F-1 OPT for Doctoral Students
Additional options: Doctoral students have additional options to consider when planning to apply for Optional Practical Training.
Standard post-completion OPT: Students in doctoral programs may choose to follow the standard post-completion OPT guidelines to apply for OPT to start work after graduation.
Pre- and post-completion OPT: Additionally, doctoral candidates may apply for pre-completion OPT to work off-campus during their academic program, or post-completion OPT to work off-campus after the completion of all course requirements excluding thesis or dissertation.
Comparison chart: The chart below compares pre-completion and post-completion OPT options. Please review the chart carefully to ascertain the pros and cons of each option.
SEVP’s comparison of OPT types for thesis/dissertation students
Pre-completion OPT
Post-completion OPT
May request either part-time or full-time work
Not eligible for the cap-gap extension of OPT
May not apply for the STEM extension from a period of pre-completion OPT
Not subject to the 90-day unemployment provisions
May receive an I-20 program extension
Must continue to enroll in courses
May work full-time
Eligible for the cap-gap extension of OPT
May apply for the STEM extension if otherwise eligible
Subject to the 90-day unemployment provisions
Not eligible for an I-20 program extension
May need to find alternate visa status if unable to graduate before the end of OPT
Additional considerations for post-completion OPT based on completion of all coursework excluding thesis or dissertation
- I-20 end date: Your I-20 program end date will be shortened and you will not be able to extend it once you apply for post-completion OPT.
- On-campus work and stipend: Your new I-20 program end date will become the last day you are eligible to work on-campus and/or receive a stipend from Penn.
- Dissertation defense: While you are permitted to defend your dissertation and graduate while on OPT, failure to do so can lead to challenging circumstances.
Affidavit of Understanding: To apply for post-completion OPT based on completion of all coursework excluding thesis or dissertation, you will need to complete the Affidavit of Understanding form along with your faculty advisor.
Upload requirement: You will be prompted to upload the completed form into the OPT I-20 Request e-form in iPenn.
Consultation before applying:Carefully discuss your plans and anticipated timeline for your dissertation defense and graduation with your faculty advisor and ISSS before initiating this option.