Optional Practical Training (OPT) permits F-1 student visa holders to work either during or after their study program in the United States. Most international students qualify for 12 months of optional practical training; however, some students in STEM fields may extend their OPT visa authorization an additional 24 months. While training offers international students the opportunity to gain valuable experience in their fields of study, getting OPT in the USA for employment authorization can be confusing, especially in an unfamiliar country. But don’t worry — read on and prepare yourself for applying for OPT status as a F-1 student visa holder in the United States.
OPT Visa Meaning for International Students in the USA
What is OPT in the USA? International students who wish to work while studying in the United States must qualify for practical training that aligns with their F-1 status and other visa requirements. Practical training could be an internship, work-study program, or even a job related to your field of study, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
There are two types of career development training opportunities for which F-1 student visa holders may qualify: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) — which is part of a program and must be completed before graduation — and Optional Practical Training, which can be completed before or after graduation.
Learn more about Curricular Practical Training >
Full Form of OPT
Spelled out, OPT full form means Optional Practical Training. Just like with CPT, your optional practical training must relate directly to your major. Your Designated School Official (DSO) will review your application, make an OPT recommendation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and then update your official I-20 form.
There are some important distinctions that separate OPT from CPT. With CPT, you must complete your training as part of your course curriculum, but with OPT, your training can occur before or after you graduate.
As a result, OPT is more flexible and appeals to many international students across different circumstances. For example, OPT is an excellent option for STEM majors who are deciding between a career path and postgraduate work. (STEM majors can even take advantage of a longer allotted time for OPT, compared to other majors.) OPT is also great for undergraduates who want to take advantage of an internship that is only available outside of their course curriculum. You can even qualify before you officially receive a job offer, making it easier to start as soon as possible.
Optional Practical Training is available for international students on F-1 visas for 12 months at each higher educational level. This means that the duration of OPT for students resets at the next higher degree level they enroll for in the US. For example, students are eligible for 12 months of OPT during or after they graduate from their bachelor’s program and another 12 months of OPT once they enroll for a master’s degree program.
Types of OPT for USA F-1 Visa Students
There are different types of OPT, each with specific rules and timelines. Understanding these types can help you make the most of your post-study opportunities and choose the right type for your future goals.
F-1 Pre-Completion OPT
International students can participate in pre-completion OPT after being enrolled for one academic year at a university or college that is certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Students can apply for part-time opportunities for 20 hours or less per week while school is in session and can work full time (e.g., 40 hours per week) when it is not.
F-1 Post-Completion OPT
After graduating from a university or college certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Student and Exchange Visitor Program, students can apply for post-completion OPT opportunities. You can choose to work part time, for at least 20 hours per week, or full time.
Differences Between Pre-Completion and Post-Completion OPT
The main difference between pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT is when you decide you want to work. You can explore professional opportunities while you are still studying, but post-completion OPT starts after you graduate. The ideal choice for you between these two options depends on your personal academic plans and future career goals.
While both types of OPT count toward the same total 12-month OPT limit per degree level, keep in mind that any time used for pre-completion OPT is deducted from the time available for post-completion OPT. For example, if you have completed nine months of full-time pre-completion OPT, you would only be able to apply for three months of post-completion OPT as you have already utilized nine months from the 12-month quota, unless you qualify for OPT extensions.
Students may also consider a Cap-Gap OPT extension, which is a temporary extension of F-1 student status and work authorization that bridges the gap between the end of a student’s OPT and the start of their H-1B work visa. These are much rarer because employers often face restrictions that can make it difficult to file for H-1B status on behalf of their employees.
NOTE: It is a good idea to check in with your DSO and confirm your university’s OPT policies. Some schools do not allow full-time pre-completion OPT, for example.
You only have 12 months of OPT if you do not qualify for a STEM or Cap-Gap extension. Always be aware of how long your training assignments last — especially if you think you will complete more than one assignment while studying in the US.
How to Apply for OPT Visa in the USA
To be eligible for an optional training program, international students must meet the following qualifications:
Your university is SEVP-certified
You are enrolled full time
You have been a student for at least one year
You are not studying English as a second language
Your OPT relates to your major area of study
You have not used up all your OPT availability (which is usually one year)
You have not used up 12 months of full-time CPT
Here is how to apply for OPT status in the United States:
Request OPT with your DSO: Be sure to review your school policies for submitting your OPT request to your DSO before you start the authorization process.
Your DSO recommends OPT: Your DSO confirms your OPT work authorization eligibility and then updates your form I-20, signs it, and changes your OPT request status in SEVIS to “requested.”
File your I-765: The form I-765 is your application for employment authorization. You must file your Form I-765, pay the application fee, and file any supporting documentation with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) within 30 days of the DSO’s recommendation. Otherwise, your application will be canceled.
