• Skip to main content
  • Skip to main navigation
Baylor University
Center for Global Engagement
  • About
    • News
    • CGE Main Office
    • International Student and Scholar Services Office
    • Study Abroad Office
  • Study Abroad
    • Why Study Abroad
    • Steps to Study Abroad
      • Choosing a Program
      • Academics
      • Application Timeline
      • Parent and Guardian Information
      • Disability Accommodations Abroad
    • Baylor Study Abroad Programs
      • Explore Programs
      • Types of Programs
      • Areas of Study
      • Internships and Research Abroad
    • Health & Safety
    • Scholarships and Funding
    • I'm Accepted...What's Next?
      • Tips
    • Photo Contest
      • Social Media Takeover
    • Study Abroad Fair
    • Program Director Tools
      • Faculty Led Program Renewal
      • Propose a New Program
      • Global Safety and Security
      • International Travel Registration
    • College Resources to Study Abroad
      • Baylor Interdisciplinary Core
      • College of Arts & Sciences
      • Hankamer School of Business
      • Honors College
      • Robbins College of Health & Human Sciences
      • School of Education
      • School of Engineering & Computer Science
      • School of Music
      • School of Nursing
      • School of Social Work
      • Truett Seminary
    • FAQ
  • International Student and Scholar Services
    • International Students
      • F-1 Student Processes
      • J-1 Student Processes
    • International Scholars
      • Maintaining J-1 Status
      • J-2 Dependents
      • Travel Procedures
      • Lecture Requests & Consultations
      • Extensions
      • 12 and 24 Month Bars
      • Two-Year Residency Requirement
      • 212e Waiver
      • Program Transfer
    • Programs and Activities
      • Spring 2023 Trips & Events
      • Global Friendship Program
      • CGE Ambassadors
      • Educational Workshops and Training
      • International Student Organizations
      • ISSS Programming Framework
    • Support Resources
      • Academic & English Language Support
      • Paying Taxes
      • Special Statuses and Programs to Support International Students
      • Living in Waco
      • Avoiding Frauds and Scams
    • Faculty & Staff Toolkit
    • Global Bears Login
  • Global Baylor
    • Certificate in Global Engagement
      • Enrollments and Benefits
      • Global Engagement Courses
      • Submitting Activity
    • International Education Week
    • Global Calendar of Events
    • GBL 1101, 1102 & 1103
    • Connecting to Global Initiatives
    • Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
  • Global Gateway
    • Our Program
    • About Us
      • GGP Administrative Staff
      • GGP Faculty
      • Visitor Directions to the Global Gateway Program
    • Current Students
      • Handbook & Program of Studies
    • New Students
      • On-Campus Study Information
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • GGP Arrival Information
      • On-Campus Housing & Dining
      • Finances
      • Life at Baylor
      • Academics
    • Academic & English Language Support
  • Global Scholars
    • Why Global Scholars
    • Global Scholars Application Process
    • Starting in Dublin
      • Studying in Dublin, Ireland
      • Course Work
      • Cost
      • Residence Hall in Dublin
    • Global Scholars Community
    • Global Scholars Leadership
  • Register Travel
    • Faculty & Student Group Travel
    • Faculty/Staff Only Travel
    • Student Only Travel
Baylor BU Center for Global Engagement International Student and Scholar Services International Students F-1 Student Processes Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • International Students
    • F-1 Student Processes
      • Maintaining Status
      • Academic Program Completion & the SEVIS Record
      • Arrival & Check-In
      • CAP GAP Extension
      • Change of Academic Level
      • Changing to F-1 Status
      • Deferment
      • Dependents
      • Extend or Shorten Program Length
      • F-1 Visa Renewal
      • Getting the Baylor I-20
      • Global Bears Login
      • Health Services & Insurance
      • Insufficient Funds
      • Internships/Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
      • Leave of Absence
      • Letter Requests
      • On-Campus Work Authorization
      • Online Programs & Courses
      • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
        • Post-Completion OPT
        • Pre-Completion OPT
        • STEM OPT Extension
      • Post-Baccalaureate Study
      • Reduced Course Load
      • Reinstatement of Status
      • Replace/Update I-20
      • SEVIS Registration for Fall and Spring Semesters
      • Severe Economic Hardship
      • Social Security Card
      • Summer Enrollment Requirements
      • Suspension & Expulsion
      • Termination of SEVIS (I-20) Record
      • Transfer I-20 to Another Institution
      • Travel Authorization
    • J-1 Student Processes
  • International Scholars
  • Programs and Activities
  • Support Resources
  • Faculty & Staff Toolkit
  • Global Bears Login

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Regulations

Optional practical training (OPT) is defined in the U.S. government regulations as "temporary employment for practical training directly related to the student's major area of study.” Students in F-1 status are eligible to apply for this benefit as long as they have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one academic year. An academic year would include fall and spring terms only. Like Curricular Practical Training (CPT), the training MUST be directly related to the area of study and not just serve as an opportunity to work. Students may engage in OPT for any employer in any location for the duration of OPT authorization, as long as the employment qualifies under OPT standards.

