Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an F-1 status benefit that provides F-1 students with 12 months of authorization to work directly in their field of study (for Berklee College of Music students, in the professional music industry). Students can apply for OPT authorization during their academic program, after their program completion, or a combination of both.
The application process involves both ISS and the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS). It will take ISS no more than 10 business days to review your complete application, recommend OPT on your I-20, and prepare your application package for you to mail to USCIS. Once USCIS receives your application, it will take approximately 110 days for your application to be adjudicated. Once your OPT is approved, your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is issued and mailed to Berklee. Students may begin working after they have received their EAD and the start date on their card is current.
Eligibility
You are eligible to apply for OPT if you meet all of the following criteria:
- You are currently in valid F-1 status
- You have maintained valid F-1 status for at least one academic year prior to the desired start of OPT
- You have not exceeded 12 months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization (part-time CPT does not affect OPT eligibility)
- You have not had previous USCIS-approved OPT authorization at the same degree level
Post-Completion OPT
OPT authorization that begins after completion of your academic program is called "post-completion" OPT. This is the most common type of OPT. Eligible students should apply for post-completion OPT at the beginning of their final semester (the semester during which all remaining degree/diploma requirements will be completed).
- Eligible for 12 months of work authorization (minus any previous USCIS-authorized pre-completion OPT).
- Post-completion OPT must start within the 60-day period after your program completion date, and you must select a date within this 60-day window that you would like your OPT authorization to start.
- Post-completion OPT authorization is full-time (a minimum of 20 hours per week), and all work during OPT must be directly related to your field of study.
- Apply for post-completion OPT at the beginning of your final semester.
Pre-Completion OPT
OPT used while you are still enrolled is called "pre-completion" OPT. Because any USCIS-authorized pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of OPT eligibility, most students prefer to save their 12 months of OPT for after they complete their program (post-completion OPT). Eligible students can apply as early as 90 days prior to the end of their second semester of full-time enrollment in F-1 status.
Pre-completion OPT can be approved at different rates:
- Part-time (20 hours per week or fewer) while enrolled in a full course of study
- Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) if your work authorization will begin and end during an approved annual vacation semester
STEM OPT Extension
STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of OPT available only to qualifying graduates of certain majors.
