Pre-Completion OPT

Pre-Completion OPT, a type of Optional Practical Training (OPT), is work authorization issued by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that permits F-1 students to work off-campus during their degree program.  On OPT, all work needs to be directly related to your major/s.


Please note that these resources are intended for general informational purposes only and are not legal advice. It is your responsibility to review and follow all official instructions provided by USCIS

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

    • Be currently maintaining F-1 status
    • Have been studying at Williams for at least one academic year (two consecutive semesters)
    1. Submit the OPT I-20 Request Form through your Williams International Portal.
      • Do not submit an OPT application with USCIS until you have received your OPT recommendation I-20 from the ISS.
    2. Prepare your application materials.
    3. Receive your OPT recommendation I-20 from the ISS.
    4. Sign your OPT recommendation I-20 and add it to your OPT application.
    5.  Submit your OPT application to USCIS.  USCIS must receive your  OPT application no more than 30 days after your OPT recommendation I-20 was issued.

  • If you are an international student in F-1 status who receives financial aid from Williams College, the ISS is able to provide a limited amount of grants to international students to help with OPT filing fees.

    • Within a week or two of submitting your OPT application to USCIS, a paper receipt notice from USCIS will be mailed to the mailing address listed on the I-765. (If you apply online, your receipt notice should be immediately available in MyUSCIS).
    • Your receipt number can be used to track your application status via the USCIS case status tool.  (If you apply online, your receipt notice will become available immediately after submission.)
    • Application processing times vary, though they generally hover around 2-5 months.
    • Occasionally, USCIS may issue a follow-up “Request for Evidence” notice, asking for additional documentation. If you receive such a request, please consult with the ISS.
    • If your application is approved, an approval notice will be mailed to the mailing address listed on the I-765.  (If you apply online, your approval notice will also be available in MyUSCIS).
    • If your application is approved, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) will also be mailed to the mailing address listed on the I-765.  The EAD is a photo identification card that serves as your proof of OPT work authorization.

  • You may start working when you have received your EAD and the approved OPT start date on that EAD is no longer in the future.  You may not begin working any sooner than this.

  • You may work at any position that directly relates to your major field of study.  You should feel confident in the connection between your major and your employment.

    Work does not have to be paid on Pre-Completion OPT.  Volunteer and unpaid work are fine, as long as the work directly relates to your major field of study.

  • You may request Pre-Completion OPT on a part-time basis only (20 hours or less per week) during the fall or spring semester. You may request Pre-Completion OPT on either a part-time or full-time basis during summer and winter breaks.