Only students who receive their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses are eligible for an additional seventeen month OPT extension in addition to the initial 12-month period provided the other necessary criteria are fulfilled.

MBA candidates planning to study in the U.S. on an F1 visa would be aware of the Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Under the Optional Practical Training, MBA students on an F1 visa are authorized to work in the U.S. for a period of up to twelve months while studying or on completion of the course.

When you are studding in your program then OPT is for you. Applications for the OPT can be made while you are still studying.

Students need to approach the concerned School Official and fill in the application form.

Once the application is approved, Employment Authorization Document (EAD) would be issued.

Duration: The duration of OPT is between 12 months and 29 months. The duration of H-1B is 3 years

Time limit: Pre-completion OPT has a time limit of 12 months whereas there is no limit on the number of months for CPT.