What is OPT and why OPT?

OPT is Optional Practical Training. OPT is defined in the Federal Regulations as temporary employment directly related to a student's field of study. During OPT, a student remains in F-1 status and is allowed to work in the United States in a job that is directly related to their degree program. Students with legal F-1 status who meet certain eligibility criteria can apply for OPT. The end result of the OPT request process is an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by United States Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS). The standard OPT period is a cumulative maximum of 12 months, but certain F-1 students who receive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees may be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT.

• For more information about OPT and the eligibility criteria, please visit the Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students web page on the International Center's website.
• For details about the OPT application process, please visit the Applying for Optional Practical Training (F-1 Students) web page on the International Center's website.
• If you have questions about OPT, please contact the International Center at icenter@umich.edu.