Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 12-month work authorization that allows F-1 students to gain additional work experience after graduation in their field of study. You can work anywhere in the U.S. on OPT, so long as the employment is directly related to your field of study.
You can learn more about OPT by attending an OPT Informational Workshop. Attending an informational workshop is a requirement to apply for OPT.
You cannot apply for OPT without receiving an updated I-20 that has an OPT recommendation and your requested OPT start date. We recommend that you apply as early as possible because United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval for an OPT application can take 3-4 months. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT. You can apply as early as 90 days before you complete your program and up to 60 days after you complete your program.