Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (Pre-OPT) is work authorization available to international students who have been in valid F-1 status for at least three consecutive quarters and who plan to seek employment in the U.S. in their field of study. Pre-Completion OPT takes place during the academic program while a student is enrolled and before the student graduates.
OPT allows F-1 students to work legally for a period of up to 12 months. Pre-Completion OPT is recommended by an advisor at the International Center, but final approval is granted by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS).
Eligibility
- Valid F-1 status
- Enrollment in at least three consecutive quarters
- Pursuing a Bachelor, Master, or Ph.D. degree
- Employment must be related directly to the major area of study
Pre-Completion OPT is only for situations where:
- Your OPT start and end date will be during your studies (not after graduation).
- You have a training opportunity but might not be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
If you are completing your degree program at UCI and need OPT approval to work after graduation, you must plan to apply for Post-Completion OPT.
If you are NOT graduating soon, and need authorization for an internship, practicum, or other work/training related to your studies, our office recommends reviewing our Curricular Practical Training (CPT) information first.
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Pre-Completion OPT (Pre-OPT) |
|---|---|
| • A job offer is required in order to apply for CPT. • Request is processed at the International Center • No application fee. • Processing time is 10 business days • Does not deduct from OPT time unless 12 months of full time CPT is exceeded. • Must be maintaining status and enrolled on a full time for at least one academic year (3 quarters) on the same SEVIS number. • Part time CPT during the academic quarter; full time CPT during summer and academic breaks. • Enrollment is required in a CPT-eligible course. • To learn more about CPT, please review International Center’s CPT information. | • A job offer is not required in order to apply for OPT. • Application gets sent to USCIS and is authorized by USCIS. • $410 I-765 application fee to USCIS. • Average 3-5 months processing time with USCIS. • Part-time or full-time pre-completion OPT deducts from post-completion OPT time • Must be maintaining status and enrolled on a full time for at least one academic year (3 quarters) on the same SEVIS number. • Part-time OPT during the academic quarter; full time OPT during summer and academic breaks. • No enrollment in course for credit required. |