Students must attend an OPT Workshop before they are allowed to apply for OPT*.  If a student attends an OPT Workshop before their last semester, they will have to attend a second OPT Workshop in their last semester BEFORE they can apply for OPT.  OPT Workshop information can be found HERE.

*If you cannot make an OPT or CPT workshop, request a 15min meeting with your DSO. 

To request a meeting:

  1. Log into your Global Bears account.

  2. Click the the third button, "Student Request".

  3. Fill out the "Meeting Request" form


Please click on one of the options below to learn more about the Post-Completion OPT, Pre-Completion OPT, and STEM OPT Extension.
Post-Completion OPT
Read More
Pre-Completion OPT
Read More
STEM OPT Extension
Read More

Center for Global Engagement

Hankamer Academic Center, H 160.01
1428 S. 5th St.
Waco, TX 76798

One Bear Place #97012
Waco, TX 76798-7012

Global_Baylor@baylor.edu
Global_Gateway@baylor.edu
ISSS_Support@baylor.edu
StudyAbroad@baylor.edu

(254) 710-1461
Global Gateway Program
Global Baylor
Study Abroad
International Student and Scholar Services
Register Your Travel
Global Scholars
Baylor BU Center for Global Engagement International Student and Scholar Services International Students F-1 Student Processes Optional Practical Training (OPT)
  • About
    Back
    • News
    • CGE Main Office
    • International Student and Scholar Services Office
    • Study Abroad Office
  • Study Abroad
    Back
    • Why Study Abroad
    • Steps to Study Abroad
      Back
      • Choosing a Program
      • Academics
      • Application Timeline
        Back
        • Application Process
        • Will I be Approved?
      • Parent and Guardian Information
      • Disability Accommodations Abroad
        Back
        • Student Steps
    • Baylor Study Abroad Programs
      Back
      • Explore Programs
      • Types of Programs
      • Areas of Study
        Back
        • College of Arts & Sciences
        • Hankamer School of Business
        • Honors College
        • Louise Herrington School of Nursing
        • Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
        • Rogers School of Engineering and Computer Science
        • School of Education
      • Internships and Research Abroad
        Back
        • Non-Credit Bearing Experiences
    • Health & Safety
    • Scholarships and Funding
    • I'm Accepted...What's Next?
      Back
      • Tips
    • Photo Contest
      Back
      • Social Media Takeover
    • Study Abroad Fair
    • Program Director Tools
      Back
      • Faculty Led Program Renewal
      • Propose a New Program
      • Global Safety and Security
      • International Travel Registration
    • College Resources to Study Abroad
      Back
      • Baylor Interdisciplinary Core
      • College of Arts & Sciences
      • Hankamer School of Business
      • Honors College
      • Robbins College of Health & Human Sciences
      • School of Education
      • School of Engineering & Computer Science
      • School of Music
      • School of Nursing
      • School of Social Work
      • Truett Seminary
    • FAQ
  • International Student and Scholar Services
    Back
    • International Students
      Back
      • F-1 Student Processes
        Back
        • Maintaining Status
        • Academic Program Completion & the SEVIS Record
        • Arrival & Check-In
        • CAP GAP Extension
        • Change of Academic Level
        • Changing to F-1 Status
        • Deferment
        • Dependents
        • Extend or Shorten Program Length
        • F-1 Visa Renewal
        • Getting the Baylor I-20
        • Global Bears Login
        • Health Services & Insurance
        • Insufficient Funds
        • Internships/Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
        • Leave of Absence
        • Letter Requests
        • On-Campus Work Authorization
        • Online Programs & Courses
        • Optional Practical Training (OPT)
          Back
          • Post-Completion OPT
          • Pre-Completion OPT
          • STEM OPT Extension
        • Post-Baccalaureate Study
        • Reduced Course Load
        • Reinstatement of Status
        • Replace/Update I-20
        • SEVIS Registration for Fall and Spring Semesters
        • Severe Economic Hardship
        • Social Security Card
        • Summer Enrollment Requirements
        • Suspension & Expulsion
        • Termination of SEVIS (I-20) Record
        • Transfer I-20 to Another Institution
        • Travel Authorization
      • J-1 Student Processes
        Back
        • Exchange Program Overview
        • Exchange Application Process
        • Getting the Baylor DS-2019
        • Arrival & Check-In (J1 Students)
        • Maintaining Status (J-1 Student)
        • Extend Your Program
        • Letter Requests (J-1 Student)
        • On-Campus Work Authorization for J-1 Students
        • Replace or Update DS-2019 Request
        • Social Security Card (J-1 Student)
