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Office for Global Engagement

OPT Eligibility

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Eligible students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) with a recommendation from their current institution. You don’t need a job offer before you apply, and the work permission may be used at different employers during the authorized employment period.

In order to apply, you must:

  • Maintain valid F-1 status and normal progress toward your degree requirements.
  • Have been enrolled in a full-time course of study for at least one academic year.
  • Not have been previously authorized for 12 months of OPT at the current or higher degree level.
  • Have no more than 12 months of authorized full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

“Use it or lose it” eligibility”

OPT is a benefit of valid F-1 status and eligibility is directly associated with the current degree level. Therefore, once you change to a different immigration category or begin a new degree program, any authorized OPT period is forfeited. Similarly, you may not save your OPT eligibility to be used at a later time.

Authorization type

A 12-month period of OPT authorization is available at each higher degree level while maintaining valid F-1 status.

Periods of full-time OPT may be granted in segments up to the full 12 months. Part-time OPT authorization is counted at 50 percent toward the total 12 months (i.e., two months of part-time OPT will count as one month of the total OPT).

Students moving to a higher degree program are eligible for an additional 12 months of OPT at that higher level.

Eligible students may apply for OPT under the pre-completion or post-completion categories.

Pre-Completion Authorization

  • During the academic year while enrolled in coursework (part time)
  • During the annual vacation period (part time or full time)

 Post-Completion Authorization

  • After completion of all degree requirements excluding the thesis (full time)
  • After completion of all degree requirements (full time)

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