/Office of Global Affairs
Visa and Immigration Services

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Pre-Completion OPT allows you to work in the United States before you complete your academic program. Your job(s) must be directly related to your major field of study. Unlike Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the work does not need to be required for your program or connected to a course.

You may use up to 12 months of OPT at each degree level. Any time you use before graduation will reduce the time available after graduation.

You will receive your work authorization from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the form of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You may only begin working after you receive your EAD and only during the dates listed on the card.

Eligibility

You may apply for Pre-Completion OPT if you meet all of the following requirements:

  • You are currently in valid F-1 status
  • You have completed at least one full academic year in F-1 status (or will complete it before your OPT start date)
  • You are in good academic standing and making normal progress toward your degree
  • You have not used more than 12 months of OPT at your current degree level
  • You have a valid passport with at least 6 months of future validity
  • You have completed fewer than 365 days of full-time CPT

You do not need a job offer to apply. However, any approved OPT time will be deducted from your total, even if you do not work.

Employment Hours

Your allowed work hours depend on the semester you are requesting to work:

  • During fall and spring semesters: You may work part-time only (20 hours or fewer per week) while you are enrolled in classes
  • During official school breaks (such as summer and winter): You may work part-time or full-time (more than 20 hours per week)
  • After completing all coursework (thesis or dissertation remaining): You may work part-time or full-time year-round

How Pre-Completion OPT Affects Your 12-Month Limit

You are allowed a total of 12 months of OPT at each degree level. Any time you use for Pre-Completion OPT will reduce the amount of OPT you have available after graduation.

  • Full-time Pre-Completion OPT: Counts at the full rate
  • Part-time Pre-Completion OPT: Counts at half the rate
Examples:
  • If you use 4 months of full-time Pre-Completion OPT, you will have 8 months remaining
  • If you use 6 months of part-time Pre-Completion OPT, you will have used 3 months, leaving 9 months remaining

All approved OPT time is deducted, even if you do not work or report employment during that period.

When to Apply

  • If you have completed one full academic year, you may apply up to 90 days before your requested start date
  • If you have not yet completed one full academic year, you may apply up to 90 days before meeting that requirement, but your OPT cannot begin until the requirement is met

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must receive your Form I-765 within 30 days of the date your OPT I-20 is issued.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review OPT Information
Step 2: Submit Your OPT Request

  1. Log in to accessVIS using your NetID and password.

  2. Select Employment & Training from the left menu.

  3. Submit the Pre-Completion OPT Request.

  • The request will be routed to your academic advisors (Undergraduate) or academic department (Master's/PhD) to verify your academic eligibility
  • You'll be required to upload the following documents:
    • Form I-94
    • Passport
    • F-1 visa
    • Job offer letter (if available)
Step 3: Receive Your OPT I-20

VIS typically processes requests within 5–7 business days. If your request is approved, you will receive a new I-20 recommending OPT. Review it carefully, then print and sign it.

Step 4: Apply to USCIS

Submit Form I-765 to USCIS. USCIS must receive your application within 30 days of your OPT I-20 issuance.

Review I-765 Application Guidance    

Processing times are typically 3–6 months. Expediting your application through premium processing is available.

Learn more about Premium Processing

Do not submit your I-765 application to USCIS until you have received your I-20 recommending OPT.

After Approval

  • Upload a copy of your EAD within the Employment Authorization Document form within the Pre-Completion OPT checklist in accessVIS
  • Report your employment information under Add or Update OPT Employment form within the Pre-Completion OPT checklist either before or as soon as you begin working

Employment Rules

  • Any job you do must be directly related to your major field of study
  • You may only work during the dates listed on your EAD
  • You may not begin working until you receive your EAD
  • Any work (including unpaid roles, internships, or training) must be related to your studies and follow your time limit authorization (i.e. part-time or full-time)

Working in a position that is not related to your major may violate your F-1 status.

It is highly recommended to keep records of each job, including your job title, duties, dates of employment, and supervisor contact information. If your job duties are not clearly related to your major, you should request a letter from your employer explaining how your work relates to your degree.