Pre-Completion OPT

What is Pre-Completion OPT?

Pre-completion optional practical training (OPT) allows eligible F-1 students to work in their major field of study before completing their academic program.

Is Pre-Completion OPT Right for You?

First, check whether your opportunity qualifies for curricular practical training (CPT). The appropriate employment authorization depends on your degree requirements and when you plan to work.

Your situation	What to review
The opportunity meets 91吃瓜网's CPT eligibility requirements	Review the CPT application process.
The opportunity does not qualify for CPT, but the employment is before program completion and directly related to your major	Pre-Completion OPT may be an option if you meet the other eligibility requirements.
You plan to work after completing your program	Review post-completion OPT instead.

Master鈥檚 and doctoral students who have completed coursework but are finishing a thesis or dissertation may qualify for Post-Completion OPT instead.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time Pre-Completion OPT

听	Part-Time Pre-Completion OPT	Full-Time Pre-Completion OPT
Work hours	20 hours per week or fewer	More than 20 hours per week
Typical timing	While school is in session	May be available during eligible school breaks/annual vacation
Job offer required to apply?	No	No
Effect on future OPT	Deducted at a 50% rate	Deducted at a full-time rate

How Does Pre-Completion OPT Affect Future OPT?

Any pre-completion OPT used at a degree level reduces the amount of post-completion OPT available at that same degree level.

Example
Four months of part-time pre-completion OPT reduces future OPT by two months. Four months of full-time pre-completion OPT reduces future OPT by four months.

Eligibility

You may be eligible for pre-completion OPT if you:

are maintaining valid F-1 status;
have completed, or will have completed, one full academic year of study by the time the requested OPT begins;
have remaining OPT eligibility at your current degree level;

Application Timing and Important Considerations

Plan ahead for USCIS processing, which can take several months. Do not begin employment until you receive your EAD and the authorized start date has arrived.

Critical: 30-Day Rule
USCIS must receive the pre-completion OPT Form I-765 within 30 days of the DSO's OPT recommendation in SEVIS. Follow the date-specific instructions provided by ISSS.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Detailed application instructions, including required documents and USCIS filing procedures, are included in the pre-completion OPT workshop.

The application process involves three main steps:

Submit your request to ISSS. Complete the Pre-Completion OPT request through the ISSS Portal.
Apply to USCIS. After receiving your updated OPT I-20 from ISSS, submit to USCIS under eligibility category (c)(3)(A).
Receive your employment authorization document. Monitor your USCIS application and wait until you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and the authorized start date has arrived before beginning employment.

DO NOT file Form I-765 (or pay the fee) before receiving your updated OPT I-20 from ISSS. Filing before the OPT recommendation is entered in SEVIS can result in denial.

After You Apply

Save a copy of your application and USCIS receipt notice.
Monitor your USCIS case status and respond promptly to any Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Keep your address information current.

A pending Form I-765 does NOT authorize employment.
You may begin working only after USCIS approves your application, you receive your Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and the start date on your EAD has arrived.

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