Pre-Completion OPT

RULE PUBLICATION ANNOUNCEMENT

A new federal immigration rule has been published. The effective date of this rule is delayed due to a preliminary injunction order issued on September 14, 2026. We will update our webpage as more information becomes available. The rule replaces Duration of Status (D/S) with fixed‑date admissions for student and exchange visitor visa holders in the U.S., and makes changes to regulations related to educational objectives, including requirements affecting transfers, changes of major, and changes of degree level.

End of Duration of Status and Changes to Academic Mobility | Zoom Meetings Every Wednesday and Thursday | Wednesdays at 11:00 a.m. | Thursdays at 3:30 p.m.

International Advising will NOT be available on Wednesday, November 25 at Discovery Park.

What is Pre-Completion OPT?

Pre-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows eligible F-1 students to gain experience in an internship or training opportunity directly related to their major. It is optional, and it is not automatically granted.

Pre-Completion OPT is employment authorization used before a student completes their academic program. Students may participate during the academic semester or during official breaks.

IMPORTANT: Students must receive a Pre-Completion OPT I-20 from ISSS, submit Form I-765 to USCIS, and receive their Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before beginning employment.

To be eligible for Pre-Completion OPT, you must have:

Maintained valid F-1 student status
Completed at least one full academic year
Good academic standing
Not completed your program
Employment directly related to your major
Enough time left in your program to participate

Full-time enrollment is required during the Fall and Spring semesters.

Exceptions may apply if you are a thesis/dissertation only student or when F-1 rules allow (e.g. during official breaks).

The number of hours you may work depends on whether school is in session.

During the Academic Semester - May work part-time only (20 hours a week or less)

During Official Breaks – May work full-time or part-time

Graduate Students

Graduate students that only have thesis or dissertation remaining may be eligible to work full-time during the academic semester. Please consult with a DSO for further guidance.

NOTE: You may not switch between part-time and full-time employment without first obtaining a separate EAD card authorizing the different employment type.

You get up to 12 months of OPT per degree level. Pre-Completion OPT and Post-Completion OPT at the same level share those 12 months.

Time is deducted whether you work or not. The approved period counts, even if you never start a job, and it cannot be recovered.

Pre-Completion type	Deduction	Example
Part-Time (20 hours/week or less)	50% of approved time	2 months = 1 month deducted
Full-Time (over 20 hours/week)	100% of approved time	2 months = 2 months deducted

Meet with ISSS. Confirm eligibility and discuss your dates, hours, and the effect on Post-Completion OPT.
Request your Pre-Completion OPT I-20 in iNorthTX. If eligible, ISSS issues a Pre-Completion OPT-recommended I-20.
File Form I-765 with USCIS under category (c)(3)(A), with the fee, supporting documents, and your signed OPT I-20.

30-day filing rule: USCIS must receive your I-765 within 30 days of your SEVIS recommendation date.