OPT Meaning in US 2025: Full Form, Types, Visa Eligibility

Do you wish to work in the US after graduating? Learn everything about - OPT meaning, the full form of OPT, its visa types, eligibility criteria, application process, benefits and challenges. This comprehensive guide shall cover everything you need to know about OPT in 2025 and be able to apply in time for the same and get authorisation to work in the USA.

Applicants who are looking at applying for OPT after graduation or before it will have to understand OPT’s meaning and how it works. Those studying in the USA across different US universities should know how they are eligible for an OPT visa in the USA. This visa holds great importance for getting hands-on experience and applying practical knowledge while working in the USA on an F1 student visa. Check out the article and get a head’s up about OPT meaning, OPT’s full form, types of degrees applicable under OPT, eligibility, I-765 application process and fees and other details.  

Full Form of OPT

Before getting to OPT meaning let us understand the full form of OPT. OPT full form is Optional Practical Training, an authorisation offered by USCIS to F1 visa applicants to get a job based on the major they studied at a US university or college. The OPT full form is an abbreviation (initialism) and hence, is pronounced using the initials as O-P-T only and not as a spelling otherwise. 

What is OPT Meaning in USA?

Optional Practical Training or OPT meaning in the USA can be understood like this:

‘OPT is an authorisation for F1 student visa holders who can temporarily choose employment relevant to their field of study and stay back to work in the country. This temporary work permit in the USA applies to all applicants holding an F1 visa irrespective of STEM or no STEM degree programs. Those who find a job within 90 days of graduation from any US university are eligible to stay in the USA for one year or 12 months on an Optional Practical Training visa. However, those graduating with a STEM degree and grabbing a job can request a STEM OPT extension of 24 months on an OPT visa.’

Note: There are two visas in the USA - OPT and Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Both of them vary from one another. Applicants who wish to understand can check CPT vs OPT in USA: Key Differences.

Types of OPT Visas in USA

After understanding the meaning of OPT, let us understand the types of Optional Practical Training. There are two types of F1 OPT visas in USA - pre and post-completion OPT. Each holds a significant meaning in terms of the Optional Practical Training in the US for international students. Check out what each of them signifies and adds to OPT meaning:

1. F1 Pre-Completion OPT Visa

As the name suggests, applicants who apply for a temporary job and work for a certain period irrespective of the student visa - F1, M1 or J1 for one academic year while enrolled in a SEVP-authorised institution can lawfully work under Pre-Completion OPT. Applicants enrolled under this OPT can work up to 20 hours a week and full-time during college holidays. 

2. F1 Post-Completion OPT Visa

A post-completion OPT as the name suggests is the work authorisation received to work after graduation while on a F1 visa status. Those authorised for a post-completion OPT are eligible to work part-time in the USA for 20 hours or less weekly, or full-time when the college is not in session. 

Pre and Post-Completion OPT Impact

Based on different situations, both the pre-completion OPT visa and the post-completion OPT visa can be impacted. Here is how:

• Those who complete one year of Pre-Completion OPT for a year, are applicable for 50% authorisation to work under Post-Completion OPT. Thus, applicants can only avail 6 months of Optional Practical Training.
• In cases where applicants have already worked full-time (40 hours) for a year under pre-completion OPT, the total OPT available will be reduced by one year. In this situation, applicants are not eligible for post-completion OPT. 

Thus, these cases must be taken care of when applying for either pre or post-completion OPT visas after or before graduation finishes. 

What is STEM OPT Extension?

When understanding OPT meaning, the STEM OPT extension can’t be missed out. Numerous F1 visa holders enrol for STEM courses in the USA. The applicants who choose to go for STEM education look for jobs in STEM fields specifically. Thus, STEM OPT meaning in layman's terms suggests that applicants who pursue a course in Science, Technology, Engineering or Medical fields can work for up to 24 months in the USA as part of F1 STEM OPT Extension. For this, applicants should:

• Should hold an F1 visa status.
• Should have graduated with a STEM degree (bachelor's or master’s) from an accredited US university when submitting a STEM OPT extension application. 
• Be enrolled in a STEM-designated course as recognised in the USA.
• Have been authorised an OPT visa and should be in a valid period of post-completion OPT as well.
• Should be employed by an employer who uses E-verify and is enrolled on it as well.
• Submit Form I-765, 90 days before the current OPT visa expires with a recommendation from your university DSO.  

Also, applicants who graduate with a STEM bachelor’s are eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT Extension, however, if they qualify for a STEM master’s, they are eligible for another STEM OPT extension in the USA. Thus, these rules apply to all applicants enrolled in a STEM course and looking at STEM OPT extension after graduation. More details on the application rules can be found at STEM OPT Extension in USA.  

OPT Visa Eligibility Criteria

In order to be eligible for an OPT visa in USA (pre-completion OPT, post-completion OPT or STEM OPT extension) should fulfil these basic eligibility criteria:

• Applicants should be holding an F1 visa.
• Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time course at a SEVP-authorised US institution.
• To get an Optional Practical Training visa, applicants must work in an area related to the major of their study.
• Also, OPT must not have been utilised for any degree previously, exceptions for STEM OPT Extension are made.
• Applicants can apply for OPT while in the final semester of their study unless applying for the Pre-Completion OPT.
• Applicants can apply for Pre-Completion OPT before completing their graduation.
• On the other hand, applicants can apply for Post-Completion OPT only after completing their graduation.

These are the basic eligibility criteria that must be fulfilled by applicants when they apply for an OPT visa to work in USA based on their major of study.

