Pre-Completion OPT

Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

While a Designated School Official (DSO) recommends OPT in SEVIS, it is the student who must apply for the work permit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). If the OPT is approved, USCIS will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). The student must not begin working before the start date on the EAD.

Eligibility for Pre-Completion OPT

A student is eligible for pre-completion OPT if:

• The student is in valid F-1 student status;
• The student has studied full-time in F-1 status for at least one academic year. Time spent in language training or non-degree pathway programs does not count toward the one year requirement;
• The student has not been authorized for 12 months or more of full-time CPT;
• The student has not used all optional practical training available at the current level of study;
• The student obtains the DSO’s OPT recommendation entered into the student’s SEVIS record and annotated on their Form I-20;
• The student properly files a Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization with USCIS, in accordance with all deadlines and accompanied by the required fee and the supporting documentation as described in the form instructions.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time OPT

Pre-completion OPT can be authorized on a part-time or full-time basis. During the academic year, pre-completion OPT is limited to part-time (less than 20 hours per week). Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) pre-completion OPT is available during annual vacation and other official school breaks.

Requesting the OPT DSO Endorsement

To obtain a new I-20 recommending OPT employment, necessary to file the Form I-765 with USCIS, you must:

• Obtain Enrollment Verification
• Select your OPT start date and end date (All periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT)
• Submit the Pre-Completion OPT DSO Endorsement Request using the International Services Portal.
• Please be aware that you must file your Form I-765 within 30 days of the date that your DSO enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record or your OPT application will be denied.