Optional Practical Training

What is Post-Completion OPT?

Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The work students pursue while on Post-Completion OPT must be directly related to his/her/their major field of study.

According to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)(3) Post-Completion OPT may be used "After completion of the course of study, or, for a student in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program, after completion of all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or equivalent)."

Post-Completion OPT is generally issued for a duration of 12 months, but may be for less time if the student has previously applied and been granted Pre-Completion OPT. 

Coursework Completion OPT

Graduate students who have completed their required coursework excluding their thesis, dissertation or equivalent may apply for either Pre-Completion OPT or Post Completion OPT. 

** Please note that not all major departments consider their project or capstone to be equivalent to thesis. If your department does not consider your capstone or project equivalent to thesis, you are not eligible to apply for Post Completion OPT until you final semester of your project or capstone.

If you choose to apply for Post Completion OPT after completion of all coursework with thesis or equivalent remaining, you must apply before the end of 60 day grace period immediately following the completion of your coursework. 

Applying for Post Completion OPT

Reporting Requirements

While on OPT, you must report all changes to your employment information, your residential address, and contact information (phone and email) via the SEVP Portal within 10 days of the change. Please see our OPT Reporting Requirements page for more information.

End of your Post Completion OPT

Your F-1 status remains valid until 60 days after the expiration of your EAD card. During this 60-day grace period, you are no longer authorized to work, however you may legally stay in the U.S. If you depart the U.S. during the 60-day grace period, you are no longer eligible to re-enter under your previous F-1 visa status.

  • Depart the USA- if you plan to depart the USA after the end of your OPT, please make sure you depart before the end of your 60 day grace period
  • End OPT early- if you decide to abandon your OPT and depart the USA, please update your employment information in your SEVP Portal and let CIE know so we can complete your SEVIS record.
  • Change Immigration Status- If you plan to change your immigration status in the USA, please let CIE if this is completed before the end of your OPT.
  • Transfer-  If you plan to start a new degree at another college or university, please make sure the Transfer procedure is completed before the end of your 60 day grace period.

Please note if you are eligible for OPT STEM, your application must be received by USCIS BEFORE your OPT EAD expires, not during the grace period.