The university and OIS are actively monitoring changes in U.S. immigration and border policies that could have an impact on JHU’s community. It is not yet clear what the impact of many of these policy changes will be, and it may take time for federal agencies to determine how they plan to operationalize new directives.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is defined in the F-1 regulations as “temporary employment authorization for practical training directly related to a student’s major field of study. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is available for a cumulative maximum of 12 months per higher degree level completed in the U.S.
There are two types of OPT:
Pre-Completion OPT: Off-campus work authorization during a student’s degree program.
Post-Completion OPT: Off-campus work authorization after completion of all degree requirements or after completion of all coursework (excluding thesis or dissertation credits).
This webpage will only discuss Pre-Completion OPT. Pre-Completion OPT is a benefit that allows students in F-1 status to receive work authorization to participate in off-campus training directly related to their major field of study during their academic program.
In most cases, off-campus training during the degree program can be authorized either through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or pre-completion OPT.
CPT offers a simpler authorization process, quicker processing times, and does not affect post-completion OPT unless the student has used 12 months of full-time CPT. Because of these benefits, students in F-1 status often choose pre-completion OPT when they or their training opportunity do not meet the eligibility criteria for CPT. Pre-completion OPT allows students to work in any position related to their field of study, including self-employment, while CPT requires the job to be an integral part of their curriculum, a requirement that may be more challenging to fulfill.
Pre-Completion OPT Application Basics
When applying for pre-completion OPT, you are requesting authorization to work in a job directly related to your major field of study for a specific period. You will select your desired start and end dates when requesting the I-20 recommending pre-completion OPT. A job offer is not required before applying. If USCIS approves your request, they will issue an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) listing your approved start and end dates.
While authorized for pre-completion OPT, you can work in a job, internship, or volunteer position directly related to your field of study. The number of hours you can work per week will depend on whether you are approved for part-time (20 hours or fewer) or full-time (more than 20 hours) pre-completion OPT. You are allowed to change employers, hold multiple jobs, internships, or volunteer positions, as long as you do not exceed your allotted weekly work hours. Each position must relate directly to your major, and you must report all jobs to maintain compliance.
A student is eligible for Pre-Completion OPT when:
They are currently in the U.S. and are maintaining valid F-1 status;
They have a valid passport and I-94 record indicating F-1 and D/S (duration of status);
They have been continuously enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year (fall and spring semester) in active nonimmigrant status OR will be completing one academic year within 90 days of applying for pre-completion OPT;
They have not completed more than 365 days of full-time CPT at the current degree level
They have not previously completed a higher degree level in the U.S.
They have not previously been approved for 12 months of OPT at the current degree level or a higher degree level; AND
They will only pursue employment directly related to their major field of study.
Impact on Post-Completion OPT
Use of any optional practical training is counted cumulatively with a total of 12 months allowed (this does not include the 24-month STEM OPT Extension). Pre-Completion OPT will count against that 12-month total and reduce the time available for post-completion OPT.
Part-time pre-completion OPT (20 hours per week or less) is deducted from post-completion OPT at a half-time rate. For example, 3 months of approved part-time pre-completion will deduct 1.5 months from your time of post-completion OPT and you will be eligible for only 10.5 months of post-completion OPT.
Full-time pre-completion OPT (more than 20 hours per week) is deducted from post-completion OPT at a full-time rate. For example, if you are approved for 3 months of full-time pre-completion OPT, 3 months will be deducted from your time of post-completion OPT and you will be eligible for only 9 months of post-completion OPT.
Even if you do not work during your authorized pre-completion OPT period, the time granted by USCIS will still be subtracted from your available post-completion OPT time.
When to Apply for Pre-Completion OPT
You are eligible to apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before you have met the requirement of one academic year in active nonimmigrant status. However, the requested pre-completion OPT start date must be after you have met the one academic year requirement. One academic year is defined as completing a fall and spring semester. JHU summer terms are not sufficient in length to satisfy the eligibility requirements (with the exception of a regular BSPH term). Time spent enrolled full-time in another immigration status may count toward the academic year requirement.
