Work authorizationF-1 studentsForm I-765EADSTEM extensionNot a visa

OPT Optional Practical Training (incl. STEM OPT)

Temporary employment authorization for F-1 students in a job related to their field of study — up to 12 months per degree level, plus 24 months for eligible STEM graduates.

Last reviewed Oct 1, 2026Sources: USCIS · eCFRReport an error

At a glance

What it is: Work authorization within F-1 status — not a separate visa
Length: Up to 12 months per degree level
STEM extension: 24 months with an E-Verify employer
Form I-765 fee: $470 online / $520 paper
Unemployment limit: 90 days (150 days total with STEM)
Premium processing: $1,780 — 30 business days

OPT is not a visa. OPT is employment authorization for students already in F-1 status, granted by USCIS on Form I-765 after a DSO recommendation. The student remains an F-1 nonimmigrant throughout. Note: a July 17, 2026 DHS final rule would have shortened the post-completion filing window and departure period, but a federal court postponed it on Sept. 14, 2026; current rules below reflect the regulations still in force (the eCFR’s “current” text already shows the postponed rule, so links here point to the Sept. 14, 2026 version).

Overview

Optional Practical Training lets an F-1 student work in a job directly related to their major. It can be used during studies (pre-completion) or after finishing a degree (post-completion), for a combined maximum of 12 months at each higher degree level. All pre-completion OPT is deducted from the post-completion allowance (part-time OPT at half the rate of full-time).

Students with a qualifying degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension if they work for an employer enrolled in E-Verify under a Form I-983 training plan. A student may receive no more than two STEM extensions in a lifetime; the second must be based on a degree at a higher level than the first.

OPT is different from Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is authorized by the school for training that is an integral, required part of the curriculum. OPT is optional, requires USCIS approval and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and work cannot start before the EAD start date.

Who qualifies

Post-completion OPT

Be in valid F-1 status and have been enrolled full time for at least one full academic year
Obtain a DSO recommendation entered in SEVIS and an updated Form I-20
File Form I-765 within 30 days of the DSO recommendation and within the window from 90 days before to 60 days after the program end date
Work in a job directly related to the major field of study (at least 20 hours per week counts as employment)

24-month STEM OPT extension

Be on post-completion OPT based on a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
Degree from a school accredited by a Department of Education-recognized agency and certified by SEVP (a prior STEM degree may qualify)
Employer enrolled and in good standing in E-Verify; student and employer complete Form I-983 training plan
File Form I-765 up to 90 days before the current OPT expires and within 60 days of the DSO recommendation

Duration & extensions

Pre-completion OPT	Part time (up to 20 hrs/week) while school is in session; full time during breaks — deducted from the 12 months (part-time at half rate)
Post-completion OPT	Up to 12 months per higher degree level, minus pre-completion time used
STEM OPT extension	24 months; at most two in a lifetime, the second for a higher-level degree
Unemployment allowed	90 days during post-completion OPT; 150 days in total if a STEM extension is granted
STEM auto-extension	180 days of work authorization if a timely STEM extension is pending when OPT expires
Completion deadline	Post-completion OPT must be completed within 14 months after completion of study (the STEM extension is exempt)
Cap-gap	Status and OPT extended to April 1 (or the H-1B start date, if earlier) for timely cap-subject H-1B change-of-status petitions

Fees

OPT is requested from USCIS on Form I-765. There is no employer petition or visa fee.

Fee	Amount	Who pays	Notes
Form I-765 (c)(3)(A), (B) or (C)	$470 online / $520 paper	Student	These OPT categories can be filed online
Premium processing (Form I-907)	$1,780	Student	Optional; 30 business days; EAD card typically produced within two weeks of approval
SEVIS I-901 fee	$0	—	Already paid for F-1 status; no separate OPT fee

Amounts from USCIS Form G-1055 (edition 10/01/26). Premium processing fees were last adjusted effective March 1, 2026.

Processing time

Premium processing: 30 business days; For OPT and STEM OPT Form I-765 requests
Post-completion filing window: 90 days before – 60 days after; Program end date; and within 30 days of DSO recommendation
STEM filing window: Up to 90 days before; Current OPT expiration; within 60 days of DSO recommendation

Regular processing times vary; check USCIS processing times. Work may begin only on or after the start date printed on the EAD (or during a STEM or cap-gap automatic extension).

Application steps

1
Request a DSO recommendation
The designated school official reviews eligibility, enters the OPT recommendation in SEVIS and issues an updated Form I-20.
2
File Form I-765
File online or by mail within 30 days of the recommendation, choosing the requested start date (post-completion) and category (c)(3)(A), (B) or (C).
3
Receive the EAD
After approval, USCIS mails an Employment Authorization Document. Employment cannot start before the EAD start date.
4
Report changes
Report any change of name, address or interruption of employment to the DSO while on OPT. STEM OPT students have additional reporting duties, including reporting changes within 10 days. Track unemployment days.
5
Apply for the STEM extension (if eligible)
With an E-Verify employer, complete Form I-983, get a new DSO recommendation and file a new I-765 before the current OPT expires.
6
Plan the next step
Before OPT ends, depart, enroll in a new program, or change status — for example through an H-1B petition, which may trigger cap-gap protection.

