United States · Work after study
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students
Who it's for: F-1 students who want temporary work directly related to their main area of study, during or after their studies.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 4 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: No
- Study place needed: Yes
- Minimum education: No minimum
What the official pages say
3 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededNoOfficial wording
“Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion).”
Study place neededYesOfficial wording
“Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion).”
Minimum educationNo minimumOfficial wording
“If you have earned a degree in certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization if you:”
We have not yet recorded: Work experience; Language; Age limit; Money to show; Main fee; Salary threshold; Family can join; Can lead to permanent residence; Decision time; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other work after study routes in United States
All visa types in United States
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
United States visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.