F-1 Student Optional Practical Training Requirements

Pre-completion OPT allows eligible F-1 students to work in a position directly related to their major before completing their degree program. Students must be in valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year before applying.

  • During the academic term: Students may work up to 20 hours per week.
  • During official school breaks: Students may work full-time.
  • Authorization required: Students must receive approval from USCIS and obtain their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning employment.
  • Impact on post-completion OPT: Any pre-completion OPT used reduces the amount of post-completion OPT available. Part-time pre-completion OPT
    reduces the available period by half the time used, while full-time pre-completion OPT reduces it day for day.

Contact the OIS Immigration Team to discuss eligibility and application requirements before applying.

Post Completion OPT

Eligibility Requirements & Application Process

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in your degree program to off-campus work in your major field (not your minor). OPT is authorized by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This authorization can take 2-to-3 months to obtain. The maximum amount of time granted to work on F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level, plus a possible H1-B cap-gap extension OR a 24-month extension for degree holders from a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Candidates must be in active F-1 status when applying
  • Candidates must be graduating with a post-secondary (university) degree
  • Candidates must be in their last semester, or have already completed their degree

Application Process

Step One:

  • Attend an OPT Info Session or meet with a DSO
  • Inform the OIS that you plan to apply for OPT
  • Receive instructions on the OPT application process

Step two:

  • Gather and compile all the necessary documents from OPT Required Document Checklist (checklist below) to submit your online OPT application through USCIS
  • Follow instructions on completing the online OPT application
  • Submit the OPT Request form and make an appointment with a DSO to review the application and receive I-20 recommendation

Step Three:

  • Review and submit your application within 30 days of receiving your I-20 recommendation
  • Pay the $470 application fee and retain your receipt. Your receipt number will serve as your tracking number to check the status of your application
  • Complete your biometrics at the Helena USCIS office

Step Four:

  • Look for and secure employment
  • Continue to track the status of your application and reply to any Requests for Further Evidence (RFE)

Step Five:

  • Submit a copy of your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card to the OIS
  • Update employment details and contact information in SEVIS, either directly or through their DSO
  • Report any changes to immigration status or record to the OIS
  • Continue to maintain F-1 status for the duration of their OPT authorization

OPT Required Document Application Checklist

☐ 1. Registered for Graduation (Grad App Submitted)

☐ 2. OPT Request Form – Signed by all parties

☐ 3. A copy of the I-20 recommendation that the DSO gives you

☐ 4. A copy of the I-94 Record (Print online at https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/)

☐ 5. A copy of photo page (identification page) and expiration date page of your
passport

☐ 6. A copy of the F-1 visa page of your passport (even if expired) (Canadians won’t
have this)

☐ 7. A copy of ALL previous I-20s that have previous CPT or OPT authorization

 ☐ 8. A copy of any previous EAD card(s)

☐ 9. Digital passport style photographs (must meet online photo requirements)

☐ 10. Fee of $470

Maintaining your F-1 Status on OPT

While on Optional Practical Training (OPT), you must continue to maintain your F-1 status by following these requirements:

  • Maintain employment: Work at least 21 hours per week in a position directly related to your degree program.
  • Limit unemployment: You may accrue a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT authorization period.
  • Report employment: Submit your employment information through the SEVP Student Portal or the Student & Employer OPT Info form, along with the required supporting documents.
  • Update contact information: Report changes to your address, phone number, or email address promptly so your SEVIS record remains current.
  • Maintain health insurance: Keep valid health insurance coverage throughout your OPT period.
  • Report changes in status: Notify OIS promptly if you transfer to another academic program, leave the United States permanently, or change to a different immigration status.

Questions? Contact the Office of International Studies (OIS) for assistance with maintaining your F-1 status during OPT.

OPT General FAQs

  • Graduates do NOT need to have a job offer in order to apply for OPT
  • Graduates CANNOT commence working until their OPT has been approved and they have received their EAD card (Employment Authorization Document) in the mail from USCIS AND only after the official start date, as indicated on the EAD card
  • Employment MUST be directly related to the graduate’s degree program
  • Graduates MUST update their employment details and contact information in SEVIS, either directly or through their DSO.
  • Graduates must continue to have health insurance coverage throughout their OPT authorization
  • Graduates CANNOT be unemployed for longer than 90 days during the OPT authorization period
  • Graduates must work full-time at a minimum of 21 hours per week
  • Employment can be anywhere within the United States
  • Employment can be in-person or remote, but graduates must reside in the US for the duration of their OPT authorization
  • Graduates must report any changes to their immigration status or record to the DSO
  • Graduates are ultimately responsible for ensuring they maintain their F-1 status while on OPT