Optional Practical Training (OPT) and related info

USCIS ANNOUNCES NEW RULE ALLOWING EXTENSION OF OPTIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS

Questions and Answers April 4, 2008


Rule Expands “Cap-Gap” Relief for Students with Pending H-1B Petitions

PRIOR F-1 REGULATIONS RELATING TO PRACTICAL TRAINING:

What is optional practical training?
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Under existing rules, an F-1 student may be authorized to receive up to 12 months of practical training either pre- and/or post- completion of studies.
• Pre-completion OPT:
An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT after he/she has been enrolled for one full academic year. The pre-completion OPT must be directly related to the student’s course of study. Students authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT must work part-time while school is in session. They may work full time when school is not in session.
• Post-completion OPT:
An F-1 student may be authorized to participate in post-completion OPT upon completion

(please read below for more info).

http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/OPT_FAQ_4apr08.pdf

http://www.ice.gov/sevis/stemlist.htm
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/