Understanding OPT, CPT, work authorization, and aviation career pathways in the United States

Optional Practical Training (OPT) ​

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Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a type of employment authorization that allows an international student on status to work in the United States for up to 12 months in a field directly related to their major upon completion of their program. There are currently two types of OPT:

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• Pre-completion OPT (c)(3)(a): Allows eligible F-1 students to work in a position related to their field of study before completing their academic program, usually while still enrolled in classes or training. Using this benefit might reduce the available time for post-completion opt.

• Post-completion OPT (c)(3)(b): Used after completing a program and allows students to gain temporary work experience in their area of study.

 

Eligibility Requirements

• You must have completed one-year of full-time enrollment  in F-1 status at your main institution.

• You must be in good academic standing and completing an academic degree or program during the current term in which you apply for OPT.

• M-1 students can apply for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). It is allowed for 1 month of work authorization for every 4 months of study, with a maximum of 6 months total.

• You can apply as early as 90 days before the end date of your final semester, but no later than 60 days after the end of your final semester

• Pursuing another program of study during OPT is not permitted. If you choose to transfer, your OPT will be canceled on the date your SEVIS record is transferred 

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General Guidelines

• You can request OPT online through the USCIS website. Create an account on myUSCIS and through that portal file Form I-765 - Application for Employment Authorization. You can also submit the request on paper, but an additional fee might apply.

• Each student is responsible for finding their own employment

• Students must report employer/employment dates & locations in the SEVP OPT Student Portal

• Employment must be in student's field of study

• Employment may not begin until you receive your physical EAD card and the start date listed on your EAD card arrives

• Employment must end by the end date listed on your EAD card

• You cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment days (cumulative during the entire duration of your OPT period)

• Must work more than 20 hours/week

• Must maintain valid F-1 status

• Don't forget to file your tax returns before April 15th for the previous calendar year

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Some Tips:

• Apply during the correct time period: not before 90 days before your program end date, and not within the 60-day grace period after your program end date. Applying as soon as possible, or within that time frame, is recommended.

• Double-check with your Designated School Official (DSO) that you are eligible to apply for OPT.

• Double-check with online resources, tools, or peers that you are submitting the correct information, for example, the correct OPT application category.

• Before submitting your OPT request, download a copy of the application and send it to your DSO for verification.

• Wait until you get your I-20 with an OPT endorsement. Submitting a regular I-20 would result in your application being denied.

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For more information about OPT, visit the official USCIS website.

For M-1 OPT information, visit the official Study in the States website.

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STEM OPT Extension

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STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students with qualifying Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) degrees. This extension allows eligible graduates to work in the U.S. for a total of 36 months (12 months regular OPT + 24 months extension).

 

To qualify for Stem OPT extension, you must:

 

• Have been granted OPT and currently be in a valid period of post-completion OPT

• Have earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a school at the time you submit your STEM OPT extension application.

• Work for an employer who meets all the requirements like being enrolled in E-Verify and having an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

• Submit the Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, up to 90 days before your current OPT employment authorization expires, and within 60 days of the date your designated school official (DSO) enters the recommendation for OPT into your SEVIS record.

 

If you receive a STEM OPT extension, you must:

Report changes to the following information to your DSO within 10 days of the change, specifically:

• Your legal name;

• Your residential or mailing address;

• Your email address;

• Your employer’s name; and

• Your employer’s address.

• Report to your DSO every 6 months to confirm the information listed above, even if none of your information has changed.

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For more information, read the official USCIS website about STEM OPT.

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Note: Not all schools classify Aviation as a STEM major, so make sure your institution has the STEM designation for an aviation degree. Aviation is currently listed under the CIP code 49.0101 Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology in the current DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.