Optional Practical Training is a benefit of the F-1 visa status. OPT employment authorization allows F-1 visa holders to work temporarily in the United States in a field related to their major program of study. OPT employment may not begin until the F-1 visa holder receives their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). F-1 visa holders may apply for OPT employment authorization benefit during each education level and may receive receive up to 12 months of employment authorization. F1 students may apply for and utilize the OPT employment authorization benefit during their program of study or post-degree completion. During their post-degree completion OPT status, students who completed a degree that qualifies as a STEM major may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension and apply for a new employment authorization document with the USCIS.
Important OPT Details
- You do not need a job offer prior to applying for the initial OPT employment authorization document.
- You must have been enrolled full-time as an F-1 student for at least one academic year.
- You may use OPT before or after you graduate for a total of 12 months.
- The average time it takes to receive your EAD card is 2-3 months after your application is received by USCIS.
Duration of OPT
- For each degree level, you are eligible for 12 months of OPT.
- Certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math fields are eligible to apply for an STEM OPT extension.
Types of OPT
- Pre-Completion OPT: before you finish your degree program.
- Post-Completion OPT: after you finish your degree program.
- Combination: You are eligible to use OPT for both of the above as long as the total time does not exceed 12 months.
Report your OPT
While participating in Optional Practical Training, F-1 visa holders must report within 10 days to USCIS and to the DSO at Furman University their initial employment information and any change in employment, change in address, or name changes.