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Optional practical training: Build career experience after your U.S. degree

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Optional practical training (OPT) is one of the most valuable opportunities for international students studying in the United States. OPT lets you apply your academic knowledge in real-world jobs while staying compliant with F-1 visa requirements. Whether you’re preparing for graduation or still early in your postgraduate program, understanding OPT can open important doors for your career.

In this article, we’ll explain what OPT is, how it works and how you can make the most of it as an international student.

What is optional practical training (OPT)?

Optional practical training (OPT) is a form of temporary employment that allows eligible international students on F-1 visas to work in the United States in a role directly related to their major area of study.

OPT is available at two different stages:

  • Pre-completion OPT: You can work part time during your studies (up to 20 hours per week).
  • Post-completion OPT: You can work full time after you complete your degree for a maximum of 12 months.

Most international students choose to use post-completion OPT to maximize their work experience after graduating.

Key facts about OPT jobs for international students:

  • You can work for up to 12 months under standard OPT.
  • For STEM students you may be eligible for an additional 24-month extension, known as STEM OPT, allowing you to work in the U.S. for a total of three years after graduation.
  • You must apply for and receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before starting work.
  • The employment must be directly related to your field of study.
  • You must not have accumulated more than 90 days of unemployment during your OPT period.

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Insert Image alt text here: A young international graduate sits alone in a cozy apartment, eyes wide and hands to their mouth in joyful disbelief while reading a job offer email on a glowing laptop, surrounded by graduation memorabilia.

How OPT relates to other work options for international students

Navigating work opportunities in the U.S. means understanding the differences between OPT and other types of work authorization for international students.

Curricular practical training (CPT) vs. OPT

  • CPT is designed for internships or work that is an integral part of your academic curriculum. You must have a job offer before you can apply for CPT, and work authorization is granted by your school, not by USCIS.
  • OPT allows more flexibility. You don’t need a job offer at the time you apply for OPT, and the work doesn’t have to be tied to a course or specific credit requirement.

F-1 visa requirements and OPT

  • You must have maintained full-time enrollment for at least one academic year to be eligible for OPT.
  • You must not have violated your F-1 visa status.
  • You must apply for OPT within a specific window: no more than 90 days before and no later than 60 days after your program completion date.

STEM OPT extension

  • If your degree falls under a qualifying field listed in the Department of Homeland Security’s STEM OPT majors list, you can apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT.
  • STEM OPT jobs must be with employers enrolled in E-Verify, and you must submit a training plan to your DSO.

Making the most of your OPT experience

Optional practical training isn’t just about getting a paycheck – it’s about building a professional foundation in the U.S. Here’s how to maximize your OPT period:

1. Start earlyApply for OPT well before your graduation date. USCIS processing times can be slow, and you cannot start working until you receive your EAD. Planning ahead ensures you can take advantage of job opportunities for international students as soon as possible.

2. Target employers familiar with OPT and STEM OPTSome employers are more experienced in hiring international students. Seek out companies that participate in E-Verify and understand F-1 employment rules. Tech companies, engineering firms and research organizations often have dedicated human resources support for international hires.

3. Track your unemployment days carefullyYou cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days during your initial OPT period. Unemployment includes periods between jobs, so it’s important to keep records of your employment history and report updates to your DSO.

4. Understand your tax obligationsInternational students and taxes can get complicated. During OPT, you’re generally classified as a “nonresident alien” for tax purposes if you’ve been in the U.S. for less than five years. You’ll likely need to file federal tax forms (such as Form 1040-NR) and possibly state taxes too. Some employers may not automatically withhold the correct amount, so stay informed to avoid unexpected tax bills.

5. Use OPT to build long-term career pathwaysMany students use OPT as a stepping stone to employment-based visa sponsorship, like the H-1B visa. If your employer values your skills and performance, they may be willing to sponsor you for long-term work authorization.

Image 2 prompt: A bright, urban morning scene of an international student confidently walking down a bustling U.S. city street in professional attire. The student holds a sleek laptop bag and a reusable coffee cup, glancing ahead with purpose. Skyscrapers, passing buses, and office-goers frame the background, symbolizing career ambition and opportunity in a new country.

Insert Image alt text here: An international student in professional attire confidently walks through a busy U.S. city street, holding a laptop bag and coffee cup, with skyscrapers and morning commuters in the background, symbolizing ambition and opportunity.

MPOWER Financing: Supporting your career journey

MPOWER Financing provides no-cosigner student loans to international students aiming to build their careers through programs like OPT and STEM OPT. By focusing on your future potential – not your family’s financial history – MPOWER makes it easier to complete a U.S. postgraduate degree and access critical work opportunities after graduation.

International students working through OPT need stable financial support to bridge the gap between study and employment. MPOWER offers:

  • Fixed-rate student loans ranging from US$2,001 to US$100,000
  • Free visa support services
  • Career guidance through the Path2Success program, supporting OPT, STEM OPT and long-term job searches
  • Fixed, inflation-proof interest rates that make planning for the future simpler

When you graduate, your education should open doors – not limit them. MPOWER helps make that future real.

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FAQs

When should I apply for OPT?

You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date, but no later than 60 days after. Earlier applications are strongly recommended due to USCIS processing delays.

Can I work remotely during OPT?

Yes, remote work is permitted during OPT as long as the job is directly related to your major field of study and meets all other employment rules.

Is a job offer required to apply for OPT?

No. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT, but you will need to find employment within 90 days after your OPT start date to avoid violating US student visa requirements.

How does STEM OPT differ from standard OPT?

STEM OPT allows eligible students to extend their work authorization for an additional 24 months, for a total of 36 months. The extension applies only to specific STEM fields and employers must participate in E-Verify.

What are my tax obligations while working on OPT?

International students on OPT are typically considered nonresident aliens for tax purposes and must file annual tax returns. You may owe federal and state taxes depending on your income and location.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (11.16% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

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