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What is Pre-Completion OPT?

F-1 pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to be employed in the U.S. before the completion of their studies. Employment must be directly related to the field of study and correspond with the student’s education level. No job offer is needed to apply with USCIS.

If you are looking for post-completion OPT information, visit the F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT) webpage.

“Pre-Completion” Optional Practical Training (OPT) is used while you are still enrolled in your degree program. All time authorized for Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of OPT available at each degree level.

Pre-Completion OPT is used only when

• Your OPT start and end date will be during your studies (not after graduation).
• You have a training opportunity, but it might not be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
• Pre-completion OPT allows students to work in any position related to their field of study, including self-employment.
• If you are graduating soon and need OPT approval to work after graduation, you must apply for Post Completion OPT.

Important Considerations related to pre-completion OPT

• Students must maintain a full course of study while they are engaged in pre-completion OPT. 
• Use of pre-completion OPT is counted cumulatively, regardless of whether it is pre-completion or post-completion OPT. Only 12 total months of standard OPT are available. 
• Any pre-completion OPT will count against the 12-month standard OPT total and reduce time available after the degree is awarded.
  • Part-time pre-completion OPT is deducted from available practical training at one-half the full-time rate.
• A student who still has credits remaining to complete their degree program is limited to 20 hours per week of pre-completion OPT while school is in session.
  • Students can apply for full-time authorization during his or her annual vacation, and during other official school breaks.
• No overlapping segments of pre-completion and post-completion OPT are permitted. A student must apply separately for post-completion OPT.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for Pre-Completion OPT if you meet the following criteria:

• You are currently in F-1 status.
• You have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year.
• You will begin and end your Pre-Completion OPT during your enrolled course of study.
• Undergraduate students must have declared a major.
• You have not been previously authorized for 12 months of full-time CPT.
• You have not previously completed 12 months of full-time OPT at the same degree level.
• As a reminder, USCIS is the one that ultimately grants approval for pre-completion OPT through the issuance of an EAD card.

Although you do not need a job offer to apply for Pre-Completion OPT, we advise you to have a job offer to ensure you use the benefit. Authorized Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of full-time OPT available regardless of whether it is used.

Possible or Likely Scenarios for Part-Time Vs. Full-Time Pre-Completion OPT

Pre-Completion OPT Application Process

1. Submit a "Pre-Completion OPT request" within the .
2. OGS will issue an I-20 with pre-completion OPT recommendation (OPT I-20) within 10 business days after a completed request is received.
3. Detailed instructions will be provided with the issuance of the pre-completion OPT I-20, so that students can proceed with USCIS to submit the I-765 application to obtain the EAD card.
4. Each period of Pre-Completion or Post-Completion OPT requires a separate application, including a new OGS recommendation and a new application submission to USCIS.