Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment benefit for F-1 students who wish to gain work experience directly related to their major field of study. Eligible students may be authorized for up to 12 months total OPT per degree level and students in qualifying STEM degrees may apply for a 24-month extension of OPT. 
 
OPT can be used during a student's studies (Pre-completion) or immediately after graduation (Post-completion), but cannot exceed the total 12 months. 

Types of OPT

 

Category	Pre-Completion OPT	Post-Completion OPT	STEM OPT Extension
What	Temporary practical training directly related to a student's major area of study used before degree completion. Available with each higher level of study.	Temporary practical training directly related to a student's major area of study used after degree completion. Available with each higher level of study.	Temporary extension of authorized Post-Completion OPT directly related to a student’s major area of study in a STEM field. Can be used for a maximum of two (2) degree levels.
Who	Students engaged in post-secondary schools or at conservatories.	Students who completed post-secondary school or conservatory.	Students who are completing OPT and who majored in designated Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) degrees approved by DHS.
When	Prior to degree completion.	After completing the degree program	Immediately following approved Post-Completion OPT.
Hours	Part-time (up to 20 hours/week) while school is in session.  Full-time (more than 20 hours/week) while school is not in session.  Note: students are authorized by USCIS for either part-time or full-time employment and cannot switch unless they submit another application to USCIS.	Full-time (at least 20 hours/week) from a combination of all active employment.	Full-time (at least 20 hours/week) with each active employer.
Duration	12 months total used between Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT. Time used in Pre-Completion OPT detracts from the 12 month total.	12 months total used between pre-completion OPT and post-completion OPT per each higher level of study.	24 months immediately following Post-Completion OPT.
Reporting Requirements	Report to ISSS in iEagle	Report to ISSS in iEagle and DHS in SEVP Portal.	Report to ISSS in iEagle every 6 months and DHS in SEVP Portal.
Unemployment	N/A	90 days	60 days in addition to any remaining unemployment from Post-Completion OPT
Regulatory Cite	8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(i)	8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)	8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)