Pre-Completion OPT: While you are still a student
OPT done before completion of studies must be part-time (no more than 20 hours per week) while school is in session, but can be full-time during vacation periods, such as summer vacation or winter break. Any OPT done before you complete your studies will subtract from the total 12 months of OPT available.
If pre-completion OPT is done part-time, it will only subtract from the total at half the rate. For example, if you do pre-completion OPT part-time for 4 months, you will have used 2 months of your total 12. You must maintain your full-time registration status at all times.
Post-Completion OPT: In anticipation of your graduation
- For Undergraduate and Master’s students who earn the degree in May: Your completion date is your graduation date.
- For December Undergraduate and Master’s Graduates: Your completion date will be the last day of finals for the semester. This is the date that you will have completed all course requirements for the degree.