Requesting Pre-Completion OPT Authorization Dates
Students who apply for pre-completion OPT are required to select a requested start and end date for their authorization. Your requested pre-completion OPT start date must be after you have completed one academic year in active nonimmigrant status. OIS recommends choosing a start date at least 2-3 months in the future from the date you submit your application to USCIS to account for the varying processing times.
USCIS processing times vary; you may check the current estimated processing window for OPT applications on the USCIS Processing Times Website by selecting the following drop-down menu items:
Form: I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
Form Category: Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)3)]
Field Office or Service Center: Potomac Service Center
It is important that your pre-completion OPT end date does not extend beyond your I-20 program end date. While your I-20 is issued with an estimated program completion date, it is often shortened to reflect the last date of enrollment in your final term. If your pre-completion OPT end date is later than your shortened I-20 program end date, it may create issues when applying for post-completion OPT. To avoid potential challenges, carefully choose your pre-completion OPT end date, ensuring it does not go beyond your final I-20 program end date.
Additionally, when selecting your pre-completion OPT authorization dates, you should consider the following:
Duration of Pre-Completion OPT authorization
Pre-completion OPT can be authorized for a minimum of one day, and a maximum of 12 months at a time.
Any authorization for pre-completion OPT will deduct from available post-completion OPT time at the same degree level.
Pre-completion OPT cannot go beyond the I-20 program end date/program completion date.
Hourly employment limits
Part-Time pre-completion OPT is limited to 20 hours or less per week.
You are limited to part-time authorization during the fall and/or spring semester/terms.
You are also limited to part-time during the summer if your program has a required summer term OR summer is the final term of your academic program.
Full-Time pre-completion OPT allows more than 20 hours per week.
You may be authorized for full-time pre-completion OPT during the summer vacation period only if you will continue your program in the subsequent fall term, and if summer is not a required term
Once you have filed your pre-completion OPT application with USCIS, your requested start and end dates cannot be changed.
Pre-Completion OPT Application Process
Follow the Steps Below to Understand the Pre-Completion OPT Application Process
We want to ensure that pre-completion OPT is the best option for you. We can help you determine whether CPT is an option. If you are close to your program end date, the USCIS processing time may make pre-completion OPT unfeasible. You should also discuss when you plan to complete your degree program so that an OIS advisor can help you carefully select a pre-completion OPT end date that will not go beyond your I-20 program end date.
STEP 2: Complete a Submit a Request eForm in iHopkins and receive a new I-20
If you would like to apply for pre-completion OPT, please complete the Submit a Request eForm in iHopkins to request the I-20 recommending pre-completion OPT from OIS.
When asked to select the “Documentation that is being submitted”, please select “pre-completion OPT”. The eForm will ask you to upload a PDF document, which should include the following:
Your full name
Specify your requested start and end dates
Your start date must be no earlier than the day after your second consecutive semester of study in nonimmigrant status
Your end date can be no later than the end of your academic program
An acknowledgment of the following attestations (you can copy and paste them and provide a statement like “I understand and accept all of the attestations listed.”:
I understand that use of pre-completion OPT will deduct from my 12 months of post-completion OPT.
I understand that I need an I-20 recommending pre-completion OPT from OIS before I file my application with USCIS.
I understand that my eligibility category for pre-completion OPT is (c) (3) (A).
I understand I must report my pre-completion OPT employment information to OIS once I begin working.
I understand I must be in the U.S. when I submit my OPT application to USCIS.
I understand that I must notify the OIS of changes in my immigration status (for example: change of status to H-1B).
STEP 3: Prepare and submit pre-completion OPT application to USCIS
*DO NOT submit your pre-completion OPT application to USCIS until you have received the I-20 recommending pre-completion OPT from OIS.
Important Reminders: You must file your OPT application while inside of the U.S.If you depart the U.S. before filing your OPT application with USCIS, you must wait until you re-enter as an F-1 student and obtain your updated I-94 record before you submit your application to USCIS.
Once you receive the I-20 from OIS, review it carefully to ensure the details are correct. If there are any errors (such as ‘part-time’ OPT requested instead of ‘full-time’) reach out to OIS for a correction before filing your OPT application with USCIS.
