12 months of OPT

You may apply to use your 12 months of OPT, at different rates, during your academic program, after your program completion, or a combination of both.

Pre-completion OPT

OPT used during your academic program, and ending before your program is completed, is called "pre-completion" OPT. It can be approved for different rates:

• Full-time (more than 20 hours per week) or part-time (20 hours per week or less) during your annual vacation quarter and between quarter breaks, provided you are eligible and intend to register the following quarter
• Part-time (20 hours per week or less) while enrolled in a full course of study; every two months of OPT authorized at the part-time rate deducts one month from the 12 month total

Post-completion OPT

OPT that follows completion of your program requirements is called "post-completion" OPT. It can be approved in two ways:

• Full-time after the completion of all course requirements for your degree (excluding thesis or dissertation credit)
• Full-time after completion of your UW degree or exchange (this is the most common use)