Pre-Completion OPT Eligibility and Timeline Basics
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for pre-completion OPT, students must:
- be maintaining active F-1 status
- have been enrolled in a full-time degree-seeking program for at least one academic year
- have a pre-completion OPT start and end date that fall within their I-20 program dates
- have followed all rules and obligations associated with any past CPT authorizations through UVM, if applicable. Students who have had more than 365 days of full-time CPT lose OPT eligibility
- by physically present in the US
Students are eligible for a total of 12 months combined of pre and post-completion optional practical training (OPT) at each degree level. This means any pre-completion OPT authorization will be subtracted from the time available for post-completion OPT. See chart for a detailed explanation for how this works:
Part-Time Pre-Completion OPT (up to 20 hours per week) | Subtracts from post-completion OPT at a .5 rate. Example: 12 weeks of part-time pre-completion OPT reduces future OPT by 6 weeks |
|---|---|
Full-Time Pre-Completion OPT (over 20 hours per week) | Subtracts from post-completion OPT at a 1-to-1 rate. Example: 12 weeks of full-time pre-completion OPT reduces future OPT by 12 weeks |
Application Timelines
- Students can apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before their proposed employment start date. We strongly urge students to apply as early into their application window as possible as it can often take 90 or more days for USCIS to adjudicate the pending benefit request.
- Premium processing is available for an additional cost, which guarantees a response from USCIS within 30 business days.
- Students must submit their application to USCIS within 30 days of the OIE recommendation for pre-completion OPT. See the issue date on new I-20. Applying more than 30 days after this date will result in a denial of the application.
Applying for Pre-Completion OPT
Step 1: Request and Receive New Pre-Completion OPT I-20 from the OIE
The first step to begin your pre-completion OPT application is to request a new I-20 with a pre-completion OPT recommendation from the OIE. This request is made in iStart.
To submit this request, you will need to decide on when you want to request for your pre-completion OPT to begin. This is a personal decision but should be based on when you hope to realistically begin your practical training experience since time on pre-completion OPT takes away from your time on post-completion OPT. You do not need a job offer to apply.
The OIE will review your request within five days of submission. If everything is in order, the OIE will approve your pre-completion OPT I-20 request and send you an email with instructions for next steps. Read that email carefully.
Step 2: Apply for Pre-Completion OPT with USCIS
You will need to create an account on the USCIS website. All materials related to this application will be saved in this account portal, so it is important to keep your account secure and to make sure you are able to access it into the future.
The I-765 online application will allow you to enter your information, upload your documents, and pay online before filing the application directly with USCIS. Read and follow all instructions carefully.
- You MUST have your pre-completion OPT I-20 from the OIE with a recommendation for pre-completion OPT on Page 2 before submitting your I-765 application online or your case will be denied.
- The I-765 application must be submitted online within 30 days of the date your pre-completion OPT was recommended by the OIE.
- Pay attention to requirements for document uploads. We recommend that you name your upload files in simple English words that describe what the document is.
- Make sure your photo meets U.S. Department of State guidelines for size and composition.
- Once you enter your information and upload your documents, there will be a review screen before submission. Stop here, review carefully yourself, and meet with an OIE advisor before submitting.
Step 3: Wait for Pre-Completion OPT Approval
After submitting your pre-completion OPT application, you will receive a receipt notice from USCIS in your myUSCIS online portal account. The receipt notice will have a case number which is unique to your pre-completion OPT application. You can track the status of your case online using this number. Save your receipt notice. You cannot begin work on pre-completion OPT until you have received your employment authorization document (EAD) and your start date has been reached.
Step 4: After Pre-Completion OPT is Approved
Pre-completion OPT may begin only after the following conditions are met:
- The EAD from USCIS has been received
- The approved OPT start date on the EAD has been reached
- The experience is directly related to your major field of study
There are no limits on unemployment on pre-completion OPT. However, if you do not end up using some or all of your pre-completion OPT, the full authorization period will still be deducted from your time available on post-completion OPT.
While on pre-completion OPT, you are still an active F-1 student which means you must continue to report changes to the OIE. These changes should be reported via iStart within 10 days of the change occurring. Changes may include adding or updating pre-completion employment information or updating your living address.
You must stop work on pre-completion OPT no later than the end date as listed on your pre-completion OPT EAD.