When filing a pre-completion OPT application with USCIS, it is important that the correct eligibility category be selected: (C)(3)(A).
*Your OPT application must be received by USCIS no later than 30 days after OIS has issued your pre-completion OPT I-20. Failure to submit your application during this time frame WILL result in the denial of your application.
*File your application online OR by mailing in a paper application to USCIS. Do not submit your application using both methods.
*You will be responsible for compiling the documentation that is required as part of the pre-completion OPT application.
After you have received an I-20 recommending pre-completion OPT from OIS, you may file your pre-completion OPT application/Form I-765 with USCIS. You will need to upload the following materials to the USCIS online application system (if filing online).
See additional online filing recommendations below.
Newest I-20 with post-completion OPT recommendation
This is only referring to the I-20 recommending OPT, not to prior I-20s
Filing your application online:
Benefits of Filing Your Pre-Completion OPT Application with USCIS Online:
USCIS has confirmed that an electronically filed OPT application is less likely to be rejected. This is because the USCIS online filing system uses logic that limits the questions you will need to answer based on prior answers, diminishing the opportunity for errors.
Once the application is submitted online with final payment, students will immediately receive a receipt number and receipt notice. A paper copy receipt notice will also be mailed to you.
Payment will be made on a secure website using a credit or debit card. This means that you’ll be able to confirm receipt of payment at the time of application. Make sure that you are ready to submit your entire OPT application (including the required OPT recommendation I-20 from OIS, passport photos, and any other supporting documents) when you get to the payment screen.
To electronically file the Form I-765 with USCIS online, individuals must first create a USCIS online account at myaccount.uscis.gov. Once you have created an account, you’ll be able to complete the filing process. Within your USCIS account, you will be able to:
Upload your documents
Documents can be uploaded in the following formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF, TIF, or TIFF. Photos can be uploaded as a JPG, JPEG, or PNG
File names must contain only English characters (e.g. ABC). Special characters (e.g. @, #, $, &) are not allowed. You will receive an error message if the file format or file name do not meet the standards above
Once you submit your application through the online system, you should:
Receive your receipt notice and receipt number immediately within your USCIS account
Be able to track the status of your case
Communicate with USCIS through a secure inbox
Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFE)
We recommend that you review the USCIS online filing webinar to understand the process and documents you will need to submit before you begin the online application.
USCIS Offers Premium Processing for OPT Applications:
Premium processing is a service that guarantees USCIS’s response to an application within a certain timeframe. The response will be the issuance of an approval notice, a denial notice, a notice of intent to deny, or a request for evidence. For students in F-1 status filing form I-765 for pre-completion OPT, the premium processing fee is $1,685 and the timeframe is 30 business days after USCIS receives your complete application.
Before submitting a request for premium processing, consider the current processing times for the Form I-765. You can check USCIS’s OPT processing time by going to their processing times website, selecting “I-765 Application for Employment Authorization” under “Form”, selecting “Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)(3)]” under “Form Category”, and selecting “Potomac Service Center” under “Field Office or Service Center.” There you will be able to see their estimated time range for processing OPT applications.
After you file your pre-completion OPT application with USCIS, pay attention to receipt notices, mail, and notifications from USCIS. When you receive your receipt notice, it is important that you check the spelling of your name to make sure there are no errors. Contact OIS if your pre-completion OPT application is rejected, denied, or if you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE)
If you move from the U.S. address you entered in item 3 of the Form I-765 or are no longer receiving mail there and have not yet received your Employment Authorization Document (EAD Card), you must update your address information in the USCIS Online Change of Address System
If you have questions about your case or status of your application, use the USCIS online tools or call the National Customer Service Number (800-375-5283). To check your case status online, click here.
Once you receive your EAD card and it is within the authorization period on the card, you may begin working.
Travel
While applying and if approved for pre-completion OPT, you remain in F-1 status and are still considered a student within your I-20 program dates. You can continue to travel as usual, as long as you have all the required documentation.
