Employment

OPT

Get help using 'OPT'
  • Optional Practical Training is a form of off-campus employment that can be authorized during an F-1 student's study (pre-completion) or after the student completes their program (post-completion).  All F-1 students are granted 12 months of OPT to engage during, after or both during and after their program of study.  An offer of employment is not required, but the employment must be related to their program of study.  
  • To be eligible for pre-completion OPT, students must be enrolled for one academic year.  Once approved, students are permitted to work no more than 20 hours a week while school is in session. Students are permitted to work 40 hours during official school breaks (holiday and summer breaks). 
  • To be eligible for post-completion OPT, must apply within 90 days before or 60 days after their program end date.  Once approved, students are permitted to work 40+ hours per week, and for multiple employers.  
  • To apply, gather the required documents ("OPT Instructions" document in the "Helpful Forms and Websites" section) and arrange an appointment with the Admissions Office to obtain a new I-20.   Please apply as EARLY as possible to allow 90 days for the USCIS to review, process and approve.