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Pre-completion vs Post-completion OPT

Compare pre-completion and post-completion OPT: work-hour limits, application windows, and how pre-completion time reduces your post-completion allowance.

7 min read

Two Phases of OPT

F-1 students may apply for OPT before completing their degree (pre-completion) or after completing it (post-completion). Both draw from the same 12-month total per degree level, so understanding the trade-offs is critical before choosing when to use your OPT time.

Source: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(A), Pre-completion OPT requirements

Pre-completion OPT

Pre-completion OPT allows you to work while still enrolled in your academic program. It is available after you have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year.

  • During the academic year you may only work part-time (20 hours per week or fewer).
  • During official school breaks (summer, winter) you may work full-time.
  • The work must be directly related to your major area of study.
  • You must maintain valid F-1 status and full-time enrollment while using pre-completion OPT.

Pre-completion OPT is relatively uncommon because it reduces the time available for post-completion OPT and requires maintaining full-time enrollment. Most students prefer CPT for pre-graduation work experience.

Post-completion OPT

Post-completion OPT is the more popular option. It authorizes full-time employment after you complete your degree program. You have a 60-day grace period after your program end date during which you must either begin employment, apply for a change of status, or prepare to depart the United States.

  • Full-time employment (more than 20 hours per week) is permitted.
  • You may request an OPT start date up to 60 days after your program end date.
  • The 90-day cumulative unemployment clock begins on your OPT start date.
  • You may work for multiple employers simultaneously, as long as each position relates to your field of study.

Source: 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(B), Post-completion OPT requirements

How Pre-completion OPT Reduces Post-completion Time

Both pre-completion and post-completion OPT draw from the same 12-month allowance per degree level. However, the deduction rate differs depending on whether you worked part-time or full-time during pre-completion OPT.

  • Part-time pre-completion OPT (20 hours/week or fewer): deducted at half rate. Two months of part-time work reduces your post-completion OPT by one month.
  • Full-time pre-completion OPT (during breaks): deducted day for day. One month of full-time pre-completion work reduces your post-completion OPT by one full month.

If you use the full 12 months of pre-completion OPT, you will have zero post-completion OPT remaining at that degree level. Plan carefully to preserve post-graduation work time.

Application Windows

The filing windows for pre-completion and post-completion OPT differ. For pre-completion, you may file your I-765 up to 90 days before the date you want employment to begin. For post-completion, you may file up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after it.

File your I-765 as early as your window allows. USCIS processing can take several months, and you cannot work until you receive your EAD card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from pre-completion to post-completion OPT?
They are not something you switch between. Pre-completion OPT ends when you complete your program. After graduation you would apply separately for post-completion OPT, with your remaining time reduced by any pre-completion OPT you used.
If I used 4 months of part-time pre-completion OPT, how much post-completion OPT do I have left?
Part-time pre-completion OPT is deducted at half the rate. Four months of part-time work equals two months of OPT used, leaving you with 10 months of post-completion OPT.
Do I need a job offer to apply for post-completion OPT?
No. You do not need a job offer or employment at the time you apply for post-completion OPT. However, once your OPT start date arrives, the 90-day unemployment clock begins ticking.
What is the 60-day grace period after program completion?
After your program end date (as listed on your I-20), you have a 60-day grace period. During this time you may remain in the U.S. to prepare for departure, apply for a change of status, or begin OPT employment. You cannot work during the grace period unless you already hold a valid EAD.

See your own OPT application window

Enter your program end date and get the exact dates you can file and start work.

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