F-1 OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Pre-Completion OPT allows F-1 students to work in a job directly related to their major during their academic program before completing their degree. It is an option when employment does not qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

• Work Hours: Part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during Fall/Spring semesters; full-time during academic breaks (e.g., summer or winter).
• Enrollment: Must maintain full-time enrollment during Fall/Spring semesters.
• Impact on Post-Completion OPT: Part-time Pre-Completion OPT deducts from Post-Completion OPT at half the rate (e.g., 12 months part-time = 6 months deduction). Full-time Pre-Completion OPT deducts at the full rate.

Post-Completion OPT provides work authorization after completing your degree. It is designed for students who wish to work in the U.S. in a job directly related to their field of study after graduation.

• Work Hours: Full-time only (minimum 20 hours/week).
• Enrollment: Not required after degree completion.

To be eligible for OPT, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Be in legal F-1 status
• Have completed two full-time semesters (one academic year; Fall & Spring, not Summer)
  • Approved Study Abroad counts if you completed at least one full-time semester in the U.S. prior to studying abroad
• NOT have used 12 months of full-time CPT at the same degree level (part-time CPT is okay)
• NOT have used 12 months of OPT at the same or a higher degree level
• NOT be enrolled in Intensive English/AEC programs

Note: You don’t need a job offer to apply for OPT.

You are eligible for 12 months of full-time OPT per each higher degree level:

• Bachelor’s: 12 months
• Master’s: 12 months
• PhD: 12 months

Key points:

• Unused periods of eligibility from lower-level degrees cannot be carried over to later higher-level degrees
• OPT can be used in one period (1 application) or split (e.g., 5 months + 7 months, 2 separate applications)
• If pursuing another degree at the same level, the 12 months can be divided between the two degrees
• Part-time pre-completion OPT at the same level deducts from post-completion OPT at half the rate (e.g., 12 months part-time = 6 months deduction). Full-time pre-completion OPT deducts at the full rate.
• STEM students may qualify for a 24-month extension (see 24-Month STEM OPT extension)

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may take 2 to 4 months to process the OPT application after you have submitted a complete application.
• There is a premium processing option available (see details below). If you choose to pay for premium processing, USCIS will process your application within 30 business days of receiving the complete application.

• There are two required fees. Please check USCIS website for the current fee for Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization).
• There is also an ISS fee for recommending OPT. Please see the ISS webstore for details.
• If you choose to file for premium processing (Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service), there is an additional premium processing fee on top of the two fees mentioned above. See USCIS website for more details.

USCIS may take 2 to 4 months to process the OPT application. We recommend applying as soon as you are eligible to. 

For pre-completion OPT, your application must be receipted by USCIS no earlier than 90 days before your requested start date.

For post-completion OPT, your application must be receipted by USCIS no earlier than 90 days before and no later than 60 days after your I-20 end date.

• Typical I-20 End Dates:
  • Fall: December 31, 20YY
  • Spring: May 31, 20YY
  • Summer: August 1, 20YY
• If your I-20 end date falls in a future semester, it will be shortened to reflect your expected degree completion.
• For graduate students completing all degree requirements within the first two weeks of a term, the I-20 end date will reflect the date established by Graduate Studies by which no enrollment is required for that term.
• *If you do not complete your degree by your new I-20 end date, you must apply for a program extension before your new OPT I-20 expires. Failure to do so will result in a violation of your immigration status.
• See exceptions below for thesis/dissertation/final project students.

• Premium Processing is the Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service
• It expedites I-765 processing to within 30 business days of submitting a completed Form I-907
• Filing fee: Check USCIS website (extra cost in addition to the I-765 fee)
• File online via USCIS account
• You may file for premium processing at the same time as the I-765 OPT application, or file later for a pending I-765 application

• Shortened OPT period: Per regulations, post-completion OPT must end by the 14th month after your I-20 end date. Applying late and/or experiencing long processing times may result in your OPT duration being shortened to comply with this 14-month requirement.
• Risk of late rejection: If your application is rejected and you attempt to reapply, you will no longer be eligible if more than 60 days have passed since your I-20 end date.
• Driver’s license delays: In most cases, you may not be able to renew your driver’s license until your OPT is approved.

