F-1 Optional Practical Training

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment authorization that provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in an academic program to a practical work experience.

Read through each section of this web guide for detailed information and instructions about what OPT is, how to apply for it, and much more.

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Link to OPT Description and Eligibility

Description and Eligibility

Learn about what OPT is, as well as eligibility requirements for applying for F-1 OPT.
Link to OPT When To Apply

When To Apply

Whether you apply for pre-completion or post-completion OPT, you need to apply as early as possible because you need to have your work authorization card (EAD) to start working and to travel.

Link to OPT Application Process

Application Process

To apply for OPT you must first review all sections of the OPT pages of this site, and then complete the forms and gather the necessary materials described on this page.
Link to OPT Employment Options

Employment Options

Requirements and types of employment allowed on post-completion OPT.
Link to OPT Reporting Requirements

Reporting Requirements

What you must report while on post-completion OPT. The consequences for not following all of the rules for maintaining OPT status are more severe in the current immigration environment.

Link to Traveling on OPT

Traveling

There are certain travel considerations for people on OPT, learn more here.
Link to STEM OPT Extension

STEM OPT Extension

F-1 students with degrees in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) may be eligible for an extension of their Post-Completion OPT work permission.

Link to H-1B Cap Gap Extension of OPT

Cap Gap Extension

If your OPT is expiring before your H-1B status begins, you may be eligible to extend your OPT for a few months in order to continue working.
Link to What's Next? Life After OPT

What’s Next?

If you plan to continue working in the U.S. after your OPT period, there are a variety of employer-sponsored work visas that may be available to you depending on your employer, the kind of work you engage in, your qualifications and your citizenship.

Link to Receiving or Replacing an EAD

Receiving or Replacing an EAD

Read this page for instructions on how to receive your EAD card by mail, and how to replace it if lost in the mail or it contains incorrect information.