Optional Practical Training (OPT) is employment authorization granted by the U.S.Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). It enables F-1 status students to gain work experience in their field of study at their degree level.

Eligibility

• You must have valid F-1 status
• You must have been enrolled full-time at Beloit College for at least the last academic year
• You must be in good academic standing

Authorization Types

• Pre-Completion OPT
• • During summer vacation (full time)
  • While school is in session (part time only)
• Standard Post-Completion OPT
• • Immediately following graduation
• 24-Month STEM Extension
• • For students with qualifying STEM majors
  • Must be previously approved for standard post-completion OPT
  • Must have employment that meets requirements for STEM authorization

Length of Authorization

• 12 months of OPT authorization per degree level
• STEM Extension is 24 months

Employment Requirements

• OPT employment must be directly related to the major listed on your I-20 form.
• Students on standard post-completion OPT must be employed at least 20 hours per week. You may be unemployed a maximum of 90 days out of the 12 months.

Reporting Requirements

• Students authorized for OPT must report all changes to employment to the International Student Advisor within 10 days of the change.
• Do this by completing the OPT Reporting Form or by logging in to your SEVP Portal Account.