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.