        • Academic Training
        • Travel Authorization (J-1 Students)
    • International Scholars
      Back
      • Maintaining J-1 Status
      • J-2 Dependents
      • Travel Procedures
      • Lecture Requests & Consultations
      • Extensions
      • 12 and 24 Month Bars
      • Two-Year Residency Requirement
      • 212e Waiver
      • Program Transfer
    • Programs and Activities
      Back
      • Spring 2023 Trips & Events
        Back
        • Texas State Capitol Trip
        • Global Friendship Program Kickoff Event
        • Baylor Adventure Course
        • NASA Trip
        • International Tea & Coffee Hour
      • Global Friendship Program
      • CGE Ambassadors
      • Educational Workshops and Training
      • International Student Organizations
      • ISSS Programming Framework
    • Support Resources
      Back
      • Academic & English Language Support
        Back
        • International Student Academic Support
        • International Teaching Assistants (Graduate Students)
        • Library & Research Support
        • STL 1205 - Academic Success Strategies for International Students
      • Paying Taxes
        Back
        • Tax Process
        • Forms & Documents
        • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Special Statuses and Programs to Support International Students
      • Living in Waco
        Back
        • Banking and Money
        • Food Stores
        • Getting a Cell Phone
        • Getting a Driver's License
        • Health Services
        • Housing Services
        • Transportation
        • Weather in Waco
        • Working on Campus
      • Avoiding Frauds and Scams
    • Faculty & Staff Toolkit
    • Global Bears Login
  • Global Baylor
    Back
    • Certificate in Global Engagement
      Back
      • Enrollments and Benefits
      • Global Engagement Courses
      • Submitting Activity
    • International Education Week
    • Global Calendar of Events
    • GBL 1101, 1102 & 1103
    • Connecting to Global Initiatives
    • Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
  • Global Gateway
    Back
    • Our Program
    • About Us
      Back
      • GGP Administrative Staff
      • GGP Faculty
      • Visitor Directions to the Global Gateway Program
    • Current Students
      Back
      • Handbook & Program of Studies
    • New Students
      Back
      • On-Campus Study Information
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      Back
      • GGP Arrival Information
      • On-Campus Housing & Dining
      • Finances
      • Life at Baylor
      • Academics
    • Academic & English Language Support
  • Global Scholars
    Back
    • Why Global Scholars
    • Global Scholars Application Process
    • Starting in Dublin
      Back
      • Studying in Dublin, Ireland
      • Course Work
      • Cost
      • Residence Hall in Dublin
    • Global Scholars Community
    • Global Scholars Leadership
  • Register Travel
    Back
    • Faculty & Student Group Travel
    • Faculty/Staff Only Travel
    • Student Only Travel
  • General Information
  • Academics & Research
  • Administration
  • Admissions
  • Gateways for ...
  • About Baylor
  • Athletics
  • Ask Baylor
  • Bookstore
  • Calendar
  • Campus Map
  • Directory
  • Give Light
  • Give to Baylor
  • Illuminate
  • News
  • Pro Futuris
  • Search
  • Social Media
  • Baylor Libraries
  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • Diana R. Garland School of Social Work
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary
  • Graduate School
  • Hankamer School of Business
  • Honors College
  • Law School
  • Louise Herrington School of Nursing
  • Research at Baylor University
  • Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
  • School of Education
  • School of Engineering & Computer Science
  • School of Music
  • More Academics
  • Athletics
  • Human Resources
  • Marketing and Communications
  • Office of General Counsel
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the Provost
  • Operations, Finance & Administration
  • Senior Administration
  • Student Life
  • University Advancement
  • Undergraduate Admissions
  • goBAYLOR
  • Graduate Admissions
  • Baylor Law School Admissions
  • Social Work Graduate Programs
  • George W. Truett Theological Seminary Admissions
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Virtual Tour
  • Visit Campus
  • Alumni & Friends
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Online Graduate Professional Education
  • Parents
  • Prospective Faculty & Staff
  • Prospective Students
  • Students
  • Accessibility
  • Anonymous Reporting
  • Annual Fire Safety and Security Notice
  • Digital Privacy
  • Legal Disclosures
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Report It
  • Title IX
 
Baylor University
Copyright © Baylor® University. All rights reserved.
Baylor University • Waco, Texas 76798 • 1-800-229-5678