Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

What Is It?

• Employment authorization for F-1 students who have completed all course work for their academic program.
• Employment must be related to student’s field of study and can be paid or unpaid.
• Typically issued for internships or short-term employment opportunities.
• Authorized by Brooklyn College International Student and Scholar Services Office.

Duration of Employment

• Typically, 12 months of employment are granted.
• Designated STEM  majors working for eligible employers many extend (see STEM Extension Optical Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students).
• Full-time employment is allowed.

Processing Time

• One business day upon receipt of a complete OPT application.
• USCIS processing can take up to three months.

Student’s Role

• Verify eligibility for OPT.
• Submit complete and timely OPT application to USCIS in order to obtain approval prior to beginning employment.
• Report employment to the International Student and Scholar Services Office via e-mail.
• Ensure work is related to field of study.

Materials Students Need to Process the Application

• A completed ISS OPT application (not to be mailed)
• A completed, signed Form I-765 Application (Make sure you are using the correct edition of the form. Using the wrong form will have your application denied.)
• A completed Form G-1145
• A check or money order for the I-765 application fee
• A completed Form G-1450 if paying by credit card
• A copy of all your previous and current I-20s
• A copy of Form I-94
• A copy of passport (biographical data, photo, and expiration date)
• Two U.S. passport-style photos (Lightly print your name on the back of each photo with a pencil.)
• A front and back copy of any previously approved employment authorization (EAD) cards
• A copy of your new OPT I-20 with OPT recommendation

Pre-Completion OPT

• Eligibility: After completing one academic year of full-time study at a certified U.S. institution.
• Work Hours: During the school semester, students can work up to 20 hours per week or more. During school breaks, students may work full time.

Post-Completion OPT

• Eligibility: Students can apply for post-completion OPT after finishing their degree program. There is a time limit on how long someone with OPT can be unemployed.
• Work Hours: Students must work at least 20 hours per week to stop the unemployment clock.

Impact of Pre-Completion OPT on Post-Completion OPT

Pre-completion OPT can reduce a student’s available time for post-completion OPT:

• Part-Time Pre-Completion OPT (20 hours per week): If students worked for one year, it reduces their post-completion OPT by six months, leaving them with six months of full-time post-completion OPT.
• Full-Time Pre-Completion OPT (40 hours per week): If students worked for one year, it uses up their full post-completion OPT eligibility, so no time remains for post-completion OPT.

Proof of Authorization

• Employment Authorization Document (EAD card/Form 1-766) indicating start and end dates of work authorization.
• Student must have EAD card in order to begin work.

Employer’s Role

• Request a copy of the EAD from the student for I-9 purposes.
• There is no cost to the employer, and the OPT application is entirely the responsibility of the student.
• Students can be approved for OPT without an offer of employment.