pRE-completion Optional practical training (PRE-OPT)
Learn about what Pre-OPT is about and how to obtain authorization.
Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training allows eligible F-1 students to participate in temporary employment directly related to their major field of study before completing their academic program. ISSS recommends Pre-OPT, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the application and grants employment authorization.
Pre-Completion OPT may be an option for an opportunity that does not qualify for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). Students must meet Pre-OPT eligibility requirements and receive USCIS authorization before beginning the opportunity.
Pre-Completion OPT reduces the amount of Post-Completion available at the same education level. Consider your plans for employment after graduation before requesting authorization.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Pre-Completion OPT, you must
Lawful Status
Students must have been lawfully enrolled full-time for at least two consecutive semesters and in active F-1 status.
OPT Eligibility
Students must have remaining OPT eligibility at their current education level
Authorization Period
Students must request an authorization period that remains within your academic program, without extending beyond your Form I-20 program end date.
Full-Time CPT (12 Months)
Students must not have accumulated more than 12 months of full-time CPT during the student's current degree level. Students are responsible for tracking their full-time CPT months.
Employment Hours
Students applying for Pre-Completion OPT must select whether they will be working part-time or full-time during the authorization period. Full-time employment can only be authorized in certain periods of your academic program. Full-time OPT means more than 20 hours per week. Students must follow the part-time or full-time authorization approved for the OPT period.
| Academic Situation | Available Authorization |
| While school is in session and coursework remains | Part-Time OPT, up to 20 hours per week |
| During an eligible annual vacation or school break, when you intend to enroll in the next term | Part-time or full-time OPT |
| After completing all degree coursework except a thesis or dissertation | Part-time or full-time OPT |
Impact on Post-Completion OPT
F-1 student generally have 12 months of OPT available at each education level. Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT draw from this same allowance. Using OPT before completing your program leaves less OPT available after graduation.
The amount deducted depends on whether your Pre-Completion OPT is approved as part-time or full-time:
-
- Part-time Pre-Completion OPT - 20 hours per week or fewer:
- Half of the approved authorization period is deducted.
- For example, four months of part-time Pre-Completion OPT uses two months of your OPT allowance, leaving you with up to ten months of Post-Completion OPT.
- Full-time Pre-Completion OPT - more than 20 hours per week
- The entire approved authorization period is deducted.
- For example, four months of full-time Pre-Completion OPT uses four months of your OPT allowance, leaving you with up to eight months of Post-Completion OPT
- Part-time Pre-Completion OPT - 20 hours per week or fewer:
The deduction is based on the authorization USCIS approves, not the hours you actually work. If you receive full-time authorization but work only part-time, or do not work for part of the approved period, the full-time deduction still applies. Choose your requested dates carefully.
Utah Asia Campus (UAC) Students
Students transitioning to the University of Utah main campus from the Asia Campus must have completed two consecutive full-time semesters at the main (Salt Lake City) campus.
Enrollment and Academic Progress
Pre-Completion OPT does not replace your enrollment requirements. Continue meeting the University’s full-time enrollment requirements, unless ISSS has approved an applicable exception. Employment must not prevent you from making normal progress toward completing your degree.
Processing Time & Expedited Requests (ISSS)
The Pre-Completion OPT I-20 will be processed by ISSS within 10 business days once the application is submitted.
ISSS is not able to expedite any request as we strive to provide fair and equitable service to all students. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they submit their request in a timely manner.
Calling or emailing ISSS to ask for your request to be expedited will slow down the process. We ask that you patiently wait until a decision is made.
Pre-OPT I-20 (30 Day Validity)
Student must submit the Pre-OPT application to USCIS within 30 days from when the I-20 was issued by ISSS. Contact ISSS immediately if you have not submitted your Pre-OPT application to USCIS and your I-20 is older than 30 days.
To request a new Pre-OPT I-20, students must submit a NEW OPT I-20 request to ISSS and not an I-20 Reprint Request.
Meet with an International Student Advisor
Meet with an International Student Advisor to see if Pre-Completion OPT is the right option for you.
Complete Required Pre-OPT Course
Login or Create an Account and register for the Pre-Optional Practical Training (OPT) Course.
Complete the OPT I-20 Request E-form
Complete the Post or Pre Completion I-20 Request e-form and indicate "Pre-Completion OPT."
