OPT (F-1)NonimmigrantStudy

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F-1 students who want work experience related to their major, during their studies (pre-completion) or after graduation (post-completion).

Typical time2–5 mo

Gov’t fees$520Work permit application (Form I-765)

Attorney fees$500–$1,500

Last verified: 2026-09-25

Requirements

One full academic year of full-time study at an SEVP-certified college first
Work directly related to your major
DSO recommendation in SEVIS and an updated I-20, then Form I-765 within 30 days
Post-completion: file from 90 days before to 60 days after your program end date
No work until the start date on your EAD card

How long you can stay

Up to 12 months of OPT per higher degree level; time used before graduation is subtracted. Post-completion OPT must be at least 20 hours a week. You stay in F-1 status during OPT, plus 60 days after it ends under current rules.

Timeline

USCIS finished 80% of F-1 OPT and STEM OPT I-765s within 5 months (checked Sep 25, 2026). Premium processing ($1,780) aims for action within 30 business days. Check current processing times.

Government fees

Fee	Amount	Who usually pays
Work permit application (Form I-765) Paper filing $520; online filing $470.	$520	Applicant
Premium processing for OPT (Form I-907) USCIS aims to act within 30 business days.	$1,780	Applicant

Typical attorney fees

A public price page cites flat fees of about $500–$1,500 for a standard post-completion OPT filing. Government fees are extra.

Spouse & children

F-2 family members keep their status with you but can't work.

Work

OPT isn't tied to one employer, but every job must relate to your major and be reported to your DSO. Ask your DSO which kinds of work count.

Path to a green card

Options people in similar situations often explore: STEM OPT, H-1B, O-1, or an employment-based green card. A 'cap-gap' extension can keep F-1 status until Apr 1 while an H-1B is pending. Confirm with a licensed attorney.

Key documents

I-20 with your DSO's OPT recommendation
I-765 receipt notice (I-797C) and EAD card
Offer letters or job descriptions showing the link to your major
Your own record of work and unemployment days

Common pitfalls

Filing more than 30 days after the DSO recommendation — USCIS denies it and the fee is lost
Going over 90 total days of unemployment on post-completion OPT
Transferring schools or starting a new degree ends OPT automatically
Using 12+ months of full-time CPT at the same level, which removes OPT
If the postponed F/J rule takes effect, the post-graduation filing limit drops from 60 to 30 days

Rules in flux

F/J fixed-stay rule — postponed by a court

DHS published a final rule on Jul 17, 2026 to end 'duration of status' (D/S) for F and J. Instead, you'd get a fixed stay up to your program length, capped at 4 years. It would also cut the F-1 grace period after study or OPT from 60 to 30 days. It limits school transfers and changes of major or degree level, too. On Sep 14, 2026, a federal court in Massachusetts postponed the rule and barred DHS from implementing it. USCIS says it follows the previous rules for now.

OPT/STEM OPT rule on DHS's agenda (not yet proposed)

DHS's regulatory agenda lists a 'Practical Training' rule (RIN 1653-AA97) at the proposed-rule stage. DHS says it would address fraud and national security concerns, protect U.S. workers from displacement, and increase SEVP oversight. No proposed rule had been published in the Federal Register as of Sep 25, 2026. The current agenda estimates a proposal in February 2027. Today's OPT and STEM OPT rules stay the same until a rule is finalized and takes effect.

Official sources

General information, not legal advice. Rules change often. Check the official source and talk to a licensed immigration attorney before you act.