Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status that permits off-campus employment directly related to the student's field of stud before degree completion.
Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Students planning to apply for Pre-Completion OPT should note the following:
You are limited to working part-time (20 hours per week or less) during the academic year (fall and spring semesters) unless you are a graduate student completing thesis or dissertation credits only. You may work full-time during the summer semester.
Any OPT used before completion of your degree will be deducted from the 12 month total. For example, if you use 6 months of full-time OPT before graduating you will be eligible for 6 months of OPT after you graduate.
Part-time Pre-Completion OPT is deducted at a half-time rate. If you use 4 months of part-time Pre-Completion OPT, only 2 months of OPT will be deducted from the 12 months of Post-Completion OPT available.
Your work authorization for Pre-Completion OPT may not extend past your expected program end date. If you want to use any remaining OPT after graduation, you will need to receive an I-20 with a new OPT recommendation and submit a separate application to USCIS in order to request authorization for Post-Completion OPT.
You must continue to maintain lawful F-1 status, including full-time enrollment, while working on OPT. Failure to do so automatically invalidates OPT authorization.