Don't forget to upload your Pre-OPT Certificate of Completion.
step four
A Designated School Official (DSO) will Review the Completed Application
Once the DSO receives the completed application, they will process it within 10 business days. DSOs will review the student's application, course enrollment and once the application is approved, the student will receive an email from ISSS.
step five
Receiving the Pre-OPT I-20
Once the OPT request is approved, the DSO will send the I-20 electronically through
UAtlas. As soon as the student receives the I-20, they must review the information
on pages 1 and 2 of the I-20. Pay particular attention to the Program of Study information
on page 1 and the OPT information (including requested dates) on page 2. If everything
looks accurate, students should immediately print and sign and date at the bottom
of page 1 in the Student Attestation section of the I-20 and scan it for the application.
The OPT I-20 that is issued by ISSS is only valid for 30 days. Students will need
to apply for OPT before the OPT I-20 is considered "old." Students who have an old
OPT I-20 will need to submit a new request to ISSS. Do NOT file for OPT with USCIS using an OPT I-20 that is more than 30 days old. We recommend
that you submit it well before it reaches the 30 day mark. More information can be
found in our policy section under OPT I-20 (30 Day Validity).
step five
Prepare OPT Application for USCIS
Students are encouraged to attend an OPT Workshop by ISSS to avoid confusion and filling out the application incorrectly. ISSS will not offer one-on-one application reviews. More information can be found at the top of the page under workshops or can be found in our Events Calendar.
File I-765 Application Online
Students are encouraged to review our guide on how to fill out an application where we have compiled all the questions taken from the application into one document and provided additional information for each question.
online application: form i-765 how-to-guide
F-1 students wanting to avoid Form I-765 Delays are encouraged to review the tip
sheet provided by the Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman.
HOW F-1 STUDENTS SEEKING OPTIONAL PRACTICAL TRAINING CAN AVOID FORM I-765 DELAYS
Please note that this is not an entitled benefit. USCIS has the right to deny any OPT application at their discretion. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are paying the correct fee and filling out the correct application.
Do not start employment BEFORE receiving the Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card.
Review the Reporting Requirements for OPT
Students are required to understand the requirements to report while on OPT by reviewing the Reporting Requirements for Post-Completion OPT page.Pre-Completion OPT - Frequently Asked Questions
No. CPT requires a qualifying curricular relationship and is authorized by ISSS. Pre-Completion OPT requires USCIS approval and uses part of your OPT allowance. An opportunity that is ineligible for CPT does not automatically qualify for OPT.
Yes, provided each position directly relates to your major and your combined OPT employment hours remain within your authorization.
No. That limit applies to Post-Completion OPT. However, approved Pre-Completion OPT still reduces your remaining OPT allowance when you are not working.
Only if your authorization permits it and you qualify for full-time employment during that period. Part-time authorization does not automatically become full-time during a break. Consult ISSS before changing your hours.
Pre-Completion OPT does not automatically convert to Post-Completion OPT. To continue employment under Post-Completion OPT, you must submit a separate application and receive the required authorization. A gap between authorizations may require you to stop working.
Consult ISSS before making travel plans. Travel guidance depends on your application stage, immigration documents, and academic circumstances.
For Pre-Completion OPT, the employment does NOT have to be paid employment, although it is recommended. Interning or volunteering in a position directly related to the academic field is considered “employment” for the purposes of Pre-Completion OPT employment.
International Student & Scholar Services may have copies of your old I-20s in your file. You can request that ISSS make you copies of your old I-20s by completing the “Request for Document Copies” e-form, but keep in mind that it could take up to a week to process your request. It is always your responsibility to keep your I-20s. Your file may or may not contain copies of the documents you are looking for. It is best if you maintain a well-kept file of your documents in a safe place. Keep in mind you only need to submit I-20s at your current degree level for your OPT application. If you are missing I-20s, please submit what you currently have as including previous I-20s is a recommendation, not a requirement for the OPT application.
No, USCIS requires you indicate an address in the United States. The address you use may be a friend’s address or a P.O. Box. If you use a friend’s address, you must put their name in the “in care of name” field on page 2 of the I-765. Contact ISSS if you have further questions about your mailing address.
When USCIS sends you your I-797 receipt notice in the mail, you will receive a receipt number. You can use this number to access information about your application at the USCIS Case Status page.