Maximum Length

  • The standard OPT period (i.e. pre-completion and post-completion) is a cumulative maximum of 12 months, per degree level
  • Part-time pre-completion OPT is deducted at 50% of the time used from the 12-month standard OPT limit
  • Full-time pre-completion OPT is deducted 100% from the 12-month standard OPT limit
  • An F-1 student may become eligible for another 12 months of post-completion OPT if they advance to a higher educational level
  • Some students may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension Links to an external site.

An application for OPT consists of three main steps:

  1. The student submits a request to the International Center for an OPT I-20.
  2. After determining eligibility, the IC advisor (Designated School Official/DSO) updates SEVIS with an OPT recommendation and prepares a new I-20 with the OPT recommendation on page 2. This step requires 1-2 weeks processing time.
  3. The student files a Form I-765 Links to an external site. and various other supporting documents with USCIS, within the OPT filing deadlines.

 

Here is how SEVP's Help Hub Links to an external site. maps the process of obtaining OPT and starting employment:

SEVP Process