Required documents

For Form I-765

Form I-20 endorsed with the DSO’s OPT recommendation
Copy of passport, visa and Form I-94
Two passport-style photos (paper filing)
Prior EADs, if any
For STEM: degree copy (or official transcript) and the employer’s E-Verify company ID

Dependents & family

F-2 dependents remain in F-2 status while the F-1 student is on OPT. OPT does not grant F-2 dependents permission to work.

Path to a green card

OPT is temporary and does not itself lead to permanent residence, but it is often the bridge to a longer-term work status.

Step 1

H-1B petition

An employer can register and file a cap-subject H-1B petition; cap-gap extends F-1 status and OPT to April 1 if the change-of-status petition is timely filed.

Step 2

Other work classifications

O-1, TN, E-3 or H-1B1 may fit depending on the person’s achievements and nationality.

Step 3

Employment-based green card

An employer may sponsor permanent residence (PERM labor certification and Form I-140), or the student may self-petition in some categories.

F-1

Academic Student

The underlying status OPT depends on.

H-1B

Specialty Occupation Worker

Most common next step after OPT; cap-gap bridges the timing.

O-1A

Extraordinary Ability

An option for top performers that avoids the H-1B lottery.

USMCA Professional

For Canadian and Mexican graduates in listed professions.

J-1

Exchange Visitor

Exchange students use “academic training” instead of OPT.

Common questions

Is OPT a visa?

No. OPT is employment authorization for students already in F-1 status. The student stays in F-1 status and needs a valid F-1 visa only to re-enter after travel abroad.

How many days can I be unemployed on OPT?

Up to 90 days in aggregate during post-completion OPT. With a STEM extension, the total for the whole OPT period is 150 days.

When must I file for post-completion OPT?

Between 90 days before and 60 days after the program end date, and within 30 days of the DSO’s SEVIS recommendation (per 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)). The postponed July 2026 rule would have shortened the after-completion window to 30 days; it is not in effect.

What is cap-gap?

If an employer timely files a cap-subject H-1B petition requesting a change of status, the student’s F-1 status and OPT authorization are automatically extended until April 1 of the H-1B fiscal year, or the petition’s start date if earlier.

Can I start working once I file?

Not for initial post-completion OPT — work may begin only on or after the EAD start date. A timely filed STEM extension gives an automatic 180-day extension if current OPT expires while it is pending.

Official sources

Recent changes

Sep 14, 2026
Fixed-admission rule postponed nationwide. In Presidents’ Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration v. DHS (No. 1:26-cv-13799), the court granted relief under 5 U.S.C. § 705 postponing the effective date of DHS’s final rule ending duration of status for F, J and I nonimmigrants, one day before it was due to take effect. Duration of status remains in place while the case continues. Source ↗
Aug 24, 2026
Court orders USCIS to process held benefit requests. In Red Eagle Law v. Edlow (N.D. Cal.), the court ordered USCIS to adjudicate applications from nationals of 39 countries covered by hold memos PM-602-0192 and PM-602-0194 in the normal course. USCIS said it will comply pending possible further review. Source ↗
Aug 24, 2026
SEVP guidance tightens CPT. Broadcast Message 2608-02 (following 2608-01 of Aug. 12, 2026) states that Curricular Practical Training may be authorized only where training is an integral, required part of an established curriculum for all students in that program, not an optional elective. Source ↗
Jul 17, 2026
Final rule replaces duration of status with fixed admission periods. Published final rule (RIN 1653-AA95) admitting F and J nonimmigrants for their program length up to 4 years, shortening the F-1 post-completion departure period from 60 to 30 days, and requiring extensions of stay through USCIS. Announced effective date: Sept. 15, 2026 (since postponed by court order). Source ↗
Mar 1, 2026
Premium processing fees adjusted for inflation. DHS final rule (published Jan. 12, 2026) raised premium processing fees effective March 1, 2026, including $1,780 for OPT/STEM OPT Form I-765 requests and $2,075 for Form I-539 requests to change to F, J or M status. Source ↗
Aug 28, 2025
Proposed rule to end duration of status. DHS proposed replacing duration-of-status admission for F, J and I nonimmigrants with fixed admission periods. Source ↗
Jan 17, 2025
Cap-gap extended to April 1. The H-1B modernization final rule (published Dec. 18, 2024) extends cap-gap status and work authorization for eligible F-1 students to April 1 of the H-1B fiscal year, or the petition start date if earlier. Source ↗

This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? Tell us.