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Pre-completion OPT

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a benefit of F-1 status that permits off-campus employment in the student’s field of study to begin prior to the student’s program completion date.

Students are eligible for 12 months of OPT at each degree level (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral). OPT work authorization can be used either before (pre-completion) or after (post-completion) degree completion. Any time used prior to degree completion is subtracted from the 12-month total.  Students become eligible for another 12 months of OPT when moving to a higher degree level (e.g. Bachelor’s to Master’s, Master’s to Ph.D.).

Before You Apply

Make sure you meet the following requirements:

• One academic year completed
• You have completed at least one academic year of full-time study in the U.S. while maintaining valid non-immigrant status. You may apply to USCIS up to 90 days before completing this requirement.
• GPA requirement
• You have a minimum overall GPA of 3.25.
• Related employment
• Your intended employment is directly related to your program of study.
• Understand the impact on OPT
• You have reviewed the and understand how CPT and pre-completion OPT may affect your post-completion OPT eligibility.

Important: You Cannot Start Working Yet

Do not begin employment until USCIS has approved your OPT and you have received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card. Working before your authorized OPT start date or before receiving your EAD may violate your F-1 status.

How Pre-Completion OPT Affects Post-Completion OPT

You may receive up to 12 months of pre-completion OPT at each academic level. Time used for pre-completion OPT reduces the amount of post-completion OPT available to you.

Examples:

• 6 months of full-time pre-completion OPT → 6 months of post-completion OPT remaining
• 12 months of part-time pre-completion OPT → 6 months of post-completion OPT remaining

USCIS Fees

The Form I-765 OPT application fee is non-refundable. As of August 2026:

• Form I-765 filing fee: $470
• Premium Processing fee: $1,780

Because pre-completion OPT applications may take a long time to process, we strongly recommend using Premium Processing when filing your application. We also recommend consulting with an immigration attorney prior to filing a form I-765 to discuss your particular situation.

For the most up-to-date USCIS fees, please review the drop-down menu on the .

Plan Ahead

Pre-completion OPT can affect the amount of post-completion OPT available to you. Review the OPT Planning Guide and plan your CPT and OPT carefully before applying.

Application

Total processing time is at least 15 business days from initial OPT application review request to receiving the updated I-20 with OPT recommendation. Complete the google form below to start your application with ISGSS.

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