Pre-Completion OPT

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) is work authorization for F-1 students to gain practical off-campus work experience within your field of study that begins and ends before your program completion date. Activity while on Pre-Completion OPT needs to directly relate to your major field of study.

As an F-1 student, you are eligible for 12 months of OPT at each degree level (i.e., Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral). If you do not have an internship or practicum option, Pre-Completion OPT may be right for you.

Applying for Pre-Completion OPT

1. Review detailed information about Pre-Completion OPT in this Powerpoint.
2. Request your Academic Advisor or Pogram Coordinator to complete the Pre-Completion OPT Academic Advisor Recommendation Form.
3. Once the Pre-Completion OPT Academic Advisor Recommendation Form has been completed, submit the Pre-Completion OPT Request E-Form in the MyOIE POrtal to request an I-20 with a recommendation for OPT.
4. Apply for Pre-Completion OPT authorization with USCIS. Refer to the Powerpoint for details on the process to file Form I-765, which can only happen after you have received your I-20 from OIE recommending Pre-Completion OPT.