This is the OPT performed by an F-1 student before completion of their course of study.

Students authorized to participate in pre-completion OPT must work part-time, 20 hours a week while school is in session. They can engage in full-time employment during their annual vacation and when school is not in session.

Eligibility

You are eligible to apply for OPT if you meet the following criteria:

• You are currently in valid F-1 status
• You have been enrolled full-time in F-1 status for at least one academic year (i.e. fall and spring semesters)
• You have not previously been approved for 12 months of OPT at the same degree level
• You have not used 12 months or more of Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Guidelines

• Students on pre-completion OPT are still required to meet the full-time enrollment requirement each semester except when school is not in session.
• Pre-completion OPT must end by the students’ graduation date. If they still have additional OPT time left they must file for Post-completion OPT.
• Time for pre-completion OPT is deducted from the 12-months standard OPT eligibility at half (½) the full-time rate. That means a student who completed 6 months of Pre-completion OPT it is equivalent to 3 months of standard OPT.

Application Procedure

Students are strongly encouraged to apply for OPT as soon as possible. You may apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before you will complete one academic year. You do not need a job offer to apply for OPT. It may take up to three months for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to process your application.

Checklist

• Submit the items listed below to an EKU PDSO/DSO to apply for OPT:
  • Completed Optional Practical Training (OPT) Request Form
  • You will then be issued an OPT Request I-20 with the start and end dates you are requesting.
• Students will then create an USCIS account is they do not already have one
• Then they will fill out an I-765 form online
• During the application process student’s will be required to upload the following.
  • A passport style picture, 2×2 on a white background from shoulders to a few inches above their head.
  • The I-20 they received from the PDSO/DSO with the OPT requested dates
  • Any previous I-20’s issued that have CPT Authorization
  • Any previously issued EAD cards from USCIS
  • Photo of your Passport or a PDF copy of your I-94
• Before submitting the I-765 the student will have to pay the forms fee of $410
  • Only once the fee has been paid and the student has received a receipt number will the application be complete.
• Processing time for any OPT application can take 4-16 weeks (about 3 and a half months).