F-1: Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is a benefit of F-1 status that allows students to work off-campus in a field related to their area of study. OPT is most often used by Babson students following completion of their academic program.

There is a limit of 12 months of full-time OPT per degree le​vel. OPT may be used before completion of studies (pre-completion), after completion of studies (post-completion) or a combination of both.

• Part-time OPT (up to 20 hours/week) is deducted at half of the full-time rate (two months of part-time OPT = one month of full-time OPT) before completion of studies. After completion of studies, part-time OPT is counted at the full-time rate.
• Full-time OPT (more than 20 hours/week) can only be granted during official college breaks or after completion of studies.

The 24-month STEM OPT extension is available for eligible students who are in an active period of post-completion OPT. More details can be found at www.babson.edu/isssstemopt.

Eligibility

• You must be in the U.S. and currently maintaining valid F-1 status when filing the application.
• You must have been enrolled full-time for at least one academic year before applying for OPT.
• You are only authorized to work within the dates specified on the EAD.
• Post-Completion OPT additional considerations:
  • A job/job offer is not needed in order to apply, however, you must choose a specific start date.
  • You must not have been authorized for more than 365 days of full-time CPT at your current degree level.
  • Departure from the U.S. after your program end date and before an OPT application is filed with USCIS will make you ineligible to apply.
  • If you do not complete your academic program by the date originally specified, contact Glavin Office immediately as it will impact your OPT application.
  • In order to maintain F-1 status while on OPT, students must report their address and employment changes within 10 days, and must not exceed 90 days of unemployment during the entire 12-month period.​

Application Process

USCIS Application Processing Times can range from two to five months. Applications are processed in the order they are received. There is no expediting the process. A Babson-issued Form I-20 with OPT recommendation is required before a student can apply to USCIS for OPT.

• Pre-completion (authorization to use before graduation) OPT applications may be filed up to 90 days prior to the completion of one full academic year. 
• Post-completion (authorization to use after graduation) OPT applications may be filed as early as 90 days before the completion of studies, and as late as 60 days after the completion of studies. Students are recommended to apply at least three months before their anticipated start date if not earlier and should follow the steps outlined below.

Resources for Active OPT Students

The Post-Completion OPT Canvas course will be accessible for OPT students up to 6 months after graduation. However, here are additional resources for students on OPT.