OPT Full Form in US in 2025: Meaning, Types & Visa Eligibility

OPT full form is Optional Practical Training. OPT is an essential temporary work permit for international students in the US who hold an F1 visa. It gives them the chance to gain work experience that is directly related to their field of study. This program acts as a crucial link between what students learn in the classroom and their future careers, allowing eligible students to work for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending that to 24 months for those in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. To qualify, students need to have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, and their job must relate directly to their course. The application process requires a recommendation from their Designated School Official (DSO) and submitting Form I-765 to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to get an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is essential before they can start working. Real along to understand more about the OPT in USA.

This Story also Contains

1. What is OPT?
2. OPT Full Form
3. Benefits of Optional Practical Training
4. Types of Optional Practical Training
5. What is STEM OPT Extension?
6. Eligibility to Apply for Optional Practical Training
7. Documents Required for Optional Practical Training
8. OPT Form I-765 Fees 2025
9. How to Apply for Optional Practical Training?
10. When to apply for the OPT?
11. Challenges of OPT for International Students
12. Tips to get an OPT in USA for International Students

Also Read: US Student Visa Latest News and Updates 2025

What is OPT?

The following table details the overview of OPT:

OPT Full Form

OPT full form is Optional Practical Training. It is a temporary work permit designed for international students in the US who hold an F1 visa. It gives them the chance to gain valuable work experience that aligns with their field of study. This program plays an important role in connecting what students learn in the classroom with real-world job opportunities.

Benefits of Optional Practical Training

There are several benefits of opting for the Optional Practical Training. These include:

• Practical Experience: OPT gives students the chance to dive into hands-on experience in their chosen field, effectively connecting what they learn in the classroom with real-world applications.
• Career Development: It is a great way for students to work on their professional skills, expand their network, and boost their resumes with valuable work experience.
• Potential Pathway to H-1B: Participating in OPT can be a crucial pathway toward obtaining an H-1B visa, as it gives students the opportunity to showcase their skills and worth to potential employers.
• Networking Opportunities: Those in the OPT program can connect with industry professionals, potential employers, and alumni, creating important relationships that can be beneficial for their future career opportunities.

Types of Optional Practical Training

The USCIS provides OPT to international students who hold F1 visas. OPT permits students to work temporarily in their domain of study in USA. Generally, non-STEM candidates can work for one year; however, STEM students are allowed to work for one year, and it is extended for two years.

There are two types of OPT for F1 visa holders, namely:

1. Pre-completion OPT

2. Post-completion OPT

Pre-Completion OPT

International students who have newly joined a full-time degree program in the USA are eligible to apply for pre-completion OPT. Students must work 20 hours per week while pursuing a degree in USA if they are accepted to experience in pre-completion OPT.

Post-Completion OPT

Under this type of OPT, work authorisation is received to work after graduation. Graduates can apply for post-completion OPT after completing their studies in the USA. Applicants must work full-time or part-time at least 20 hours per week to participate in OPT.

What is STEM OPT Extension?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. All courses under the STEM field are eligible for an extension of the OPT from 12 months to 24 months. Many F1 visa holders sign up for STEM courses in the USA, and those who choose this path are specifically looking for jobs in STEM fields. So, the STEM OPT extension allows applicants to work in the USA for up to 24 months as part of the F1 STEM OPT Extension. Additionally, graduates with a STEM bachelor’s degree can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension. If they hold a STEM master’s degree, they may qualify for another STEM OPT extension in the USA. These guidelines apply to all applicants in STEM programs who are seeking a STEM OPT extension after graduation. For more information on the application rules, check out the STEM OPT Extension in the USA.

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Eligibility to Apply for Optional Practical Training

The eligibility requirements to apply for OPT are given below:

• It is mandatory to hold a valid F1 status in the USA.

• Applicant should apply for the OPT regarding their related field of study.

• You must enrol full-time for at least a year in an SEVP - authorised university in the USA.

• You should not have used one year or more of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT).

• When you apply for OPT, be present as a person in USA.

• You should not pursue English as a second language.

• You don’t use all the OPTs available for your current level of education.

• Applicant can apply for the OPT in their last semester of the degree, unless applying for the pre-OPT type of visa.

• OPT should not have been utilized previously by the applicant.

Documents Required for Optional Practical Training

To complete your application process for OPT, you must prepare all these documents:

• Two passport-size photographs

• I-765 (original)

• Copies of a valid passport

• Printout of I-94

• Copy of your OPT recommendation and I-20

• Copies of all earlier issued I-20s

• Copies of earlier issued EAD cards

• F1 visa stamp copy on passport.

• Application Fee (I-765 form fees)

OPT Form I-765 Fees 2025

There is no specific OPT visa application fee. However, there are fees for the I-765 form. When you submit your OPT application, you can choose between two modes, and the fee structure for the I-765 Form are listed below.

I-765 Form Online: $470 (approximately INR 40,150)

I-765 Form Paper: $520 (approximately INR 44,425)

These fees have been in effect since April 1, 2024.

How to Apply for Optional Practical Training?

Applicants decide to apply for OPT, follow these steps to finish the application process:

Application Process for OPT in USA

• Step 1: Participate in an OPT workshop, offered by many universities.

• Step 2: Plan to apply for OPT, and arrange a meeting with Designated School Officials (DSO). They will assist you in completing the application process for OPT.

• Step 3: Fill out Form I-765 with valid details.

• Step 4: Provide the necessary documents and pay your application fees.

• Step 5: After submission, you receive Form I-797 from USCIS. Then, approximately 1 - 3 months after you obtain an EAD card through the mail (if approved).

When to apply for the OPT?

The table suggests when to file the I-765 Form or EAD based on degree type and F1 OPT visa type:

Challenges of OPT for International Students

• Long waiting time: The OPT application process can be challenging, longer than expected and confusing for students. For instance, some students have shared their experiences of waiting as long as six months for their OPT approval, as per the Times of India.

• Unemployment restrictions: OPT rules allow for a limited period of unemployment which is 90 days for non-STEM students and 150 days for those in STEM fields. Going over these limits can put a student's OPT status at risk, so it is crucial for them to keep a close eye on their employment situation and report any changes to SEVIS.

• Cultural and professional adjustments: Moving to a new country and getting used to a different culture can be tough, often leading to feelings of isolation. Plus, navigating the US job market and understanding workplace dynamics can be overwhelming. Students might also encounter discrimination based on their nationality or ethnicity, which can affect both their social and professional lives.

• Limited career options: OPT is closely linked to a student's field of study, which means they might struggle to explore job opportunities outside that area.

• Difficult transition: Finding a long-term career in the US after OPT can be challenging as it often requires H-1B sponsorship or other visa pathways. Some students may find it hard to transition to different work visas, like the H-1B, making it even more challenging to create a career in the US.

Read more: US Bill Threatens to end OPT Work Visa; Indian Students Worried

Tips to get an OPT in USA for International Students

• Find a suitable job and employer so you can submit your I-765 Form.

• Make sure to apply 90 days before your graduation ends. Do not wait too long, or your application will not be accepted.

• Maintain your F1 student visa status.

• If you are looking to apply for pre-completion OPT, remember to complete at least one academic year in the USA.

• Avoid having backlogs, missing classes, or any trouble while you are in the USA.

• Be physically present in the USA when you apply for the I-765 Form.

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