F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) & Career Jobs for International Students

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a valuable opportunity for F-1 international students in the U.S. to gain practical work experience in their field of study. Below is a comprehensive guide covering various aspects of OPT:

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to engage in temporary employment directly related to their major study area. This training can occur before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) the completion of academic studies. The primary goal is to provide practical experience that complements the educational curriculum.

• Definition: OPT is when undergraduate and graduate students with F-1 status who have completed or have been pursuing their degrees for more than nine months are permitted to work for up to 12 months on a student visa towards getting practical training to complement their education.

• Purpose: To provide hands-on experience in the student's field of study, enhancing their academic learning with practical application.

To be eligible for OPT, students must:

• Maintain valid F-1 status.

• Have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year.

• Not have used more than 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the same degree level.

• Not have previously completed 12 months of OPT at the same degree level.

1. Pre-Completion OPT:

• This can be undertaken before completing academic studies.

• Students may work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) while school is in session and full-time during breaks.

2. Post-Completion OPT:

• Begins after completing academic studies. Students must work at least 20 hours/week.

3. STEM OPT Extension:

• An additional 24 months of OPT for students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields.

• Requires employment with an E-Verify registered employer.

• Standard OPT: Up to 12 months of full-time employment.

• STEM OPT Extension: An additional 24 months for eligible STEM graduates.

• Note: Any time spent on pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12-month total.

Job Relevance: 

• Employment must be directly related to the student's major field of study.

Work Hours:

Pre-Completion OPT: Part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during school sessions; full-time during breaks.

Post-Completion OPT: Full-time (at least 20 hours/week).

Types of Employment:

• Paid employment.

• Multiple employers.

• Short-term multiple employers (e.g., gigs).

• Work for hire (independent contractor).

• Self-employed business owner.

• Employment through an agency or consulting firm.

• Unpaid internships or volunteer work (must comply with labor laws).

• Unemployment Limit: Students may not accrue more than 90 days of unemployment during the 12-month OPT period.

• Reporting Obligations: Students must report employment details, changes in employment, and personal contact information to their Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days of any change.

Students should maintain documentation demonstrating that their employment is directly related to their major field of study. This may include:

• Job descriptions.

• Offer letters specifying job duties.

• Letters from employers explaining how the job relates to the student's degree.

• Multiple Employers: Work for more than one employer, provided each job is related to the student's field of study.

• Short-Term Multiple Employers: Engage in gigs or short-term assignments.

• Work for Hire: Provide services based on contractual relationships.

• Self-Employment: Start a business related to the field of study.

• Employment through Agencies: Work for staffing or consulting firms.

• Standard OPT: Unpaid internships and volunteer positions are permissible, provided the work is related to the student's field and complies with labor laws.

• STEM OPT Extension: Unpaid employment is not permitted. Students must be compensated and work for an E-Verify registered employer.