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Student Visas

Optional practical training is temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study. It is a component of the student visa and is intended as practical training rather than as an opportunity to earn a salary. Optional Practical Training can be authorized at various times while the student is in valid student status.

Typically, OPT may be authorized after completion of the course of study. However it may also be authorized while the student is on vacation and at other times when school is not in session if the student is currently enrolled and eligible only if the student intends to register for the next term or session.

Optional Practical Training, as in the case of curricular practical training may be authorized while school is in session, provided that it does not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session.

OPT Eligibility and Rules:

• The student must have been lawfully enrolled on a full-time basis at an INS approved school for 9 consecutive months before being eligible for OPT.

• Students in English language training programs are not eligible for OPT.

• Students may engage in OPT for any employer for the duration of OPT authorization, as long as the employment qualifies under OPT standards.

• OPT is limited to a cumulative maximum of 12 months during any uninterrupted stay in F_1 status.

• The optical practical training must be directly related to and appropriate to the level of the student's course of study.

• Prior use of full-time Curricular Practical Training for one year or more eliminates eligibility for Optional Practical Training.

• Use of part-time curricular practical training does not affect eligibility for Optional Practical Training.

• The student must apply for and receive employment authorization from INS before beginning to work.

Students must apply to INS for post-completion OPT no later than 60 days after completing their full course of study.