F-1 Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
As an F-1 student, you may be eligible to receive up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) per higher education level to gain practical experience related to your major. This can be used either before or after your program completion. Most students save their time for after graduation but it is possible to apply for Pre-Completion OPT.
- Eligibility after one academic year, part-time during terms, part- or full-time during summer or thesis phase.
- Can be paid or unpaid training related to your major.
- No job offer required to apply
- Allowed to work for multiple employers, including gigs, self-employment, or contracts, within authorized hours.
- No unemployment limit; If you do not find a job during your period of authorization, you will use up the amount of OPT eligibility for which you were authorized.
OPT Eligibility
You may be eligible to apply for OPT if:
- You are in valid F-1 status
- You have completed at least one academic year of full-time enrollment (two full terms) using your current SEVIS record
- You are in good academic standing at Boston University
- You have not been previously authorized for 12 months of OPT at the same or higher education level
- You have not spent your last year in an English language program
- You have not been authorized for 12+ months of full-time Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- You are not on leave, suspension, or have had a recent status violation requiring a new initial I-20
Note: Summer term counts as a full term only if enrolled for 12 units.
ISSO will review your academic and immigration records before recommending OPT. USCIS makes the final approval.
Part-Time vs. Full-Time OPT
When you apply for OPT, you must indicate if you are requesting permission for part-time or full-time OPT.
- Part-time: up to 20 hours/week
- Full-time: over 20 hours/week
You may apply for:
- Part-time OPT during regular terms
- Part-time or full-time OPT during summer, thesis/dissertation phase, or post-graduation
Part-time OPT counts at half the rate toward your 12-month limit (e.g., 4 months part-time = 2 months full-time).
When to Apply
Apply early, as USCIS processing can take 90+ days.
USCIS accepts applications:
- Up to 90 days before requested OPT start date
- Within 30 days after your ISSO advisor signs your I-20 recommending OPT
- No later than 60 days after your program end date (late applications may limit OPT length)
Submission outside of these dates will result in a USCIS denial.
Application Checklist for Pre-Completion OPT
- Book a 30-minute appointment with your ISSO Advisor to discuss timing and process for Pre-Completion OPT
- Gather Documents
- Passport
- Most recent I-20
- F-1 visa
- Most recent I-94 arrival record(download from USCBP website)
- Submit Request
- Log into ISSOPortal, go to Request Center, select OPT – Add New Pre-Completion.
- Complete the questionnaire, upload documents, and confirm understanding of status conditions.
- Submit request and monitor status in the Request Center.
- Review and Notification
- You will receive an email to notify you of approval, request clarification, or dismissal within 10 business days.
- If approved, download and print your new I-20 with OPT recommendation from the Document Center.
- Sign the I-20 and prepare application materials for USCIS.
- I-765, Application for Employment Authorization Important: Do NOT apply to USCIS before receiving your OPT Recommendation I-20 to avoid denial.
- Pay the current USCIS fee
- Submit Required Documents (Upload online or include as copies in paper application):
- Passport data page and expiration page
- F-1 visa
- Most recent I-94 arrival record(paper or printed from USCBP)
- Any previous Employment Authorization Documents (EADs)
- Current and previous I-20s showing CPT or OPT (optional if no CPT/OPT)
- Two passport-style photos meeting USCIS specs (write your name on back for paper applications)