F-1: Optional Practical Training (OPT)
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 level. 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.
- 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:
- You must not have been authorized for more than 365 days of full-time CPT at your current degree level.
- If you depart the U.S. before your OPT application is filed and received by USCIS you may be 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.
- A job/job offer is not needed in order to apply, however, you must choose a specific start date.
- 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.
Choosing Your Post-Completion Start Date Video
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 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.
Ready to Apply for Pre-Completion OPT?
Students must have met, or be within 90 days of meeting one full academic year (two semesters) in F-1 status to be eligible to apply for pre-completion OPT.
- Once ready to apply, schedule two appointment slots through advising.babson.edu for an individual Pre-Completion OPT appointment with an advisor. Alternatively, you can schedule through the Glavin Office Front Desk by calling +1.781.239.4565
- Last Names A-J: Nikki Nicosia
- Last Names K-L: Megan Murray
- Last Names M-Z: Ikuko Konda
- You will then prepare your application materials, obtain a new Form I-20 with OPT recommendation from ISSS, and finally, submit your application to USCIS.
Remember,
- F-1 students have 12 months of post-completion OPT available to them.
- 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.
- Full-time OPT (more than 20 hours/week) can only be granted during official college breaks or in post-completion OPT (after completion of studies).
Ready to Apply for Post-Completion OPT?
For post-completion OPT, you must complete our online workshop through Canvas in your last semester in order to learn about OPT, prepare your application materials, request a new Form I-20 with OPT recommendation from ISSS, and finally, submit your application to USCIS. Self-enroll >> in the Post-Completion OPT Workshop to get started!
Spring 2022:
- Undergraduate & Graduate students
- program end date: Saturday, May 7, 2022
- earliest date to receive OPT Form I-20 with OPT recommendation for USCIS application: Monday, February 7, 2022
- start date window: May 8, 2022 - July 6, 2022
Summer 2022:
- Undergraduate
- program end date: July 22, 2022
- earliest date to receive OPT Form I-20 with OPT recommendation for USCIS application: Monday, April 25, 2022
- start date window: July 23, 2022 - September 20, 2022
- Graduate
- Session I:
- program end date: July 1, 2022
- earliest date to receive OPT Form I-20 with OPT recommendation for USCIS application: Monday, April 4, 2022
- start date window: July 2, 2022 - August 30, 2022
- Session II:
- program end date: August 19, 2022
- earliest date to receive OPT Form I-20 with OPT recommendation for USCIS application: Monday, May 23, 2022
- start date window: August 20, 2022 - October 18, 2022
- Session I:
Fall 2022:
- Undergraduate
- program end date: December 15, 2022
- earliest date to receive OPT Form I-20 with OPT recommendation for USCIS application: Friday, September 16, 2022
- start date window: December 16, 2022 - February 13, 2023
- Graduate
- program end date: December 17, 2022
- earliest date to receive OPT Form I-20 with OPT recommendation for USCIS application: Monday, September 19, 2022
- start date window: December 18, 2022 - February 15, 2023
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.
