What is post OPT completion?
Andrew Ramirez
Published Mar 31, 2026
Post-completion OPT is Optional Practical Training you use AFTER finishing your program of study. Remember, OPT is employment that is directly related to your major field of study and is only for students in F-1 status.
What is OPT for F1 student?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is 12-month work authorization available to F-1 international students who have been full-time students for at least two consecutive semesters and plan to seek employment in the United States in their fields of study.
Do F1 students have ead?
Foreign students in F-1 nonimmigrant status participating in OPT must obtain an EAD from USCIS before they are authorized to work. The student may not begin employment until the date indicated on the EAD.
What is the duration of post-completion OPT?
The authorization process takes an average of 3-5 months. The maximum amount of time granted to work in F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level plus a possible H-1B cap-gap extension OR a 24-Month extension for those who qualify (see questions on the 24-Month STEM Extension below).
Can you extend post-completion OPT?
Students who are eligible for a cap-gap extension of post-completion OPT employment and F-1 status may apply for a STEM OPT extension during the cap-gap extension period.
What is OPT for F-1 student?
Do F-1 students have ead?
Who is eligible for post-completion OPT?
To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must: (1) have been in full-time student status for at least one academic year by the requested start date of your OPT, (2) be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application, and (3) have not used OPT at the same degree level previously.
How can F-1 visa get green card?
7 Ways F1 Students Can Get a Green Card
- Receive Employer Sponsorship.
- Marry a US Citizen.
- Seek Asylum.
- Win the Green Card Lottery.
- Receive Sponsorship by a Relative Who Owns a Business.
- Participate in Military Service.
- Receive Parent or Child Sponsorship.
- Right to Permanent Residency.
Can I do internship on post-completion OPT?
Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT.
When to apply for opt after F-1 degree?
F-1 Students are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT at each degree level. All employment must be directly related to the major field of study. When can I apply? You can apply up to 90 days before or 60 days after program completion date. OGS recommends applying for OPT 90 days before your program completion date.
When to apply for post completion Optional Practical Training ( OPT )?
No employment verification letter required. F-1 Students are eligible for a total of 12 months of OPT at each degree level. All employment must be directly related to the major field of study. When can I apply? You can apply up to 90 days before or 60 days after program completion date.
What are the different types of opts for F-1 students?
1 Types of OPT. All OPT must be directly related to your major area of study. 2 STEM OPT Extension. 3 Applying for OPT. 4 When to apply. 5 Transferring to a Different School or Beginning Study at Another Educational Level. 6 Cap-gap Extension for F-1 Students with Approved H-1B Petitions. …
What does Optional Practical Training mean for F-1?
Optional practical training is one type of work permission available for eligible F-1 students. It allows students to get real-world work experience related to their field of study.