Components OF OPT

 Working toward pre-completion prior to graduation

 Working post-completion after graduating

 STEM OPT extension is offered to students majoring in science, technology, engineering, or math who are hired by a company that is a participant in the government's E-Verify Program.

What is Pre-Completion OPT?

 While you are still enrolled in your degree programme, Optional Practical Training for "Pre-Completion" is used. The Pre-Completion OPT reduces the 12 months of OPT that are available for each degree level.

What is Post-completion OPT?

 Post-completion OPT, or optional practical training, is something you do AFTER your academic programme is through. Remember that OPT, which is employment that is directly related to your major field of study, is only accessible to students holding F-1 visas.

What is STEM OPT?

 The 24-month STEM OPT extension, which is a temporary training period, is linked to an F-1 student's programme of study in an authorised STEM sector or area. Students who have finished or will soon finish a qualifying STEM programme may be eligible to apply for one of these extensions.

Authorization length and working hours

 The first post-completion term for which students can apply is 12 months, less any OPT time used prior to completion. The start date of the requested employment must occur no later than 60 days after the program's finish. The day the employment authorization is requested, or the day it is approved, whichever comes later, is the start date

 Exception: The 24-month STEM OPT extension's work authorization duration begins the day after the initial post-completion OPT employment authorization expires and lasts for 24 months, regardless of when the actual extension is issued.