Pre-completion OPT
Pre-completion OPT is work authorization which is available to F-1 students before graduating. Pre-completion OPT can be an option when an off-campus internship or employment opportunity is not considered “integral” to a student’s degree.
F-1 students may take advantage of up to 12 months of OPT per degree level. Both pre-completion and post-completion OPT count toward these aggregate 12 months, meaning that any OPT completed before graduation is deducted from available post-completion OPT. This deduction occurs at a rate of either 50% or 100%, depending on whether the pre-completion OPT was part- or full-time. See the examples below:
- 4 months of full-time, pre-completion OPT: 8 months of post-completion OPT available
- 4 months of part-time, pre-completion OPT: 10 months of post-completion OPT available
During the fall, winter, and spring quarters, pre-completion OPT can only be authorized for part-time work (20 hours/week or less). Pre-completion OPT can be authorized for either part-time or full-time work during summer.
Unlike Curricular Practical Training (CPT), all OPT is authorized by USCIS. This means that an OPT application can take 3 months or more to be processed and approved. You may apply for pre-completion OPT up to 90 days before your intended start date. Note that changing from part-time to full-time, or revert from full-time to part-time, will require a new application.
Eligibility for Pre-Completion OPT
- Undergraduate or graduate student standing
- Valid F-1 status for at least one academic year
- Good academic standing (2.0 for undergrad students, 3.0 for graduate students)
- International Center recommends your pre-completion OPT in SEVIS and issues you a new I-20 with the requested OPT dates
How to Apply for Pre-Completion OPT
- Email intlservices@calpoly.edu to Schedule an appointment with an International Student Advisor
- Obtain an offer letter from your prospective employer will all of the following:
- Start and end dates of employment (may extend into winter/spring breaks)
- Paid or unpaid position
- Part-time (must state 20 hours or less) or full-time
- Full address of the employer
- Brief description of job duties
- Signature of your employer
- Provide the offer letter to your advisor to determine whether the employment is directly related to your major. Advisor should send an email to intlservices@calpoly.edu recommending the internship and confirming that it is directly related to your major.
- Gather the documents below and send PDF scans to intlservices@calpoly.edu for review:
- Form G-1145
- Form I-765
- Two passport-sized photos
- I-94 electronic copy
- Black and white scan of your passport photo and information page(s)
- Black and white scan of your most recent entry stamp
- Black and white scan of any previous EAD card(s)
- Black and white scan of your I-797a Approval Notice (if applicable)
- Mail the documents above along with your $550 application fee to USCIS and include a copy of the I-20 with pre-completion OPT recommendation issued by International Center
Next Steps
- A Receipt Notice will be sent within a few weeks after your application is received
- You can follow-up on the status of your application after you receive your receipt notice. The receipt notice has a case number. Check the DHS Online Case Status site for the status of your application
- If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), notify the International Center immediately for assistance
- The Employment Authorization Document (EAD) Card will be mailed to the address on your I- 765 Form. Your approved employment dates will be listed on your EAD card so you must receive the EAD before you can begin employment