You will choose your desired OPT start date as part of the OPT application, which will be listed on the OPT I-20 you will receive from ISS. This date must fall within a 60-day window after your I-20 program end date: 

• Earliest: the day after I-20 end date
• Latest: 60 days after I-20 end date

Consider the following:

• Job offer start date (if applicable)
• Job search timeline and USCIS processing time (typically 2-4 months)

*Note: It is not guaranteed that you will get the OPT start date you requested, as processing times may extend beyond your requested start date. If your application is approved after your requested start date, USCIS will adjust the start date to the actual approval date.

Graduate students who have completed all required lecture coursework but are still working on a thesis, dissertation, or final project may be eligible to begin post-completion OPT prior to officially graduating. Please note the following:

• You are eligible for post-completion OPT based on completion of lecture coursework.
• Your I-20 end date will be shortened to the day before your requested OPT start date.
• On-campus employment authorization ends on the new I-20 end date.
• You must maintain enrollment in a full course of study until your degree is officially completed.
• Your degree must be fully completed before your OPT end date — I-20 extensions are not allowed once on post-completion OPT.

You may also consider whether pre-completion OPT or post-completion OPT is a better fit for your situation. Below is a comparison of key differences:

Pre-Completion OPT vs. Post-Completion OPT

• Work Hours
  • Pre-completion: Part-time or full-time
  • Post-completion: Full-time (20 hours/week or more)
• STEM OPT Extension Eligibility
  • Pre-completion: Not eligible
  • Post-completion: Eligible if you meet STEM OPT criteria
• Cap-Gap Extension (H-1B)
  • Pre-completion: Not eligible
  • Post-completion: Eligible
• Unemployment Limits
  • Pre-completion: No 90-day unemployment rule
  • Post-completion: Subject to the 90-day unemployment rule
• Program Extension Allowed?
  • Pre-completion: Yes
  • Post-completion: No

This section applies ONLY to undergraduate students and graduate students in coursework-only programs. If you are completing a thesis, dissertation, or final project, please refer to the appropriate section above.

As soon as you know that you will not satisfy all degree requirements, contact ISS immediately: 

• If OPT Has Been Recommended but Not Yet Approved: If you have been recommended for OPT, but later learn you will not complete all degree requirements - and your OPT application has not yet been approved - contact ISS right away. In most cases, we will recommend that you withdraw your Form I-765 application and request an I-20 extension. Both actions must be taken before your current I-20 end date.
• If OPT Has Been Approved: If you have already been approved for OPT and then find out that you will not complete your degree requirements, your situation is more complex. You may not be eligible for an I-20 extension, and your ability to work full-time may be restricted.
• Enrollment Requirement: You will be expected to enroll in the remaining course(s) needed to fulfill all degree requirements.

Post-completion OPT allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during the entire 12-month period. Unemployment is counted starting from your authorized OPT start date listed on the EAD card. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (NOT ISS) is responsible for determining whether you have violated your status by exceeding the permissible period of unemployment. If you fail to maintain the required period of employment, they may deny future immigration benefits and/or terminate your SEVIS record.