Application Process for OPT in USA

Applicants applying for an F1 OPT visa or STEM Extension OPT have to apply using a common form called the I-765 Form or Employment Authorization Document (EAD). the application can be filed online or offline, both have a different fee. 

• Applicants should access I-765 Form and either submit it online or download it for offline submission. (Applicants can download - I-765 Offline PDF for submission)
• Submit essential documents (upload online, attach copies for offline application).
• Duly sign the form, or else it will not be accepted.
• Pay the fee and submit EAD. 

Ideally, applicants should apply online and avoid offline EAD applications. 

Documents Required for OPT Visa in USA

The following documents will be required from F1 visa holders applying for different OPT visa applications:

• A copy of Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record (front and back), 
• Printouts of: 
• Electronic Form I-94
• Passport or other travel documents
• A copy of the last EAD (if applicable)
• 02 same passport photographs;
• Copy of government-issued identity document if not previously issued an OPT visa.

OPT Form I-765 Fees 2025 

The fee for I-765 has been revised earlier this year. Since applications can be submitted in either of the two modes, the application fee for the I-765 Form also varies. The revised I-765 Form fee is as follows:

• The I-765 Form’s Online fee is USD 470 and, 
• The I-765 Form’s Paper fee is USD 520.

This fee is effective from April 1, 2024, for EAD in the USA for different F1 OPT visa applications.

When to File I-765 Form for OPT Visa?

There are 02 degree types - STEM and non-STEM degrees. They are further divided into pre and post-OPT completion. The table suggests when to file the I-765 Form or EAD based on degree type and F1 OPT visa type:

Degree Type in USA	F1 OPT Visa Type	OPT Application Timing
STEM Degree	Pre-Completion OPT	After the DSO’s recommendation. Max 90 days before completing a full academic year.  Employment starts after completing a full-time academic year.
	Initial Post-Completion OPT	After DSO recommendation Within 30 days of DSO’s recommendation, and max of 90 days before degree completion or,  60 days after the degree completion.
	STEM OPT Extension	After DSO recommendation Within 60 days of DSO’s recommendation, and max 90 days before the current OPT employment authorisation expires.
Non-STEM Degree	Pre-Completion OPT	After DSO recommendation Max 90 days before completing a full academic year.  Employment starts after completing a full academic year.
	Post-Completion OPT	After the DSO recommendation Within 30 days of DSO’s recommendation, and max 90 days before degree completion or,  60 days upon degree completion.

Based on the mentioned timeline for I-764 applications above, applicants should plan on submitting their EAD forms. 

Benefits of OPT in USA

After understanding OPT’s meaning, different types and eligibility, applicants should now understand the benefits of OPT in USA. The benefits of an OPT visa in the USA are as follows:

• F1 OPT visa in USA helps applicants gain work experience based on practical know-how.
• OPT is beneficial for applicants to bridge knowledge gaps between education and professionally employed scenarios.
• The time allocated for OPT visa for graduates - 20 hours weekly, and full-time when college is not in session readies them to work in USA after graduation.
• The STEM OPT Extension is equally beneficial for applicants to gain professional work experience in technical fields.
• Applicants also have the flexibility to apply for an F1 OPT visa 90 days before their graduation finishes. During this time, they can look for jobs based on their majors in the USA. 
• Certain F-1 students who have approved H-1B visa petitions can extend their stay in the US during the processing time for their H-1B visa. This is called the H-1B cap-gap period. It bridges the gap between the end of F-1 status and the start of H-1B status.
• Finally, OPT is essential for applicants looking at upskilling as well, based on their degrees they get hands-on experience which can be beneficial for applicants to look at higher-paying jobs in USA. 

Thus, applicants who opt for the OPT option can get good work experience and will be able to apply their knowledge and skills with ease. These are the reasons why applicants should definitely consider applying for an OPT visa. 

Challenges to Obtaining OPT in USA

While applying for OPT seems easy there are several challenges in obtaining OPT in the USA. Some of the common challenges are as follows:

• Amidst multiple applications for OPT visas, the application processing can be delayed.
• Applicants who wish to change their information on the application can also face challenges for the same as it is not easy.
• EAD applications can be cancelled or returned if they are not signed by the applicant upon submission.
• Also, if the DSO has not sent in their recommendation in time the application will not be processed.
• If the applicant has lost their EAD confirmation or received a wrong EAD can equally be challenging to fix it.

These are a couple of common challenges which are logistical also when submitting an I-765 application for an OPT visa. But there are ways to avoid coming across these situations by following some of the expert tips given below. 

Expert Tips to Get OPT in USA

To avoid delays in EAD processing and get a confirmation easily, applicants can follow the below-given tips:

• Maintain your F1 student visa status.
• Find an appropriate job and employer to be eligible to submit the I-765 Form.
• Apply 90 days before your graduation ends, in case it is not possible, apply within 60 days of graduating. Do not delay else applications will not be accepted.
• In case of applying for pre-completion OPT, ensure to complete one academic year in USA.
• Avoid backlogs, missing classes and coming into the limelight for any reason while in USA.
• Ensure you are physically in USA when applying for the I-765 Form. 

These tips can help students get an F1 OPT or STEM Extension visa in USA easily if followed correctly.

Thus, the OPT holds great value and importance for gaining practical work experience for F1 students after graduating from US universities. By understanding OPT’s meaning, different types of OPT, eligibility criteria, and application process the students can maximise their chances of securing employment and building a successful career. Applicants must also understand the challenges that come along with it and should be able to follow the expert tips to conquer the OPT benefits in one go.

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