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Alert

On July 17, 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security published a final rule that establishes a fixed time period of admission and an extension of stay procedure that impact students and scholars on F-1 and J-1 visas, and other academic restrictions specifically for F-1 students. The rule is anticipated to take effect Sept. 15, 2026 and will affect members of the international community in different ways. As OISS gathers more information and communicates specific guidance to individuals and groups, we ask that members of the international community refer to the DHS Rule on Admission and Extension webpage as an up-to-date resource. Members of the Northwestern international community who have questions are encouraged to reach out directly to their assigned OISS advisor.

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Pre-Completion OPT

What is Pre-Completion OPT? 

“Pre-Completion” Optional Practical Training (OPT) is used while you are still enrolled in your degree program. All time authorized for Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of OPT available at each degree level.  

Pre-Completion OPT is used only when: 

  • Your OPT start and end date will be during your studies (not after graduation). 
  • You have a training opportunity, but it might not be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). 

Pre-completion OPT allows students to work in any position related to their field of study, including self-employment. 

If you are graduating soon and need OPT approval to work after graduation, you must apply for Post-Completion OPT. 

Eligibility 

You are eligible to apply for Pre-Completion OPT if you meet the following criteria: 

  • You are currently in F-1 status. 
  • You have been enrolled full-time for at least one full academic year. 
  • You will begin and end your Pre-Completion OPT during your enrolled course of study. 
  • You have not been authorized for 12 months of full-time CPT. 
  • You have not previously completed 12 months of full-time OPT at the same degree level. 

 Although you do not need a job offer to apply for Pre-Completion OPT, we advise you to have a job offer to ensure you use the benefit. Authorized Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from the 12 months of full-time OPT available regardless of whether it is used. 

Part-Time Versus Full-Time Pre-Completion OPT 

Part- Time 
  • 20 hours or less per week 
  • Must be used when class is in session 
  • Part-time Pre-Completion OPT is deducted from Post-Completion OPT availability at a 50% rate (for example, 6 months of part-time Pre-Completion OPT will deduct 3 months from Post-Completion OPT) 
  • Must maintain full-time enrollment  

Full-Time 
  • More than 20 hours per week 
  • Can be used only when class is not in session 
  • Will be deducted from Post-Completion OPT at a 100% rate 

When to Apply 

If you have been a full-time student for more than one academic year in the U.S. and are currently in F-1 status, you may apply for Pre-Completion OPT up to 90 days before you want your OPT to start. 

If you are in F-1 status and have been a full-time student for less than one academic year, you may apply for Pre-Completion OPT up to 90 days before you will have completed one academic year. However, your OPT cannot begin until you have completed the full academic year. 

See USCIS’ current processing times for F-1 I-765 applications. 

Premium Processing is an option. 

Steps to Apply for Pre-Completion OPT 

  1. Submit the OPT Recommendation Request in the OISS portal  
    1. Must select your requested Pre-Completion OPT start and end date 
    2. You cannot change your requested start and end date after your application is submitted to USCIS 
    3. Depending on USCIS processing timelines, your approved start date may be different than your requested start date 
  2. Receive your Pre-Completion OPT Recommendation I-20
    1. Review your I-20 for accuracy 
    2. Print and sign your I-20 in ink 
  3. Submit your I-765 application with USCIS within 30 days of your OPT recommendation I-20  
    1. The eligibility category code for Pre-Completion OPT is (c)(3)(A) 
  4. Monitor your USCIS Account for updates. After you have submitted your OPT application, you are responsible for monitoring your USCIS account for messages and updates. Through your account, you should be able to: 
    • print an electronic receipt (a paper receipt will also be mailed to you) 
    • send additional information, in case you receive a request for evidence (RFE) from USCIS 
    • print a PDF version of your application for your records  
    • If you receive an RFE or a Notice of the Intent to Deny (NOID) please contact your OISS advisor immediately for more information on next steps 
    • Once your application is approved, it will reflect in the USCIS account, but you cannot begin Pre-Completion OPT until USCIS approves your application, and your Employment Authorization Document (EAD) card is in hand 
  5. Review EAD card for accuracy once it arrives by mail 
  6. Once you start your job, you must report employment in the OPT/STEM OPT Employer Update request in the OISS portal 

Please note: Each period of Pre-Completion or Post-Completion OPT requires a separate application, including a new OISS recommendation and a new application submission to USCIS.