What Is OPT? Your Chance to Study and Work in the U.S.!
Turn your studies into real work experience in the US with OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an employment authorization that allows international students in the U.S. gain work experience related to their field of study.
OPT gives students the opportunity to apply their academic knowledge in real work environments. In 2024, over 190,000 international students obtained work authorization through OPT, taking their first step toward building valuable career experience.
OPT application is defined by strict rules and timelines. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about OPT:
- What is OPT
- The different types of OPT
- OPT requirements
- When and how to apply
Learn how Keystone Sports and our partners can help you find the right opportunities to launch your career after graduation in the U.S.
What Is OPT?
OPT (Optional Practical Training) is a program that allows F-1 international students to work in the United States. It enables students to gain work experience in a job directly related to their field of study, either during or after completing their degree.
Students can get up to 12 months of work authorization after studying full-time for one academic year at a U.S. university. Those with a degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math) may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension.
Regular F-1 visa rules only allow part-time work on campus, usually in areas like tutoring, library support, or dining services. With OPT, students can go beyond campus and gain hands-on experience in real companies within their field.
OPT is granted once per higher degree level. That means if you complete OPT after your bachelor’s degree, you can still apply for a new 12-month period of OPT after completing a master’s degree. However, you cannot apply for OPT again at the same degree level (e.g., a second bachelor’s degree).
To participate in OPT, you must apply for work authorization through your university and secure a job directly connected to your degree.
Types of OPT
There are two main types of OPT that international students can apply for:
- Pre-Completion OPT: Students enrolled in university can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full-time during official breaks.
- Post-Completion OPT: Students can work full-time after completing their degree program.
It’s important to note that any time used under Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from your total 12-month OPT allowance. For example, if you complete one year of part-time Pre-Completion OPT, you’ll only have 6 months left for Post-Completion OPT. Using a full year of full-time Pre-Completion OPT means you won’t have any Post-Completion OPT eligibility left.
OPT Requirements
To qualify for Optional Practical Training, international students must meet several conditions:
- Maintain valid F-1 visa status throughout the application process
- Complete at least one full academic year of full-time study at a U.S. university
- Be physically present in the U.S. at the time of applying
- Apply within the designated timeframe
- Employment must be directly related to your field of study
When To Apply for OPT?
You can submit your application as early as 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after it.
When you apply, you’ll be asked to choose a requested start date for your work authorization. This date must fall within 60 days after your program ends. In other words, OPT must begin soon after graduation—you cannot delay it for later use.
Applying early is highly recommended since the approval process can take several months. Keep in mind that USCIS processing times usually take 3 to 5 months, depending on their workload. You cannot start working until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and your chosen start date has arrived.
Do I Need a Job Offer to Apply for OPT?
The good news is you don’t need a job offer to apply for OPT. However, once your work authorization begins, you’ll have a limited amount of time to secure employment.
Students on regular OPT can only be unemployed for up to 90 cumulative days during their 12-month period. For those on a STEM extension, the limit increases to 150 cumulative days, which includes the original 90.
During your OPT, you can change jobs freely as long as your employment is related to your field of study and you don’t go over the allowed unemployment period.
How to Apply for OPT?
Applying for OPT involves several important steps:
- Request OPT recommendation from your Designated School Official (DSO).
- File Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS.
- Submit all required supporting documents along with your application.
- Pay the application fee, which ranges from $470 to $520.
Be aware that applications can be rejected or delayed if forms are incomplete, eligibility requirements are not met, or deadlines are missed. Following each step carefully will help ensure a smooth process.
Access OPT Opportunities with Global Career Center
Getting OPT work authorization is a straightforward administrative process but finding a job that sponsors OPT can be challenging. Many international students apply to hundreds of positions with little response, and some even leave the United States without securing an opportunity to use their OPT.
Keystone Sports partners with the Global Career Center (GCC) to give our student-athletes access to OPT and CPT opportunities that can help kickstart their careers. GCC bridges the gap between education and employability, making it easier for international students to stay in the U.S. and gain real-world experience.
This is your chance to gain first-hand knowledge, build professional connections, and experience the global workplace as an extension of your studies.
Do You Want to Study in the United States with a Scholarship?
If you dream about studying in a U.S. university, Keystone Sports is here to make it happen.
Over the past two decades, we have guided over 15,000 student-athletes to scholarships at U.S. universities. With personalized guidance, we help students find the right university and prepare for opportunities like OPT, gaining real-world work experience.
Complete our free evaluation form today, and one of our experts will get in touch to explore your opportunities.
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About the author
Lorena Montañés
Lorena Montañés, SEO Specialist at Keystone Sports, pursued her career in the U.S., playing DI soccer at California State University, Fresno. There, she earned degrees in Mass Communication & Journalism and Psychology. She later completed an MBA in Business Analytics while coaching at a Division II university. Now, she aims to empower other student-athletes to achieve their dreams and have a life-changing experience.
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