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Pre-completion OPT

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status that permits off-campus employment in the student’s field of study to begin prior to the student’s program completion date.

Students are eligible for 12 months of OPT at each degree level (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral). OPT work authorization can be used either before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) degree completion. Any time used prior to degree completion is subtracted from the 12-month total.  Students become eligible for another 12 months of OPT when moving to a higher degree level (e.g. Bachelor’s to Master’s, Master’s to Ph.D.).

Am I eligible for Pre-completion OPT?

• Must have completed 1 academic year of full-time study before the intended OPT start date
• Must be in valid F-1 status at the time of application and must maintain status during the OPT authorization period, including maintaining full-time enrollment when required
• Must not have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at the current degree level
• Must have OPT time remaining at the current degree level

Additionally, students planning to apply for Pre-Completion OPT should note the following:

• Students may only be authorized for part-time work (up to 20 hours/week) during the academic year (fall and spring semesters)
• Students may be authorized for full-time work (more than 20 hours/week) during the summer and winter break
• Graduate students who have been advanced to candidacy by The Graduate School may be authorized for full-time work any time prior to program completion
• Employment during OPT must be directly related to the students’ major area of study
• Students may not be authorized for Pre-Completion OPT beyond the program end date on the Form I-20

A job offer at the time of application is not required. However, any Pre-Completion OPT period approved by USCIS will count against the 12-month period of OPT allowed per educational level, regardless of whether the student ever secures an employment position.

Students rarely apply for Pre-completion OPT knowing any time used prior to degree completion is subtracted from the 12-month total for OPT. If you need clarifications or advise, please send an email to ISGSS@lewisu.edu