Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to eligible F-1 academic and M-1 vocational nonimmigrant students, permitting off-campus work directly related to the student's major field of study for up to 12 months following program completion, with a 24-month extension available for designated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees.[1] Pre-completion OPT is also possible during studies, limited to 12 months total per degree level across both phases, and requires school recommendation via Form I-20 and USCIS approval via Form I-765, ensuring the employment provides practical training integral to the curriculum.[2] Since its regulatory formalization, OPT has expanded into the primary mechanism for retaining international student talent post-graduation, with 288,415 standard OPT approvals and 188,660 STEM extensions issued in 2018 alone, reflecting its role as the largest U.S. program for temporary high-skilled foreign labor recruitment.[3] By 2023, over 160,000 students participated, predominantly in STEM fields, enabling contributions to industries facing domestic shortages while bridging to potential H-1B visas or other statuses.[4] Empirical research indicates the STEM extension correlates with increased employment for U.S. workers in STEM occupations, countering displacement claims through complementary skill inflows.[5] OPT has encountered scrutiny over compliance and economic impacts, including federal arrests for fraudulent claims of nonexistent employment and congressional critiques alleging it undermines opportunities for American graduates by prioritizing foreign labor in competitive sectors.[6][7] Legal challenges, such as suits questioning the Department of Homeland Security's authority to extend durations beyond statutory limits, reached the Supreme Court, though the program's low-risk classification by the Department of Homeland Security underscores its oversight amid growth.[8][9]Overview
Definition and Purpose
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a form of temporary employment authorization granted to eligible F-1 nonimmigrant students in the United States, permitting work that is directly related to the student's major field of study.[1] This authorization allows students to engage in off-campus employment either before or after completing their academic program, provided the work provides practical experience integral to the student's academic objectives.[2] OPT is regulated under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10) and requires approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) via Form I-765, with students maintaining F-1 status during participation.[1] The primary purpose of OPT is to bridge the gap between theoretical academic knowledge and real-world application, enabling F-1 students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study, which enhances career development and employability.[2] By allowing up to 12 months of full-time employment per higher education degree level—either pre-completion (during studies, part-time or during breaks) or post-completion (after graduation)—OPT supports the U.S. immigration system's goal of fostering skilled international talent while ensuring the training remains tied to the student's curriculum.[1] This mechanism does not guarantee employment but authorizes eligible students to seek positions that align with their major, promoting experiential learning without displacing U.S. workers, as positions must relate directly to the student's academic preparation.[10]Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) requires that applicants hold valid F-1 nonimmigrant student status and have been lawfully enrolled in a full course of study for at least one full academic year (typically nine months) at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.[1][2] This enrollment period must precede the OPT recommendation by the school's Designated School Official (DSO), and transfer students generally must complete the one-year requirement at their current institution, though prior study may count in some cases.[11] Exceptions to the one-year rule apply to students in certain graduate programs or those requiring immediate curricular practical training, but English language training programs do not qualify for OPT.[10] For post-completion OPT, which follows program completion, students must have finished their degree or program requirements, with the DSO recommending authorization after verifying completion.[1] Applications must be filed no earlier than 90 days before program completion and no later than 60 days after, using Form I-765 submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).[1] Pre-completion OPT, allowing work during studies, requires part-time employment (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session and full-time during official breaks, but it counts toward the aggregate 12-month OPT limit per degree level.[1] In either case, prior full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) totaling 12 months or more at the same degree level disqualifies a student from OPT at that level, though part-time CPT does not.[10] OPT authorization is limited to employment directly related to the student's major field of study, with a total cap of 12 months per higher education degree level (bachelor's, master's, etc.) for non-STEM fields.[1] Students earning degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) fields designated on the STEM Designated Degree Program List may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension following post-completion OPT, provided their employer is enrolled in E-Verify and the training aligns with a formal plan.[12] Multiple degrees at the same level do not yield additional OPT time beyond the 12-month aggregate, but progression to a higher degree level resets eligibility.[1] Students must maintain F-1 status throughout the application process and avoid unauthorized employment, as violations can render them ineligible.[2]Program Operations
Application Process
