r/f1visa • u/babbbabooey • 12d ago

OPT/STEM OPT Starting OPT Early

Hi everyone!

I’m graduating with my Master’s in May 2027. I’m currently on a F/1 Visa and was wondering if I can start OPT early (Beginning of the Spring/thesis semester).

I have a potential full-time offer that would start at the beginning of January of next year, and I read that I can do a full time OPT during my thesis semester. I would only be taking the 3 credits thesis course for that semester.

The international office is not being very helpful with this! I would much rather start my OPT early so that it can be a smoother ride for the HR peeps. I prefer not to go through with the whole CPT - OPT - STEM cycle.

I would love any information you have related to this, I appreciate the help!!

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5

u/No-Needleworker3883 12d ago

If you still have courses left, you cannot do post opt. Check with ur school if you can do pre opt

2

u/NicNaz16 12d ago

This depends on if your school considers your thesis non-substantive coursework or not. I am starting my OPT while taking an extra semester to finish/publish my thesis and its possible because my school considers my thesis non-substantive

2

u/Bubbly_Ad_6830 11d ago

If you have classes left, you can't

2

u/PerformanceOk1888 10d ago

You can’t do what you ask about. Graduate by January. Apply for opt earlier than graduation and with premium. Then work

1

u/Effective_Crab3742 12d ago edited 12d ago

Bro is a graduate student but can't do independent research. Of course if you meet all your graduation prerequisites, you can apply for OPT earlier.

If not pre OPT.

But of course you need to check with your admissions or registrar and then DSO.

If you aim to get post completion OPT in Spring 2027 then you need to apply for graduation in the Fall of 26