Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the primary post-graduation work authorisation for F-1 international students in the USA. Combined with the STEM OPT extension for eligible degree holders, OPT provides up to 36 months of work rights, making it one of the most important immigration benefits for international graduates in America.
What Is OPT?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a period of authorised work that allows F-1 students to work in the USA for up to 12 months in a position directly related to their area of study. It can be used:
- Pre-completion OPT: During your studies (part-time during term; full-time during breaks)
- Post-completion OPT: After graduation for up to 12 months
Most students use post-completion OPT: working full-time in their field for 12 months after graduation.
OPT Duration and Types
| OPT Type | Duration | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-completion OPT | Up to 12 months total | During studies |
| Post-completion OPT | 12 months | After graduation |
| STEM OPT Extension | +24 months | After initial 12-month OPT |
| Total (STEM) | 36 months | Post-graduation |
STEM OPT - The Critical Extension
STEM OPT extends post-graduation work authorisation by 24 months for graduates of STEM-designated programmes:
Common STEM-Designated Degree Fields
| Field | STEM Eligible? |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | Yes |
| Data Science / Analytics | Yes |
| Electrical Engineering | Yes |
| Mechanical Engineering | Yes |
| Chemical Engineering | Yes |
| Mathematics / Statistics | Yes |
| Financial Engineering | Yes |
| Physics / Chemistry / Biology | Yes |
| Business Analytics (many programmes) | Yes |
| MBA (most programmes) | No |
| Law / Humanities / Social Sciences | No |
Check your CIP code: STEM OPT eligibility is determined by the 6-digit CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code assigned to your degree, not just the general field. Your DSO can confirm your programme's STEM designation.
OPT Application Process
Timeline - Apply Early
| Milestone | Timing |
|---|---|
| Earliest you can apply | 90 days before graduation |
| Latest recommended application | 90 days before your OPT start date |
| OPT start date requested | Up to 60 days after graduation |
| USCIS processing time | 3-5 months |
Apply at least 90 days before your intended OPT start date. Late applications lose OPT time, if your EAD (Employment Authorization Document) arrives after your intended start date, your 12 months clock started anyway.
Step 1: Request OPT Recommendation from DSO
Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) at your university's international student office. They will update your SEVIS record and issue an updated I-20 recommending OPT.
Required information for your DSO:
- Intended OPT start date
- Employment type (full-time/part-time)
- Whether you will have a job offer (not required, but useful)
Step 2: File Form I-765 with USCIS
Fee: $520
Include with your I-765:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of F-1 visa stamp
- I-94 printout (cbp.gov/i94)
- Current I-20 with OPT recommendation
- Two passport photos
- Fee payment
Step 3: Receive EAD (Employment Authorization Document)
Your EAD is your work authorisation card. You cannot legally start working until:
- Your EAD arrives, AND
- Your OPT start date has been reached
STEM OPT Application Process
Eligibility Requirements for STEM OPT
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Degree | STEM-designated degree (check CIP code) |
| OPT | Must have a valid standard 12-month OPT EAD |
| Employer | Must be E-Verify registered |
| Training Plan | Form I-983 completed with employer |
| Application timing | Apply within the last 90 days of initial OPT |
Steps to Apply for STEM OPT
- Find an E-Verify employer (non-E-Verify employers cannot sponsor STEM OPT)
- Complete Form I-983 Training Plan with your employer
- Submit I-983 to your DSO for review and approval
- DSO updates your SEVIS and issues new I-20
- File Form I-765 with updated I-20 and I-983
- Fee: $520
Employer Requirements for STEM OPT
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| E-Verify registration | Mandatory |
| Training plan (I-983) | Must align with your degree field |
| Evaluation reports | Employer must submit 6-month and annual evaluations |
| Salary | Must be commensurate with US workers in same position |
Working During OPT - Rules and Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Related to degree | Work must relate to your field of study |
| Paid employment | Must be paid (volunteer work doesn't count as OPT) |
| Hours | At least 20 hours/week post-completion |
| Multiple employers | Allowed (all must relate to field) |
| Unemployment limit | Max 90 days unemployment during 12-month OPT; max 150 days total if you start STEM OPT |
Unemployment days: Days without work count against your OPT. If you exceed the unemployment limit, your SEVIS record is terminated, a serious immigration consequence.
After OPT - What Comes Next?
H-1B Visa (Employer Sponsorship)
The most common pathway after OPT for international students who want to remain in the USA:
| H-1B Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Type | Work visa requiring employer sponsorship |
| Annual cap | 65,000 per year (85,000 with advanced US degree) |
| Selection | Random lottery: approximately 20-25% selection rate |
| Wage requirement | Must be paid prevailing wage |
| Duration | 3 years, renewable for 3 more |
The lottery risk: Many OPT holders who are not selected in the H-1B lottery must leave the USA or find alternative visa options.
Cap-Gap Extension
If you are in OPT and file an H-1B petition for the following October start date, your OPT is automatically extended until the H-1B takes effect (or is denied). This is the cap-gap extension.
O-1A Visa (Extraordinary Ability)
For researchers, academics, and highly accomplished professionals, an alternative to H-1B without the lottery.
Other Pathways
- L-1 (Intracompany Transfer): Transfer from a non-US office to the USA
- O-1: Extraordinary ability in arts, science, education, business
- Green Card sponsorship: Some employers begin EB-2/EB-3 sponsorship during OPT
USA vs. Canada and Australia - OPT Comparison
| Country | Post-Study Work | Sponsorship for Continuation |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 1-3 years OPT | H-1B lottery required (20-25% chance) |
| Canada | 1-3 years PGWP | Not required, PR pathway via Express Entry |
| Australia | 2-6 years (485) | Not required, PR pathway via SkillSelect |
For international students who want to stay permanently in an English-speaking country, Canada and Australia offer more predictable pathways than the H-1B lottery system.
TOEFL for US Admission
OPT and STEM OPT are not directly connected to TOEFL, but your US university admission (where your F-1 visa originates) requires TOEFL or IELTS:
| University Type | TOEFL Min | IELTS Min |
|---|---|---|
| Top universities (competitive) | 109+ | 7.5+ |
| Major state universities | 80 - 100 | 6.5 - 7.0 |
| Community colleges | 45 - 70 | 5.0 - 6.0 |
Prepare for TOEFL with Gabble: reach the competitive TOEFL scores that open the door to STEM-designated US programmes and the 3-year OPT pathway. AI-powered speaking and writing feedback.