The application process for Optional Practical Training (OPT) begins with the F-1 student requesting a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) at the institution's international student office. The DSO evaluates eligibility, updates the student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), and issues a new Form I-20 endorsed with the OPT recommendation, specifying the employment start and end dates. This recommendation must be entered into SEVIS no earlier than 90 days before the student's program completion date.[1][2] Following the DSO endorsement, the student must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). For post-completion OPT, the filing window opens up to 90 days before the program end date and closes 60 days after, but the application must be submitted within 30 days of the DSO's signature on the Form I-20 to avoid invalidation by the school.[1][13] The student must be physically present in the United States in valid F-1 status at the time of filing; applications filed from abroad are denied.[11] Filings can be submitted online through a USCIS account or by mail to the appropriate lockbox, with online processing often recommended for faster receipt confirmation.[13] Required supporting evidence includes the completed and signed Form I-765 (selecting eligibility category (c)(3)(B) for post-completion OPT), the endorsed Form I-20, two passport-style photographs, a copy of the Arrival/Departure Record (Form I-94), and copies of the passport biographical page, any U.S. visa, and previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) if applicable. The non-refundable filing fee is $470 for online submissions or $520 for paper filings as of mid-2025, though applicants must verify the current amount on the USCIS Fee Schedule due to periodic adjustments, such as those effective April 1, 2024, and potential updates from July 2025 onward.[14][13] No premium processing is available for initial OPT applications.[11] USCIS typically processes OPT applications in 90 to 150 days, during which the student may apply for a receipt notice but cannot commence employment until receiving the EAD card in the mail.[15] Students should monitor case status online and report any address changes promptly to avoid delivery issues. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on USCIS verification of eligibility and completeness; denials may occur for incomplete documentation or SEVIS errors, with limited appeal options.[13] Once approved, the EAD authorizes work for up to 12 months, directly related to the student's field of study, and must be presented to employers along with Form I-9 verification.[1]Duration and Extensions
Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorizes F-1 nonimmigrant students to engage in employment directly related to their major area of study for a period of up to 12 months following the completion of their degree program.[1] This 12-month limit applies on an aggregate basis per degree level, encompassing any prior pre-completion OPT undertaken during the student's program of study.[1] Pre-completion OPT, which permits part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) during academic terms and full-time during scheduled breaks, deducts from the total allowance: full-time pre-completion months count one-for-one, while part-time months count as half toward the 12-month cap.[1] The primary extension available is the 24-month STEM OPT extension, applicable to eligible F-1 students who have obtained a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree in a designated science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) field from a U.S. institution accredited and certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).[12] This extension builds upon an active post-completion OPT period and requires employment with an employer enrolled in E-Verify, a formal training plan, and maintenance of a bona fide employer-employee relationship.[12] Students may apply the extension to their most recent qualifying STEM degree or, if no prior extension was granted, to a previous STEM degree, provided the employment relates to that field; a subsequent higher-level STEM degree can qualify for another one-time 24-month extension.[12] Applications must be filed via Form I-765 up to 90 days before the initial OPT expiration, following a recommendation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) by the designated school official (DSO), and no later than 60 days after that recommendation.[12] Unemployment during the initial post-completion OPT is capped at 90 days aggregate, while the STEM OPT extension permits an additional 60 days, resulting in a total of 150 days across both periods.[12] Exceeding these limits terminates OPT authorization.[12] Separately, the cap-gap provision extends OPT and F-1 status automatically for students with timely filed H-1B petitions selected in the cap-subject lottery, bridging the gap until October 1 or the H-1B start date, with potential additional time for approved petitions.[1] No other formal extensions beyond STEM OPT exist for standard OPT durations.[1]Employment and Compliance Requirements
Employment under Optional Practical Training (OPT) must be directly related to the F-1 student's major field of study, whether pre-completion or post-completion.[16] For pre-completion OPT, employment is limited to part-time work of 20 hours or fewer per week while the academic term is in session, though full-time work is permitted during official school breaks.[1] Post-completion OPT requires at least part-time employment of 20 hours or more per week, with full-time work also authorized; reduced enrollment or part-time study does not qualify during this phase.[1] Bona fide volunteer work or unpaid internships may count toward OPT requirements if they meet the relatedness criterion and provide practical experience equivalent to paid positions, but they do not satisfy unemployment limits.[11] Students must report employment details to their Designated School Official (DSO) within 10 days of any change, including start or end dates, employer information, and compensation, via SEVIS updates to maintain compliance.[2] Address changes or other status updates must also be reported to the DSO within the same timeframe.[11] Failure to report can result in termination of the student's SEVIS record and F-1 status.[11] Aggregate unemployment during post-completion OPT is capped at 90 days; exceeding this limit terminates OPT authorization.[11] For the STEM OPT extension, employers must be enrolled in E-Verify, provide structured training via Form I-983, and conduct evaluations at 12, 24, and 36 months (or end of employment).[12] STEM OPT participants face a 150-day aggregate unemployment limit, incorporating the prior 90 days from standard post-completion OPT.[11] Non-compliance, such as working for non-E-Verify employers or failing training obligations, invalidates the extension and may accrue unlawful presence.[17] Self-employment under OPT is permissible if it demonstrates a bona fide employer-employee relationship, relatedness to the field, and adherence to reporting and unemployment rules, though USCIS scrutinizes such arrangements for legitimacy.[11]Participation Data
