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Does Pre-Completion OPT Reduce the 12 Months of OPT?

Short answer

Yes. Every period of pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of OPT available at your degree level. Part-time pre-completion OPT of 20 hours per week or less is deducted at half rate, so two part-time months cost one month of the total. Full-time pre-completion OPT is deducted at the full rate.

The Deduction Rule

USCIS deducts every period of pre-completion OPT from the post-completion OPT available at the same degree level. The rate depends on the authorized hours. Part-time pre-completion OPT, meaning 20 hours per week or less, is deducted at half rate. Full-time pre-completion OPT is deducted in full, day for day.

The 12-month allowance itself comes from the practical training regulation. The deduction rates are how USCIS counts pre-completion time against that allowance.

Source: USCIS Optional Practical Training, Impact of pre-completion OPT on post-completion OPT

Source: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10), The 12-month practical training allowance

What That Looks Like in Months

USCIS publishes two anchor examples. A student who used a full year of part-time pre-completion OPT has 6 months of post-completion OPT left. A student who used a full year of full-time pre-completion OPT has none left.

  • 4 months part-time: 2 months deducted, 10 months remain after graduation.
  • 6 months part-time: 3 months deducted, 9 months remain.
  • 3 months full-time over summer breaks: 3 months deducted, 9 months remain.
  • 12 months full-time: 12 months deducted, nothing remains.

Source: USCIS Optional Practical Training, Worked deduction examples

Planning Around the Deduction

The deduction never crosses degree levels. A new 12-month period of Optional Practical Training becomes available when you move to a higher degree level, so months spent during a bachelor's degree do not reduce the OPT available after a later master's.

The 24-month STEM extension can only be requested during a valid period of post-completion OPT. Using all 12 months before graduation leaves nothing to extend.

The pre-completion vs post-completion OPT guide compares both phases if you are deciding when to spend the months.

Source: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C), STEM extension requires valid post-completion OPT

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Related Questions

What Is Pre-Completion OPT?

Pre-completion OPT, often called pre-OPT, is work authorization F-1 students use before completing their degree. It allows work directly related to your major, up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full time during official breaks, and it draws from the same 12 months as post-completion OPT.

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What Are Pre-Completion and Post-Completion OPT?

They are the two phases of Optional Practical Training. Pre-completion OPT is used before your program end date and is capped at 20 hours per week while school is in session. Post-completion OPT begins after your program ends and allows full-time work. Both draw from the same 12 months per degree level.

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Can F-1 Students Work Before Graduation on OPT?

Yes. Pre-completion OPT lets F-1 students work in jobs directly related to their major before graduation: up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full time during annual vacation and other official breaks. It requires one full academic year of enrollment and an EAD in hand before work starts.

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