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Pre-completion OPT

What is pre-completion OPT?

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training allows eligible F-1 students to work off-campus before completing their degree, in a position directly related to their field of study.

There are limits to how long you can work during and after you complete your academic program. If you use part of that time before you finish your program (by using pre-completion OPT), you will have reduced time for your post-completion OPT. Post-completion OPT allows F-1 students to work in the U.S. after finishing a degree.

  • Part-time pre-OPT deducts at half the rate of your post-completion OPT. Working part-time in the U.S. before you finish your degree will limit how long you can work in the U.S. after finishing your degree, by half.
  • Full-time pre-OPT deducts at the full rate of your post-completion OPT. Working full-time in the U.S. before you finish your degree will limit how long you can work in the U.S. after finishing your degree, by a full rate.

Have you considered CPT?

If your off-campus work is required for your program or required for a specific course, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) may be a better option for you.

Are you almost done with your program?

If you’re graduating soon, refer to the Post-Completion OPT page.

 

Pre-completion OPT eligibility

To apply for pre-completion OPT, you must: 

  • Be in valid F-1 status.
  • Have completed one full academic year of full-time study (or will have completed a full year by the requested OPT start date).
  • Not have completed 12 months or more of full-time CPT or OPT at your current degree level.

Note: A job offer is not required to apply.

 

How to apply for pre-completion OPT

    Please schedule an appointment with an ISSS advisor to discuss your intentions and to consider all options before proceeding with your pre-completion OPT plans.

    You must to talk to an advisor before you apply. Your online application will not be accepted until you've met with an advisor.

    Book an appointment

    To complete the OPT I-20 request, log into the ISSS portal and complete the OPT request.

    ISSS portal

    You will receive an email when your I-20 with the OPT recommendation (on page 2) is ready in the international student portal.

    • Check that the information on your I-20 is accurate.
    • Check that it is signed by the Designated School Official (DSO) on page 1.

    Looking ahead: Your OPT I-765 application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of when the OPT Recommendation I-20 is issued. The date of issuance can be found on page 1 of the I-20 next to the DSO signature.

    To access the I-765 form, visit USCIS's portal.

    Your OPT application must be received by USCIS within 30 days of the OPT I-20 being issued by the Designated School Official's signature.

    After USCIS receives your application, it may take 90 or more days to process. Premium processing is available for OPT applications and can be filed at any time for an additional fee.

    You must wait to start work until you get your EAD card and your start date arrives. Please plan ahead to allow for processing time.

    USCIS portal

      Requirements once approved for pre-completion OPT

      If approved for pre-completion OPT, you must: 

      • Stay enrolled as a full-time student.
      • Maintain your F-1 status.
      • Work no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. Full-time work is only allowed during official breaks or summer vacation.
      • Only work within the dates listed on your EAD card.
      • Report changes to your address, legal name or employment through the ISSS portal.

       

      Special notes for OPT thesis and dissertation students

      Students completing only a thesis or dissertation may choose between pre-completion or post-completion OPT.

      If you use all 12 months of post-completion OPT and do not finish your thesis or dissertation, you must prepare to change status, start a new program or leave the U.S. before your grace period ends.

      Pre-completion OPT