Pre-Completion OPT

Pre-completion OPT is the Optional Practical Training an F-1 student may apply for before finishing their program of study. However, F-1 students rarely need to apply for pre-completion OPT. In most cases, employment, internships, co-ops, and other practical training opportunities for F-1 students during their course of study are achieved using F-1 On-Campus Employment Links to an external site. or Curricular Practical Training Links to an external site. (CPT) benefits.

In addition, time used on pre-completion OPT is deducted from the allowable 12-month limit of post-completion OPT. Part-time pre-completion OPT used is deducted at 50% and full-time pre-completion OPT used is deducted at 100% from the 12-month post-completion OPT limit.

For example, if you participate in 4 months of full-time pre-completion OPT, you would be eligible for up to 8 months of post-completion OPT. If you participate in 4 months of part-time pre-completion OPT, a 50% deduction would mean 2 months subtracted from the 12 month OPT limits. Therefore, you would be eligible for only 10 months post-completion OPT.

Prior to considering pre-completion OPT, consult Links to an external site. an International Student Advisor to evaluate your options. You are required to meet an advisor in virtual drop-ins to request a pre-completion OPT I-20.