Pre-completion OPT: Occurs before a student's program end date. Post-completion OPT: occurs after a student's program end date, or after completion of all course requirements. Occurs after regular post- completion OPT.

What is pre and post-completion OPT?

Pre-Completion OPT: Any portion of OPT used before the student's Program End Date. It may be part-time or full-time. Post-Completion OPT: Any portion of OPT used after the student's Program End Date. ... This type of OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT.

What does pre-completion OPT mean?

Pre-completion OPT is OPT for which you are authorized before you complete your program of study. ... You may apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before you will complete your full academic year. No employer is required at the time of application.

What does post-completion OPT mean?

Post-completion OPT is a type of work authorization for F-1 students who are completing a bachelor's or graduate degree in the U.S. and have studied in their degree program for at least one academic year (i.e., a spring and fall semester) in valid F-1 status.

Does pre-completion OPT take away from post-completion OPT?

Part-time Pre-Completion OPT is deducted at a half-time rate. If you use 4 months of part-time Pre-Completion OPT, only 2 months of OPT will be deducted from the 12 months of Post-Completion OPT available. Your work authorization for Pre-Completion OPT may not extend past your expected program end date.

OPT: Pre-Completion OPT 8/9

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Can you work full time with pre-completion OPT?

If you are authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT, you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) while school is in session. You may work full time when school is not in session. ... If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time.

How long does pre-completion OPT last?

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).

Who is eligible for post-completion OPT?

To be eligible to apply for OPT, you must: (1) have been in full-time student status for at least one academic year by the requested start date of your OPT, (2) be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application, and (3) have not used OPT at the same degree level previously.

Can I do internship on post-completion OPT?

Students may work as volunteers or unpaid interns, where this does not violate any labor laws. The work must be at least 20 hours per week for students on post-completion OPT.

How long does it take for OPT to be approved 2021?

According to the USCIS, the processing period for an OPT EAD card could last up to 30 days from the time of acceptance. Nevertheless, a majority of cards arrive within 7–10 days. An OPT application is expected to take 90–120 days in total.

Can I work 2 jobs on OPT?

What employment is permitted under Post-Completion OPT? ... You may work for multiple employers (including short-term gigs, self-employment, contract work, or work for hire). In order for your OPT employment to be considered active, you must be working 20 hours per week or more between all OPT jobs combined.

Can I work for more than 40 hours on OPT?

For pre-completion full-time OPT, you can work for more than 20 hours a week but not more than 40 hours a week. You need not have a job offer in hand while applying for an EAD card for a pre-completion job.

Does USCIS check employment history for OPT?

Jan 16, 2020 — An applicant for adjustment of status must provide full and accurate information about his/her employment history. The USCIS does not reveal Also, every time that you apply for work with an employer who uses E-Verify, your Social Security Account Number is recorded by the system.

Do I need a new i20 after OPT approval?

Report your OPT activity (more details below). A new I-20 is not required to show OPT approval. Keep your EAD in a safe place. ISS does not need a copy of your EAD.

Can I work on CPT while waiting for OPT?

Can You Apply for CPT and OPT at the Same Time? Yes, you can. However, remember that if you work for 12 months on full-time CPT, you will not be able to apply for OPT. Part-time CPT will not affect your eligibility for OPT, even if you work for more than 12 months.

Can I study while on OPT?

Because your primary purpose is to pursue employment/an internship/practical training, any study while on OPT must be incidental. This means you cannot be studying full-time and you cannot be obtaining a new degree or certificate. If you enroll in such a program, your OPT will automatically terminate.

Can OPT EAD work on 1099?

The following types of employment are authorized while on OPT and STEM OPT: ... Employment as an independent contractor (1099 employment as opposed to being on the payroll) Employment through an agency or consulting firm (the employment agency must be enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT)

Can I work for 2 employers on H1B?

Conclusion. All too common misconception about H1B's is that an H1B holder can only work for one employer at one time. In fact, those valid H1B status are eligible to work for multiple H1B employers as long as the additional employer(s) are willing to file a Concurrent H1B petition on their behalf.

Can you do OPT twice?

A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial (usually 12-month) period of post-completion OPT.

Can you work without EAD card?

No. Even though you've received approval for your EAD application, it's not enough to start working. It doesn't prove anything to your employer, and it's better to wait for your actual card before you start working. ... Other than that, you must have an EAD card if you want to work.

Can you be unemployed on OPT?

F-1 regulations state that students who have been authorized for post-completion OPT must leave the U.S. before they accrue an aggregate of more than 90 days of unemployment. No 60-day grace period is allowed. Days of unemployment will be counted from the start date indicated on the EAD card.

How many years OPT can you get?

All international students who successfully apply for OPT can work in the USA for at least 12 months. However, if your degree is in a STEM area, you can apply to extend your OPT by 24 months. This means you could enjoy working in the USA for up to 3 years!

Can you do OPT before graduating?

OPT may begin after all required coursework is completed. For graduate students, this means that they may apply for OPT to start before their official graduation. Most students apply for OPT to begin near or after their expected defense date, but some begin OPT a semester or more before their defense.

What if F-1 visa expires before OPT?

If your F-1 visa has expired, and OPT or OPT STEM Extension application is pending, you will NOT be able to apply for a new F-1 visa until the application is approved and you have the EAD.

Can I stay in US while waiting for OPT?

Students may remain lawfully in the U.S. beyond the end of the 60-day grace period if their OPT application is pending at USCIS.