How many months of OPT do I have?

12 months
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). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

What does employer need for OPT?

The employer’s responsibilities for a student’s STEM OPT include: E-Verify: The STEM OPT employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program. Compensation: The STEM OPT student’s compensation must be commensurate with the pay of a U.S. citizen with the same credentials in a similar position.

Can you use OPT twice?

A student may participate twice in the STEM OPT extension over the course of their academic career. Students may not apply for STEM OPT extensions during the 60-day grace period following an initial (usually 12-month) period of post-completion OPT.

When to apply for an opt Employment Authorization?

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). However, all periods of pre-completion OPT will be deducted from the available period of post-completion OPT.

Can you apply for opt if you are outside of the US?

You will not be eligible to apply for OPT if you are outside of the U.S. at the time of application. You are eligible for 12 months OPT per education level.

How many hours per week can you work on USCIS opt?

If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time. If you participated in pre-completion OPT, USCIS will deduct that amount of time from your post-completion OPT authorization period.

Can you work for more than one employer with opt?

Multiple jobs: OPT is not employer specific. As long as they otherwise meet all employment criteria, you can work for multiple employers simultaneously After your OPT has been approved and you start working, you are required to report what your position is and how it is related to your degree program through the OIA OPT Update Form.