Students do not receive access to the SEVP portal when they are authorized for pre-completion OPT. Therefore, all employment during pre-completion OPT must be reported to OIS so we can update your F-1 record. To report your employment, please email [email protected] with the following information:
Name of Employer (company name):
Job Title
Date you began working with this employer
Employer Address (street, unit/suite, city, state, postal code)
Supervisor’s First and Last Name:
Supervisor’s Telephone Number:
Supervisor Email Address:
Briefly describe how this job is directly related to your major field of study. To help you describe the relevance to your degree, considering the following:
What are the goals and objectives for your job? How will what you have learned in your JHU program help you achieve those goals and objectives?
What knowledge/skills from your JHU program will you apply in this job?
What coursework from your JHU program is relevant to the job?
Would you like a new I-20? (Answer yes or no)
A clear copy of your pre-completion OPT EAD card attached as a PDF
If your employment ends or you change employers, you must notify OIS within 10 days of the change so we can update the pre-completion OPT employment information in your SEVIS record.
Your requested pre-completion OPT start date must be after you have completed one academic year in active nonimmigrant status. OIS recommends choosing a start date at least 2-3 months in the future from the date you submit your application to USCIS to account for the varying processing times.
USCIS processing times vary; you may check the current estimated processing window for OPT applications on the USCIS Processing Times Website by selecting the following drop-down menu items:
Form: I-765 Application for Employment Authorization
Form Category: Based on a request by a qualified F-1 academic student [(c)3)]
Field Office or Service Center: Potomac Service Center
How do I choose my pre-completion OPT end date?
It is important that your pre-completion OPT end date does not extend beyond your I-20 program end date. While your I-20 is issued with an estimated program completion date, it is often shortened to reflect the last date of enrollment in your final term. If your pre-completion OPT end date is later than your shortened I-20 program end date, it may create issues when applying for post-completion OPT. To avoid potential challenges, carefully choose your pre-completion OPT end date, ensuring it does not go beyond your final I-20 program end date.
Can I have CPT and Pre-Completion OPT at the same time?
You can use both pre-completion OPT (authorized by USCIS) and CPT (authorized by OIS) simultaneously. However, while on pre-completion OPT, you may work for multiple employers as long as each job is related to your field of study, and you do not exceed your authorized weekly work hours. In many cases, if you are already authorized for pre-completion OPT, additional CPT authorization may not be necessary.
Does use of pre-completion OPT impact my ability to use Post-Completion OPT?
Yes, the time granted for pre-completion OPT will be deducted from your 12-month post-completion OPT period. Even if you do not work during the pre-completion OPT period, you cannot recover any lost post-completion OPT time. For example, if you are approved for 2 months of full-time pre-completion OPT, you will only be eligible for 10 months of post-completion OPT, regardless of whether you used the pre-completion OPT.
Does use of pre-completion OPT impact my ability to use STEM OPT?
No, a USCIS-authorized pre-completion OPT period does not affect your eligibility for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, as long as you meet the requirements for STEM OPT. However, you must be in an active post-completion OPT period to apply for STEM OPT. Be sure to leave enough post-completion OPT authorization time so that you can apply for the STEM extension. OIS recommends keeping at least 3 months of post-completion OPT available to ensure you have enough time to apply for both post-completion OPT and the STEM OPT extension
Application
Can I cancel my pre-completion OPT application if my plan has changed?
First, contact OIS right away if your plan has changed and you will not apply for pre-completion OPT. If you received an I-20 with the pre-completion OPT recommendation from OIS but you have not filed the I-765 with USCIS, OIS can cancel the pre-completion OPT recommendation in your SEVIS record.
If you filed the I-765 and received a receipt notice, you must submit a request to withdraw the I-765 with USCIS. You will be able to withdraw your pre-completion OPT application only if your OPT application status is pending. If USCIS approves your pre-completion OPT and issues an EAD before processing your withdrawal request, no withdrawal is possible. Contact OIS for instructions for withdrawing your application.
Can I travel internationally while my pre-completion OPT application is pending?
