Optional Practical Training
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Beginning May 29, 2025, USCIS will only accept the 01/20/25 edition of Form I-765, including for online submissions. Until then, you may continue to use the 08/28/24 edition. The edition date can be found at the bottom of the form and its instructions.
What is Post-Completion OPT?
Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The work students pursue while on Post-Completion OPT must be directly related to his/her/their major field of study.
According to 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A)(3) Post-Completion OPT may be used "After completion of the course of study, or, for a student in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program, after completion of all course requirements for the degree (excluding thesis or equivalent)."
Post-Completion OPT is generally issued for a duration of 12 months, but may be for less time if the student has previously applied and been granted Pre-Completion OPT.
Coursework Completion OPT
Graduate students who have completed their required coursework excluding their thesis, dissertation or equivalent may apply for either Pre-Completion OPT or Post Completion OPT.
** Please note that not all major departments consider their project or capstone to be equivalent to thesis. If your department does not consider your capstone or project equivalent to thesis, you are not eligible to apply for Post Completion OPT until you final semester of your project or capstone.
If you choose to apply for Post Completion OPT after completion of all coursework with thesis or equivalent remaining, you must apply before the end of 60 day grace period immediately following the completion of your coursework.