OPT Facts
Explore insights about the OPT visa with our quick facts guide. In 2023/24, the total number of international students in the U.S. increased by 7% to a record high of 1,126,690 students.
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OPT Explained
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. It requires at least 20 hours of employment per week. In the case where a student’s hours vary, the total hours per month must average 20 hours per week.
When to File
The OPT application window is either within the 90 days before graduation, completion of coursework/degree requirements, or during the 60-day Grace Period following the I-20 expiration date/graduation day.
Start Date
The student must choose their desired OPT start date when they apply for OPT; the start-date cannot be more than 60 days after graduation/degree completion. The requested start date cannot change once the OPT application has been mailed.
A STEM Degree
If you're pursuing a degree in a STEM field, it means that your academic focus lies within the domains of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Though it's not possible to major specifically in STEM itself, programs falling under this category often prioritize areas such as research, innovation, or the development of new technologies.
Work Requirements
During post-completion OPT, employment must be related to the student's field of study. For those with a STEM extension, the employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, and the work must be directly related to the student's major area of study.
Social Security Number
You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) for any paid employment in the United States. Students can actually apply for their SSN as part of their OPT application to USCIS, but will not receive their SSN card until after their OPT is approved.
Changing Employers / Multiple Employers
Students may have multiple jobs and change jobs as many times as they wish during OPT, provided that all employment is directly related to their field of study and the work is a minimum of 20 hours per week. No special permission is required to change employers. However, you must update your employer information in BIO's online Student SEVIS Update (SSU) within 10 days of the change.
Do you need a job to apply for OPT?
No, a job offer is not required to apply for OPT. However, be aware that during your 12-month OPT period, you are only allowed a cumulative total of 90 days of unemployment
OPT Filing Fee
You pay the $470 OPT or STEM OPT application when you file the OPT or STEM OPT application with USCIS.
OPT Approval Time
The OPT application will take 90 to 120 days to be processed by USCIS.
OPT Acceptance Rate
Accepted: 97%
Not accepted: 3%
OPT Duration
Non-STEM degree: up to 12 months
STEM degree: up to 36 months
Unemployment
Students can accrue no more than 90 days of unemployment, which is cumulative.
When can you start working?
On the start date of your approved EAD card. You must have the EAD card in hand to start working.
Do you pay taxes while on OPT?
While on OPT, you are subject to all applicable federal, state, and local taxes and must file a tax report.
Leaving the US
If your plan is to depart the United States after OPT, you must do so within your 60-day grace period. You must stop working by the end date on your EAD card.
If you are leaving the United States before the end date on your EAD, you must report this to your International Office so they can update your SEVIS record.
What visa status will you have while on OPT?
During and after OPT approval, F-1 students remain in status under their school's sponsorship. They must use their OPT-endorsed I-20 for travel and obtain updated travel signatures (every six months). Schools continue reporting status changes to SEVIS and assist with maintaining F-1 status.
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