Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• Optional practical training (OPT) is an opportunity for F-1 students to obtain temporary off-campus employment in their major area of study. A specific job offer is not needed to apply for OPT, but the employment must be directly related to your major area of study.
   
• You may be granted a maximum of 12 months of OPT in one educational level, and you may apply for another 12 months of OPT in a higher educational level. For example, if you were granted 12 months of OPT in conjunction with a bachelor's degree, you may apply for another 12 months of OPT for a master's degree.
   
• You may split your 12 months into pre-completion and post-completion OPT, but you must file the applications separately.
   
• An application for Pre-completion OPT applications may be submitted as early as 90 days prior to completing one full academic year. For example, if you enrolled in the fall term, you may submit an application for OPT 90 days prior to the end of the subsequent spring term to be able to receive work authorization in time to begin employment in the summer. Pre-completion OPT may only be authorized part-time (up to 20 hours a week) while school is in session. Part-time pre-completion OPT is deducted from the available 12 months of OPT at one-half the full-time rate. For example, if you receive 12 months of part-time pre-completion OPT, only 6 months will be deducted, leaving 6 months of full-time OPT after completion of study.
   
• An application for Post-completion OPT must be received by the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) no later than 60 days after completing your academic program. Due to the lengthy processing time, it is important that you make an appointment at the Office of International Student Services (OISS) at least 4 to 5 months before completing your academic program. You may select any OPT start date within 60 days of your program end date. You may not begin employment or apply for a U.S. Social Security Number until the OPT start date, and until you have received your employment authorization card from the DHS.

OISS ~ Pepperdine University ~ October 1, 2008