OPT Requirements

[nitishva]

One of the requirements for OPT is to have been in full time student status for at least one full academic year. Does this mean that you should have been on F1 status for one full year or be enrolled as a full time student for one year?

I am getting contradictory answers - some people are saying F1 status for 1 year and some say enrolled as a student for 1 year.

Any help is appreciated.

 

[gunt]

To be eligible to apply for optional practical training, you must:

* have been in full time student status for at least one full academic year preceding the submission of your OPT application
* be maintaining valid F-1 status at the time of the application, and
* intend to work in a position directly related to your major field of study.

 

[LucyMO]

Who is eligible for OPT?

An F-1 student who is eligible to apply for OPT must have been in lawful F-1 status for one full academic year prior to applying for OPT. This includes having a valid I-20, passport (which will not expire for at least one year after you apply for OPT), full-time enrollment, etc. If you have questions about whether of not you are eligible, ask an advisor.