Post-completion OPT occurs after an F-1 student completes their program of study. The purpose of post-completion OPT is for an F-1 student to gain practical training (as employment/internship) in their major field of study. 

A student can use up to 12 months of post-completion OPT (with the option of a 2-year extension if the student has a STEM degree) per degree level. If a student has used any of the 12 months of OPT during their program (pre-completion OPT) this will be deducted from the overall 12 months allowed for post-completion OPT.

Although post-completion OPT is always issued on a full-time basis, a student is only required to work a minimum of 20 hours per/week to maintain status while on OPT.  Students are also allowed to be unemployed for up to 90 days during the approved post-completion OPT period.