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.