OPT facts

Explore insights about the OPT visa with our quick facts guide. In 2023/24, the total number of international students in the U.S. increased by 7% to a record high of 1,126,690 students.

  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student's major area of study. It requires at least 20 hours of employment per week. In the case where a student’s hours vary, the total hours per month must average 20 hours per week.

  • The OPT application window is either within the 90 days before graduation, completion of coursework/degree requirements, or during the 60-day Grace Period following the I-20 expiration date/graduation day.

  • You pay the $410 OPT or STEM OPT application when you file the OPT or STEM OPT application with USCIS.

  • The OPT application will take 90 to 120 days to be processed by USCIS.

  • Accepted: 97%

    Not accepted: 3%

  • The student must choose their desired OPT start date when they apply for OPT; the start-date cannot be more than 60 days after graduation/degree completion. The requested start date cannot change once the OPT application has been mailed.

  • Non-STEM degree: up to 12 months

    STEM degree: up to 36 months

  • Students can accrue no more than 90 days of unemployment, which is cumulative.

  • If you're pursuing a degree in a STEM field, it means that your academic focus lies within the domains of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Though it's not possible to major specifically in STEM itself, programs falling under this category often prioritize areas such as research, innovation, or the development of new technologies.

  • During post-completion OPT, employment must be related to the student's field of study. For those with a STEM extension, the employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program, and the work must be directly related to the student's major area of study.