This article explains the difference between two types of OPT: Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT.
Most international students would use OPT after graduation, but there are actually two types of OPT: Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT.
Pre-Completion OPT
After being enrolled for at least one academic year at a U.S. university, you can apply for pre-completion OPT to engage in work related to your major.
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Full-time pre-completion OPT allows you to work up to 40 hours per week.
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Part-time pre-completion OPT allows you to work up to 20 hours per week.
To use pre-completion OPT, you must have the consent of your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) and a “recommendation for use” notation in the SEVIS system. Be aware that using pre-completion OPT will limit the duration of post-completion OPT you can use. As such, if you need to work during your studies, you should first consider Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
If you use pre-completion OPT, the available duration for your post-completion OPT will be:
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Full-time pre-completion OPT: 12 months minus the time of pre-completion OPT.
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Part-time pre-completion OPT: 12 months minus the time of pre-completion OPT multiplied by 50%.
When Should You Choose Pre-Completion OPT over CPT?
In some limited circumstances, pre-completion OPT can be a favorable option over CPT.
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If you are a student granted Reduced Course Load (RCL) permission:
CPT requires students to be enrolled in a full course of study, but F-1 students who have been approved for a RCL can take fewer courses than a full course load, which makes them ineligible for CPT. However, as long as it is approved by the school's DSO, you are eligible to use pre-completion OPT.
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If you are a student who holds a visa other than F-1:
In general, you must hold an F-1 visa to use CPT. If you are studying in the U.S. on a visa other than F-1, or if you have been denied CPT because you were not in F-1 status, you might consider using pre-completion OPT. According to NAFSA, applicants in lawful nonimmigrant status as J-1 holders—or as dependents in A, E, G, H, J, L, O, and TN statuses—can use their time spent in full-time study to meet the requirements for pre-completion OPT.
What is Post-Completion OPT?
Undergraduate and graduate students who complete their degree in the United States are entitled to one year of OPT. If you are in a STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension following the initial OPT period, for a total of 36 months of OPT.