Paid Employment on OPT

• One or multiple employers
• Short-term Multiple Employers (Performing Artists):
  • Maintain a list of all gigs, including dates and duration
  • If requested by DHS, provide evidence showing a list of all gigs
• Work for Hire (1099 Employment):
  • This type of work is based on a contractual relationship rather than an employer-employee relationship
  • If requested by DHS, be prepared to provide evidence of contract duration and the name and address of the contracting company
• Self-Employed Business Owner:
  • You may start a business and be self-employed on OPT, but you must work full-time
  • You must also be able to prove you have the necessary business licenses and are actively engaged in a business related to your degree program
• Employment Through an Agency:
  • Provide evidence showing that you worked an average of at least 20 hours per week while employed by the agency

Unpaid Employment

• Volunteers or Unpaid Interns:
  • You may work as volunteers or unpaid interns for OPT if the work is directly related to your field of study, is at least 20 hours per week (for post-completion OPT), and does not violate U.S. labor laws
  • Keep evidence from the employer(s) showing you worked at least 20 hours per week during the employment period

You should keep written evidence/documentation for each job, training, or internship that you engage in on OPT, including but not limited to:

• Job title
• Job description
• Hours worked per week
• Start and end dates
• How the position directly relates to your degree

If any of the following changes occur, you are required by regulations to report them within 10 days of the change:

• Email address
• Phone number
• U.S. residential or mailing address
  (*If your mailing or physical address changes while OPT is pending, you must report the change in both iHawk and the USCIS portal. Please use the USCIS Enterprise Change of Address self-service change-of-address tool. See more on USCIS website.)
• Employment updates (see below)
• Leaving the U.S. and forfeiting OPT
• Change of status and forfeiting OPT
• Passport name change

If there is an update to your employment, you must report it within 10 days via iHawk > "OPT Reporting" > "12-Month OPT Reporting":

• Upload OPT EAD Card: Submit a copy of your EAD card once you receive it
• Add New OPT Employer: Report new jobs, one form per position
• Edit Previously Reported OPT Employer: Update existing job information/details
• Report Job Ended: Report when your employment ends

Performing artists with multiple gigs or self-employed workers should review reporting TIPS for special categories.

If you complete the 12 months of post-completion OPT and properly maintain your F-1 status, you will be granted a 60-day grace period following the expiration of your OPT (EAD end date). During this time, you have the following options:

• Leaving the U.S.: Depart the country within the 60-day grace period.
• Starting a new degree at KU: Request a new I-20 for your new academic program at KU.
• Transferring to another U.S. school
  • You must submit a SEVIS transfer request ("Leaving KU" e-form) in iHawk and have it processed before the end of your 60-day grace period.
  • Classes at your new school must begin within 5 months of your SEVIS transfer release date or your OPT end date, whichever is earlier.
• Changing immigration status
  • If you plan to change your immigration status (e.g., to H-1B, permanent resident, etc.), consult with an immigration attorney or your employer’s legal counsel for guidance.

• If you accumulate 90 days of unemployment, your OPT authorization will end and you will be out of status.
• We strongly recommend that you depart the United States before reaching 90 days of unemployment.
  • Submit the “Leaving U.S. & Forfeiting OPT” e-form in iHawk
• If you have not worked at all during your OPT period and are departing the U.S., you may contact ISS to talk about a partial refund of the ISS OPT fee.

If you are leaving the U.S. or changing immigration status before your OPT expires, you must submit either the “Leaving U.S. and Forfeiting OPT” or “Change of Status and Forfeit OPT” e-form in iHawk.

ISS will take appropriate action on your F-1 SEVIS record once you submit the form. In either case, your OPT will end.

If your SEVIS record is transferred before your OPT expires, your OPT authorization will automatically end on the SEVIS transfer release date, even if your EAD end date is later. Consider the timing carefully before requesting a SEVIS transfer. 

To request a SEVIS transfer, submit a "Leaving KU" e-form in iHawk under 'F-1 Student Services'.

• You may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension if your degree qualifies under STEM. DHS maintains a complete list of fields that fall within the regulatory definition of “STEM field” that qualifies certain degrees to fulfill the extension requirement.
• Apply before your post-completion OPT expires - NOT during grace period.
• For more information, visit the 24-Month STEM OPT Extension page. The KU STEM degree list can be found on this page.

Your duration of status, and possibly your work authorization, may be automatically extended if you are the beneficiary of a timely filed H-1B petition and change of status request. See more details on the H-1B Cap-Gap OPT Extension.