About OPT
Please review our slide show Information Session: Optional Practical Training for International Students
F-1 students are eligible for full-time or part-time employment, for a total of twelve months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) per educational level. OPT provides an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge obtained in an academic program to a practical work experience in the US.
Eligible students may apply for "pre-completion OPT” (before completion of program) and/or "post-completion OPT” (after completion of program).
Employment Requirements:
- This employment must be a non-clerical job, and directly related to your major field of study.
- Students do not need a job offer in order to apply for OPT.
- OPT requires the student to have authorization from USCIS before you can begin employment. This authorization can take up to 3 months to obtain. Students recommended for OPT will receive a new SEVIS I-20 with an OPT recommendation notation. For additional information, click here.
I-9 Requirements:
- Unexpired Foreign Passport
- I-94 card stamped F-1 and D/S (Duration of Status)
- I-20 showing OPT approval, issued by Hunter College/ The City University of New York
- A valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) either from Hunter College/ The City University of New York or another university