USCIS approves your application: If you are granted OPT, you will receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and your application request in SEVIS will change from “Pending” to “Approved.”
Start work: As soon as you have your EAD and your authorization to work date arrives, you can start your new training position. If you have not yet secured work, you will need to report your employer information to your DSO once you receive and accept a job offer.
DSO records employment information: Your DSO must update SEVIS with employment information, name, or address changes within 21 days.
With CPT, students must have a job before they can apply for training certification with their DSO. However, with optional practical training, students can get their OPT visa certification first and then look for jobs while the government reviews their request.
Applying for OPT takes time, and you may face restrictions on when you can apply. For instance, post-completion OPT certification is only available during the period of 90 days before graduation and within 60 days after graduation, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Required Documents for OPT Visa USA Application 2025
Here is a checklist covering the important documents required to apply for OPT in USA.
Form I‑20
Form I-765
Passport copy (indicating expiration date and photo)
F-1 visa page of your passport
Copy of previous OPT card (if applicable)
Filing fee receipt
Remember to check each item before submitting your application to USCIS. A complete and accurate submission increases your chances of a smooth approval process.
What Is the STEM OPT Extension and Who Qualifies?
A STEM OPT Extension is an additional two years of DHS-sanctioned eligibility to OPT for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) majors.
International students with eligible Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) degrees may qualify for a one-time 24-month extension of post-completion OPT.
Here is how you can be eligible:
You have post-completion OPT status
You have not received any extensions based on a qualifying STEM degree
You graduated within the last 10 years
Your school is SEVP-certified and accredited by the U.S. Department of Education accrediting organization
Your employer is part of the E-Verify program
There are many great ways to take advantage of the 24-month extension. For example, an international undergraduate student may graduate from a US university with a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry. The student may then qualify for 12 months of post-completion OPT work authorization for a pharmaceutical company that builds vaccines. Before completing the 12-month assignment, this student could be eligible for a 24-month extension to their OPT visa. Then, two years later, the student could go to graduate school and enjoy a new 12-month OPT window of eligibility, as well as a 24-month extension opportunity.
I-765 OPT Form Fees and Payment Guidelines
There is a fee to file the I-765 application for employment authorization with the US federal government. You may also be required to pay an additional biometric fee, but this typically does not apply to F-1 student visa holders.
Best Time to File I-765 Form for OPT Visa Approval
Getting your Optional Practical Training approval can take time, so it is important to get your application in as soon as you possibly can. Most schools recommend you submit your application 90 days before you graduate, as that is the earliest allowable date you can apply.
While many schools and government sources say 90 days is the typical processing time for your OPT paperwork, that can vary depending on the time of year. For instance, if your application overlaps with all the others being processed right around the spring graduation date for students in the US, then you will likely face longer wait times compared to a different period of the year. Applying as soon as possible will ensure you do not lose any valuable OPT eligibility to processing delays or other documentation issues.
Challenges to Obtaining OPT in 2025
Applying for OPT in 2025 may come with a few challenges, but with the right preparation, you can navigate them successfully. Here are some key areas to be aware of:
Strict government regulations — USCIS and immigration authorities are reviewing OPT applications more closely compared to previous years. Keeping your work details up to date in SEVIS and following all reporting requirements is very important to ensure your application goes smoothly.
Evolving policy changes — Immigration policies, including OPT applications and STEM extensions in the US, are constantly changing. Staying informed by communicating with your DSO and checking for updates through credible sources can help you stay ahead of travel regulations and re-entry protocols.
Competitive job market — With a growing number of students applying for OPT, the job market has become highly competitive. Similarly, some employers may not be familiar with OPT regulations and may hesitate to hire international students for roles, leading to fewer available opportunities. By speaking with a student advisor, you can get support with improving your resume and cover letters to help you stand out to employers. Your advisor can also help you identify and narrow down job opportunities where you qualify as a strong candidate.
Expert Tips to Successfully Obtain OPT Visa in 2025
While applying for OPT can seem challenging at first, here are some tips to help you apply with confidence:
Apply early — Beginning your application early gives you the time to go through all the regulations and requirements, gather your documents, and speak to your DSO for further clarifications. Submitting your application early also gives USCIS more time to process it, and gives you peace of mind.
Organize your documents — Make sure all your forms, ID copies, and photos are correct and up to date. Even small mistakes can cause delays, so double-check everything before submitting.
Work closely with your DSO — Your Designated School Official (DSO) is your trusted expert in submitting your OPT application. They are informed about policy changes, key documents to include, supplementary details to support your application, and more. Make sure to keep them informed about your application process and reach out to them about any questions or concerns.
Stay updated — Policies can change, so following updates from USCIS or your school’s international office, reaching out to your DSO, and keeping up with information from government organizations such as the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's, SEVP, and ICE can help you stay informed.
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