Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the U.S.: What International Students Need to Know
For many international students studying in the U.S., optional practical training (OPT) is the bridge between a postgraduate degree and a full-time career. It’s an opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world roles, build U.S. work experience and explore long-term career paths – sometimes even leading to H-1B sponsorship.
But OPT isn’t automatic. It comes with specific rules, strict timelines and a clear application process. Missing a deadline or misunderstanding a requirement can affect your ability to work legally in the U.S. after graduation.
If you’re planning to work in the U.S. post-degree, this guide will help you understand how OPT works, who qualifies and how to maximize your time under it.
What is OPT?
OPT is a temporary work authorization for F-1 visa holders that allows international students to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months in a role directly related to their field of study.
There are two types of OPT:
- Pre-completion OPT: Part-time work allowed during your degree program (rarely used since most students rely on curricular practical training, or CPT, instead)
- Post-completion OPT: Full-time work permitted after graduation
Most international students apply for post-completion OPT during their final semester. If approved, you’ll receive an employment authorization document (EAD) and can begin working after your program ends.
Who is eligible for OPT?
To qualify, you must:
- Be in valid F-1 status.
- Have completed at least one full academic year at a U.S. institution.
- Apply for work that directly relates to your major.
- Not have used more than 12 months of full-time CPT at the same academic level.
- File Form I-765 with USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) and receive approval before starting work.
Work authorization for international students must be used within 14 months of completing your academic program, and you cannot begin work until you’ve received your EAD card.
When to apply and how timing works
You can apply for OPT as early as 90 days before your program end date, and no later than 60 days after. However, USCIS processing can take two to three months, so applying early is essential.
After your program ends, there’s a 60-day grace period to stay in the U.S. – but you cannot work until your OPT is approved.
Your OPT start date must fall within that 60-day window. Once your EAD is issued, you’ll be given up to 12 months of work authorization.
STEM graduates may later qualify for a 24-month extension, bringing the total to 36 months. That application is separate and comes near the end of your first OPT year.
What types of jobs are allowed under OPT?
OPT jobs for international studentsmust be directly related to your academic field. You can work in full-time or part-time roles, and for-profit, non-profit or startup organizations.
Some common roles include:
- Software engineer for computer science grads
- Research associate for life sciences grads
- Financial analyst for business analytics grads
- UX designer for human-computer interaction majors
- Data scientist for statistics or AI majors
Unpaid internships or volunteer roles can also qualify, as long as they relate to your major and meet labor law guidelines.
To remain compliant, you must not exceed 90 days of unemployment during your OPT period.
Resources that help international students thrive on OPT
International students navigating OPT need more than approval – they need support finding the right jobs, preparing for interviews and staying financially afloat while transitioning to the workforce.
MPOWER Financing helps fill those gaps with:
- No-cosigner student loans that can cover tuition, living costs and job hunting expenses in the U.S.
- Access to Path2Success: a free platform with job search tools, resume guidance and visa support
- Employer databases filtered by CPT, OPT and H-1B sponsorship compatibility
With MPOWER’s support, students can take on OPT with confidence – knowing they have the tools and financial flexibility to succeed.
OPT is more than paperwork
OPT isn’t just a student visa benefit – it’s a critical chance to get your foot in the door, prove yourself and build a foundation for future employment. Treat it like a professional opportunity, not just a technical step.
By applying early, understanding your responsibilities and making use of the tools available – through your university, mentors and organizations like MPOWER – you can turn those 12 months into something much bigger.
