Pre-Completion OPT

Overview

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization for F-1 students that allows them to gain practical work experience directly related to their major field of study. Pre-Completion OPT is the version of this benefit used before a student finishes their academic program — as opposed to Post-Completion OPT, which is used after graduation.

Every F-1 student is entitled to a total of 12 months of full-time OPT per degree level. Any Pre-Completion OPT time used is deducted from that same 12-month bank, reducing the amount of Post-Completion OPT available after graduation.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Pre-Completion OPT, a student must:

Have been lawfully enrolled full-time for one full academic year (typically two consecutive fall/spring semesters; summer sessions do not count) at a SEVP-certified school.
Be in good standing and continue to maintain full-time enrollment while participating in Pre-Completion OPT.
Have a proposed employment activity that is directly related to their major field of study.
Not have accrued 12 months or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) at their current degree level.

A job offer is not required to apply for Pre-completion OPT or Post-Completion OPT. USCIS does not require proof of an existing position before authorizing Pre-Completion OPT.

Work Hour Limits:

Less than 20 hours per week during academic semesters.
Full time 20 hours or more during official breaks (e.g., summer/winter break)

Impact on Post-Completion OPT:

All Pre-Completion OPT time is subtracted from the student's total 12-month OPT allowance for that degree level.
Part-time Pre-Completion OPT is deducted at half the rate of full-time use (e.g., 2 months of part-time Pre-Completion OPT reduces the remaining balance by 1 month).
If a student uses the full 12 months of Pre-Completion OPT, no Post-Completion OPT will remain.
Only the portion of authorized Pre-Completion OPT that actually occurs before the program end date counts against the total. If a student completes their program earlier than expected, unused authorized time on the EAD is not forfeited.

Application Process:

Meet with an international student advisor to confirm eligibility and discuss whether Pre-Completion OPT or another option (such as CPT) best fits the student's needs.
Request a Pre-Completion OPT recommendation through the appropriate student portal/system.
Receive an updated Form I-20 with the Pre-Completion OPT recommendation from the DSO (Designated School Official).
File Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with USCIS, along with the signed I-20 and required supporting documents. This must be filed while the student is physically inside the United States.
Wait for USCIS adjudication. Processing times vary — students are encouraged to check current USCIS processing times for Form I-765 (category (c)(3)(A)) and to request a start date several months out to allow a buffer.
Receive the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Work may begin only on or after the start date printed on the EAD, once it is received.
Report employment activity on ISOGateWay as required, including start dates, end dates, employer name/location, and any changes in job duties.

Important Reminders

The requested Pre-Completion OPT start date must fall after the student completes one full academic year, and the end date must be before the program end date or last date of required enrollment — whichever is sooner.
Students may generally apply up to 90 days before completing the one-academic-year requirement.
The application must be filed from within the United States; students who leave the country before filing must wait until they re-enter and receive an updated I-94 before applying.
If USCIS approves the application after the requested start date, the EAD will typically reflect a new start date (the approval date), while the end date usually stays the same as originally requested.
Students should keep accurate records of Pre-Completion OPT employment, as USCIS or the Department of State may request proof of this activity later (including during future visa applications).

Questions?

Contact the International Services Office (ISO) at isogwu [dot] edu for any questions you may have about the Pre-Completion OPT application process.