OPT Eligibility
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary off-campus employment authorization that is related to an F-1 student’s academic program. F-1 students are eligible for 365 days of OPT per higher degree level. The application approval process takes approximately 3 to 5 months. SIUE only offers full-time (20 hours or more per week) Post-Completion OPT, which takes place after your program end date.
- OPT can only be used once per higher degree level even if you have multiple degrees per level (e.g. OPT based on a Bachelor's degree and then OPT based on a Master's degree or PhD).
- The 12 months of OPT must be used all at once, it cannot be broken up.
- OPT must be used directly after graduation; it cannot be saved for later.
Eligibility Requirements
In order to be eligible for OPT, the following must be true:
- I have maintained my F-1 status.
- I have been enrolled full-time for at least two consecutive semesters.
- I am in my final term enrolled in required courses for my degree program.
- I have at least a 3.0 GPA if I am a graduate student or a 2.0 GPA if I am an undergraduate student.
- I have not been approved for OPT in the past at the same degree level or at a higher degree level.
- I have not used 12 months of full-time CPT
- I agree to report to SIUE via the OPT Reporting Form within 10 days of any change in address or employment status regarding your employment.
