Temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student’s major area of study.

Granted by USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service).

Can be used during vacation (time that school is not in session), after completion of all course requirements, or after completion of the course of study.

Student must apply to USCIS and obtain an EAD card (employment authorization document).

Typically used after completion of degree program.

May work as many hours as job requires.

OPT is temporary employment authorization for practical training directly related to a student’s major field of study.

Standard OPT is available for a cumulative maximum of 12 months per degree level. A one-time extension of 17 months (for a total of 29 months) is available to certain Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics degree recipients.

OPT can occur both before and after completion of degree: part-time while school is in session; part-time or full-time during vacation periods when school is not in session; and full-time when a student has completed all degreerequirements or has completed all required coursework and only has a thesis or dissertation remaining.

OPT is authorized by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). There is no cost or paperwork required of the employer; the student is presently required to pay a $340 application processing fee.

Students can apply for OPT up to 90 days prior to their program completion date and as late as 60 days after they complete their program of study. Application processing can take up to three months, so applying early is highly recommended.