Employment
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
[All information is subject to change without notice.]
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment for practical training that is “directly related to the student’s area of study and commensurate with the student’s educational level." You are allowed one year of OPT per higher degree level of study (i.e. one per Bachelor’s, one per Master’s, one per Doctorate).You do not need a job in order to apply.
The UT Dallas ISSO recommends that you attend an Optional Practical Training workshop to learn about OPT application procedures and requirements. Workshops are held on Tuesdays.
- For workshop times and locations, call 972-883-4189 or click here to access a schedule.
- Students unable to attend a workshop can click here to view the presentation slides.
- See our Forms page to download OPT forms.
- Click here for OPT Eligibility requirements, the OPT application process and OPT FAQ's.
Types of OPT
There are three types of OPT available to qualified students. And, as of April 8, 2008, there are two more work-related benefits for some OPT students, H-1b Gap relief and the 17-month OPT extension.
Post-Completion OPT is the most commonly used type of OPT. A student applies for this benefit during the last semester of enrollment for a work authorization that starts after completion of studies.
Coursework-Completion OPT is available to F-1 students who have completed standard
courses and are working on a thesis or dissertation. The student may work part-time or full-time but must maintain full-time enrollment during the spring and fall semesters.
Pre-Completion OPT is available to F-1 students any time after completing one academic year of full-time study in the U.S. Work is limited to part-time during the fall and spring semesters. Full-time enrollment during those semesters is required.
Most students whose OPT employer has filed an H-1B petition with a start date of October 1 can benefit from the new H-1b Gap relief.
Graduates holding degrees from certain Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) programs may be eligible for an OPT Extension.
Updated: May 9, 2008