Yes. While applying for pre-completion OPT, you remain in F-1 status and are still considered a student within your I-20 program dates. You can continue to travel as usual, as long as you have all the required documentation.
Please keep in mind that if USCIS needs to communicate with you about your application, they will send notices to your US mailing address and a delay in responding to them could result in further delay or denial of your pre-completion OPT application.
My pre-completion OPT has been approved but I have not received my EAD. What do I do?
Contact your local US Post Office to see if they have any record of your EAD shipment. If not, call the USCIS Customer Service Number to see if it was returned to them or if the EAD was lost in the mail. If the EAD was returned to USCIS, you can request that they reship it to you, which can take up to 30 days. If the EAD was lost in the mail you will have to request a replacement. The replacement process is similar to the initial pre-completion OPT application process and requires you to pay the application fee again.
During Pre-Completion OPT
Can I enroll part-time while working on pre-completion OPT?
While authorized for pre-completion OPT, you still must meet the F-1 full-time enrollment requirements.
Is there an unemployment limit when authorized for pre-completion OPT?
There is no unemployment day allotment or limit while in your authorized period of pre-completion OPT. While having a job offer is not required to apply for pre-completion OPT, it is best to have a job lined up since any time authorized for pre-completion OPT will subtract time available for post-completion OPT.
Can I change my part-time pre-completion OPT authorization to full-time?
First, review the following:
Part-Time pre-completion OPT is limited to 20 hours or less per week.
You are limited to part-time authorization during the fall and/or spring semester/terms.
You are also limited to part-time during the summer if your program has a required summer term OR summer is the final term of your academic program.
Full-Time pre-completion OPT allows more than 20 hours per week.
You may be authorized for full-time pre-completion OPT during the summer vacation period only if you will continue your program in the subsequent fall term, and if summer is not a required term.
Once you file your application with USCIS, the requested authorization dates and whether the request is for part-time or full-time authorization cannot be changed. A new I-20 from OIS and a new application filed with USCIS would be needed. For example: If a student wants part-time pre-completion OPT during the semester and full-time pre-completion OPT during the summer, this will require two separate I-20s from OIS and two separate applications with USCIS.
Can I change employers while working on pre-completion OPT?
Yes, as long as the employment is directly related to your major field of study and does not exceed the authorized number of hours of work per week. You should also report any changes in your employment to OIS via email within 10 days of the change so we can update the pre-completion OPT employment information in your SEVIS record.
What types of employment are allowed while on an approved period of pre-completion OPT?
All employment must be directly related to your major field of study.
Regular paid employment in a position directly related to the student’s major program of study
Payment by multiple short-term employers
Work for hire
Self-employed business owner
Employment through an agency
Volunteers or unpaid interns
Who determines if my job is related to my major?
You are responsible fordetermining whether your job is related to your major. You should be able to explain how the job utilizes the skills you gained from your degree program. OIS will update your F-1 record in SEVIS based on the employment information you provide. We recommend that you keep records of all job descriptions and offer letters you receive during pre-completion OPT, just as you should keep copies of all your immigration documents.
What documentation should I keep for my records while working on pre-completion OPT?
It is important to keep documentation of the work you do while authorized for pre-completion OPT, as this may be requested during or after the authorization period. If you apply for future immigration benefits, you may need to provide information and documentation about your pre-completion OPT.
You should retain a copy of every I-20 issued to you for your records. These can be downloaded from iHopkins, but remember, you will lose access to iHopkins after your STEM OPT ends. Additionally, keep copies of all EAD cards ever issued. Be sure to save offer letters, agreements, and contracts from employers that include start and end dates, pay rates, and weekly hours. It’s crucial that the information you report during pre-completion OPT matches the documentation related to your employment. This includes job descriptions, records of projects worked on, and financial documents like W-2s and pay stubs.
How do I extend my pre-completion OPT authorization period?
In order to extend your pre-completion OPT authorization, you must go through the application process again. You will remain eligible for pre-completion OPT until you complete your academic program. You must first request an I-20 recommending pre-completion OPT from OIS. Then you must file your pre-completion OPT application with USCIS and pay the filing fee.
