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Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students
Employment After Graduation
What Is It?
- Employment authorization for F-1 students who have completed all course work for their academic program.
- Employment must be related to student's field of study and can be paid or unpaid.
- Typically issued for internships or short-term employment opportunities.
- Authorized by Brooklyn College International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISS).
Duration of Employment
- Typically, 12 months of employment are granted.
- Designated STEM majors working for eligible employers many extend (see STEM Extension Optical Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students).
- Full-time employment is allowed.
Processing Time
- One business day upon receipt of a complete OPT application.
- USCIS processing can take up to three months.
Student's Role
- Verify eligibility for OPT.
- Submit complete and timely OPT application to USCIS in order to obtain approval prior to beginning employment.
- Report employment to ISS via e-mail.
- Ensure work is related to field of study.
Proof of Authorization
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD card/Form 1-766) indicating start and end dates of work authorization.
- Student must have EAD card in order to begin work.
Employer's Role
- Request a copy of the EAD from the student for I-9 purposes.
- There is no cost to the employer, and the OPT application is entirely the responsibility of the student.
- Students can be approved for OPT without an offer of employment.