Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary work authorization that gives F-1 students an opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to a practical off-campus work experience in the student’s field of study for a maximum duration of 1 year per educational level.
Authorization for OPT is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and can take 90 days to obtain. It is important that students apply for the authorization at the earliest possible date through International Student Services.
OPT eligibility requirements
In order to apply for OPT, students must:
- Be in full-time status for at least 1 academic year. (Some students who have changed their visa status to F-1 and who have been continuously enrolled in a full-time degree program for at least 1 academic year may qualify for OPT prior to 1 year in F-1 status)
- Be seeking employment in the major field of study listed on their current Metro State I-20
- Be completing their program of study at Metro State
- By physically present in the U.S. at the time of the application to USCIS
- Not have used more than 1 year of full-time CPT during their current degree level (part-time doesn’t count)
When to apply
Students can start applying for OPT up to 90 days prior to the completion of their academic program and up to 60 days after the program end date.
