When should I apply for OPT?

You can file Form I-765 up to 90 days before your program end date and up to 60 days after. Because USCIS processing takes time and you cannot work before your EAD start date, applying as early as possible is best.

How many days of unemployment am I allowed?

During the initial 12-month OPT period you may accrue up to 90 days of unemployment. The STEM OPT extension adds 60 more days, for a total of 150 days across the full 36 months. Exceeding these limits can end your status.

What is the cap-gap extension?

If your employer files an H-1B cap petition with a request to change status while you are on OPT, the cap-gap rule can automatically extend your F-1 status and OPT work authorization until the October 1 H-1B start date, bridging the gap.

Can I be self-employed or work for a startup on OPT?

Self-employment is possible on standard OPT if you have the proper business licenses and the work relates to your field. STEM OPT, however, requires a bona fide employer-employee relationship, an E-Verify employer, and a training plan, which limits certain self-employment arrangements.

Does OPT lead to a green card?

OPT itself is temporary work authorization, not a green card. However, it is a common bridge: many students use OPT to gain experience, transition to an H-1B, and then pursue an employment-based green card such as EB-2 or EB-3.

OPT & STEM OPT Work Authorization

What Is OPT and STEM OPT?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to gain practical experience directly related to their major field of study. Most students use post-completion OPT for up to 12 months after graduation, working in a job that matches their degree.

Graduates of designated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, bringing total post-completion work authorization to 36 months. The STEM extension requires an E-Verify employer and a formal training plan (Form I-983).

Key Benefits of OPT and STEM OPT

Up to 12 months of work authorization in your field of study.
Additional 24 months for graduates of qualifying STEM programs.
Pre-completion OPT available part-time while still enrolled.
Cap-gap relief can bridge OPT to an October 1 H-1B start.
Builds U.S. work experience that strengthens later visa petitions.
Spouses and dependents maintain F-2 status throughout.

Who Qualifies for OPT?

F-1 students who have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year at a SEVP-certified school are generally eligible for post-completion OPT after finishing their program. The work must be directly related to the student's major area of study.

For the STEM OPT extension, the student must have earned a degree in a field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, be working for an employer enrolled in E-Verify, and complete a formal training plan. STEM extensions can also be based on a previously earned qualifying STEM degree in some circumstances.

OPT and STEM OPT Eligibility

The two stages share a common F-1 foundation but the STEM extension adds employer and training requirements.

Valid F-1 Status
You must maintain lawful F-1 status and have completed at least one full academic year at a SEVP-certified institution.
Direct Relationship to Field of Study
All OPT employment must be directly related to your major area of study; you should document this relationship in case of review.
STEM: Qualifying Degree
The STEM extension requires a degree in a CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List from an accredited, SEVP-certified school.
STEM: E-Verify Employer
The employer offering the STEM OPT position must be enrolled in and remain in good standing with E-Verify.
STEM: Training Plan (Form I-983)
You and your employer must complete a formal training plan describing the role, learning objectives, supervision, and how progress is measured.

OPT Application Process

OPT applications run through your school's Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. Timing windows are strict.

Step 01

DSO Recommendation

Your DSO updates your SEVIS record and issues a new Form I-20 recommending OPT, which you must submit with your application.

Step 02

File Form I-765

We prepare and file Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) with USCIS within the allowed filing window, before or shortly after your program end date.

Step 03

Receive Your EAD

USCIS adjudicates the application and issues an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You may begin work only on the EAD start date.

Step 04

STEM Extension (if eligible)

Before your initial OPT expires, we file the STEM OPT extension with the I-983 training plan and updated I-20 to add 24 months.

Required Documents for OPT

The exact set varies by stage, but most applications include the following.

Core Documents

Passport biographical page
Current and prior Form I-20 documents
Most recent I-94 arrival record
Form I-765 with filing fee
Two passport-style photographs

Academic & Status Evidence

DSO OPT recommendation on the I-20
Transcripts or proof of program completion
Prior EAD cards (if any)
Prior visa stamps

STEM Extension Additions

Completed Form I-983 training plan
Proof of E-Verify employer enrollment
Diploma or transcript for the qualifying STEM degree
Updated I-20 reflecting the STEM extension

Frequently Asked Questions

Standard post-completion OPT lasts up to 12 months. Graduates of qualifying STEM programs can add a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months of total work authorization on a single degree level.