Overall Trends and Approvals
Participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) has expanded substantially since its early formalization, with the number of nonimmigrants authorized for OPT rising from 154,522 in calendar year 2007 to 418,781 in 2024, reflecting a near-doubling over the period amid increasing international student enrollment in U.S. higher education.[18] This growth accelerated post-2010, driven by expansions in program eligibility and extensions for STEM fields, leading to a peak in active OPT participants of approximately 204,633 in 2017 before a temporary decline to 176,836 in 2020 due to COVID-19-related disruptions in travel and enrollment.[19] By 2023, the Department of Homeland Security reported 160,627 students holding Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for pre- or post-completion OPT, alongside 122,101 in STEM OPT extensions, indicating a rebound and sustained high participation levels comprising about 21.5% of international students in 2025 estimates.[20] Approval rates for OPT-related EAD applications via Form I-765 have consistently exceeded 90%, with STEM OPT extensions achieving 97% approvals on average from 2015 to 2019, underscoring efficient processing by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) despite rising volumes.[21] From fiscal years 2015 to 2019, USCIS received 1,050,577 OPT receipts with an average processing time of 77 days, during which denials remained low relative to receipts, attributed to clear eligibility tied to F-1 student status and program compliance.[21] Post-2020 recovery saw further increases, with OPT authorizations climbing amid a 21% rise in overall foreign student numbers to 1,582,808 in 2024, though processing times have varied, occasionally extending to several months based on service center workloads.[22]| Year | Total OPT Authorizations (New) | Active OPT Participants (SEVIS IDs) |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | ~154,522 | 24,838 |
| 2010 | N/A | 60,348 |
| 2015 | N/A | 126,509 |
| 2017 | N/A | 204,633 (peak) |
| 2020 | N/A | 176,836 |
| 2021 | N/A | 164,528 |
| 2024 | 418,781 | N/A |
Demographic and Geographic Distributions
In 2024, a total of 194,554 foreign students received work authorizations through Optional Practical Training (OPT), representing pre- and post-completion employment directly related to their field of study.[24] Among the STEM OPT extension subset—a 24-month add-on for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduates comprising a substantial portion of post-completion OPT—India accounted for 48.0% (45,764 participants) and China for 20.4% (19,458 participants), underscoring the program's heavy reliance on participants from these two countries.[24] More than two-thirds of OPT authorizations from 2020 to 2024 originated from Asian countries, with India and China consistently dominating due to high enrollment in U.S. graduate programs eligible for OPT.[25] Gender-specific data for OPT participants is not separately reported in official SEVIS statistics, but the overall F-1 and M-1 student population in 2024 was 55.5% male (878,121 individuals) and 44.5% female (703,744 individuals), a ratio reflective of fields like engineering and computer science that drive much OPT participation.[24] This male skew aligns with patterns in STEM-designated degrees, where OPT uptake is highest, though non-STEM fields show more balanced gender representation among international graduates.[26] OPT geographic distribution within the United States mirrors concentrations of international student enrollment and job markets in innovation-driven regions. California led with 14.6% (237,763) of all active foreign student SEVIS records in 2024, followed by New York and Texas, which together hosted approximately one-third of international students and correspondingly high OPT activity.[24][27] Employment under OPT clusters in coastal and urban states with robust tech sectors, such as California, New York, Texas, Massachusetts, and Washington, where participants often secure positions in software development, engineering, and related industries proximate to their alma maters.[28] This pattern persists despite post-graduation mobility, as SEVIS data indicate sustained regional hubs tied to employer demand and visa compliance reporting.[24]STEM OPT Specific Statistics
In calendar year 2024, 165,524 foreign students participated in the STEM OPT extension, marking a substantial increase from 122,101 participants in 2023.[24][20] This growth reflects the program's appeal for retaining talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, with participants required to work for employers enrolled in E-Verify.[24] Among 2024 STEM OPT participants, 48.0% originated from India and 20.4% from China, underscoring concentration from high-volume sending countries with strong STEM enrollment in U.S. institutions.[24] USCIS approved 95,384 new STEM OPT applications in 2024, compared to higher participation figures that include ongoing extensions and multi-year authorizations.[24] STEM OPT approvals represented approximately 33% of total OPT-related approvals that year (194,554 for standard OPT), highlighting the extension's dominance in post-completion training for eligible graduates.[24] From fiscal year 2017 to 2023, STEM OPT authorizations grew by roughly 37%, driven by expansions in eligible degree programs and sustained demand from tech and engineering sectors.[29]| Year | STEM OPT Participants | Key Demographic Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 122,101 | Primarily India and China; growth from prior years tied to STEM degree completions.[20] |
| 2024 | 165,524 | India (48.0%), China (20.4%); approvals totaled 95,384 new cases.[24] |