Practical Training: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Types of OPT
2. POST-COMPLETION OPT a. An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in post-completion OPT upon completion of studies. The post-completion OPT must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. Students may work more than 20 hours a week. b. Students must initiate the process by requesting the DSO at their academic institution to recommend the OPT. The DSO makes the recommendation by endorsing the student’s Form I-20 and making the appropriate notation in the SEVIS. c. Students then file Form I-765, Application for EAD, with USCIS. If approved, USCIS will issue an EAD to the student. d. Requests can be submitted 90 days before the term ending date of the final class or up to 60 days after degree completion. Students must obtain the EAD card prior to working. e. If you are unemployed for 90 days or more, the I-20 and OPT are terminated. Note: Upon completion of post-degree OPT, there is a 60- day grace period in which the student will need to depart the United States or apply for a higher degree level or to another school. OPT is terminated if the student transfers to another school or begins study at another educational level. 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(B). 3. STEM EXTENSION OPT a. The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly relates to an F-1 student’s program of study in an approved STEM field. On May 10, 2016, this extension effectively replaced the previous 17-month STEM OPT extension. The following program CIP code 49.0101 Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General is approved for the 24-month STEM OPT extension by the Department of Homeland Security. b. Eligible F-1 students with STEM degrees who finish their program of study and participate in an initial period of regular post-completion OPT (often for 12 months) have the option to apply for a STEM OPT extension. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial period of regular post-completion OPT. See PDSO for details.
1. PRE-COMPLETION OPT a. An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT after they have been enrolled for one full academic year. The pre-completion OPT must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. Students authorized to participate in pre- completion OPT must work part-time while school is in session. b. Students must initiate the process by requesting the DSO at their academic institution to recommend the OPT. The DSO makes such recommendation by endorsing the student’s Form I-20 and by making appropriate notation in SEVIS, the system used to track F-1 students. c. Students then file Form I-765, application for EAD, with USCIS. If approved, USCIS will issue an EAD to the student. d. Requests may be made up to 90 days prior to eligibility. Students must obtain the EAD card prior to working. e. You must be enrolled full-time to be eligible for pre-completion OPT. Note: All periods of pre-completion OPT are deducted from the available periods of post-completion OPT.
22 | F-1 Regulation Guide for Students | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
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