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OPT

Summary

Post-completion practical training for F-1 students, up to 36 months for qualifying STEM degrees.

OPT and CPT work authorization updates: STEM extensions, cap-gap, employer requirements.

What this topic is

Post-completion practical training for F-1 students, up to 36 months for qualifying STEM degrees.

The F-1 is the most common student visa. It is tied to your Designated School Official (DSO) and your SEVIS record. On-campus work is generally allowed; off-campus work requires USCIS authorization (OPT or CPT).

The feed below lists dated items we have tagged for this topic. Informational only, not legal advice: confirm requirements on official government sites before you rely on anything here.

Activity · daily, last 90 days
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Jan 19, 2026 → Apr 18, 2026 · 90 days
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Updates

Latest updates

All items tagged for OPT, newest first. Open a row for the summary and source.

DATESUBTOPICTITLETONE
Apr 4Work visasUSCIS Increases Automatic Extension of Certain Employment Authorization Documents to Improve Access to Work Permits
USCIS has increased the automatic extension period for employment authorization documents (EADs) from 180 days to 540 days through a temporary final rule. This change allows eligible work permit holders to maintain authorization longer…
High impactFinal rule
USCIS
Pos
Oct 27Work visasCertain Renewal Applicants for Employment Authorization to Receive Automatic 180 Day Extension
Certain applicants renewing their employment authorization on Form I-765 are automatically eligible for a 180-day extension of their work permit while their renewal application is pending with USCIS. This extension provides continuity of…
Processing
USCIS Alerts
Pos