What Are Pre-Completion and Post-Completion OPT?

Two Phases of the Same 12 Months

Optional Practical Training authorizes employment directly related to your major area of study, and each degree level comes with 12 months of it. Pre-completion OPT is the portion used before your program end date, while you are still enrolled. Post-completion OPT is the portion used after it. A new 12-month period becomes available when you move to a higher degree level.

Any time spent on pre-completion OPT is deducted from the post-completion months that remain, so choosing between the phases is really choosing when to spend a single allowance. The pre-completion vs post-completion OPT guide compares the two side by side.

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

How the Work Rules Differ

On pre-completion OPT you may work no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session, and full time only during annual vacation and other official breaks. The school-year limits are covered in can F-1 students work before graduation on OPT.

On post-completion OPT you work at least 20 hours per week, and full-time work is standard. The 90-day unemployment limit also applies only during post-completion OPT: days of unemployment count against it beginning on your EAD start date.

Source: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A), Pre-completion and post-completion OPT work rules

Source: USCIS Optional Practical Training, Hours rules for both OPT types

Different Filing Windows

For pre-completion OPT, you may file Form I-765 up to 90 days before you finish one full academic year, as long as the employment will not begin until that year is complete. For post-completion OPT, you may file up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after it, and within 30 days of your DSO entering the recommendation in SEVIS.

Source: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(11)(i)(B), Filing deadlines for pre-completion and post-completion OPT